In recent years, self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for authors looking to take control of their literary careers. No longer confined to the traditional publishing route, writers now have the power to publish their works independently, bypassing the often lengthy and competitive submission processes of major publishing houses. This shift has opened up new opportunities for authors to maintain creative freedom, dictate their own timelines, and, perhaps most importantly, earn a higher percentage of royalties from their work.
Self-publishing isn’t just about the freedom to publish your own book—it’s also about flexibility and financial potential. Authors can set their own prices, choose how they want to market their books, and even decide which distribution channels best suit their audience. But beyond the familiar advantages, many fascinating, lesser-known aspects of self-publishing continue to shape the landscape of the modern literary world. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most interesting facts about self-publishing that might just inspire you to take the plunge into this exciting, ever-evolving industry.
Fact 1: Self-Publishing is Growing
Self-publishing has seen explosive growth over the past decade. In 2020 alone, over 1 million self-published books were released, with platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Spines leading the charge. KDP alone accounts for over 70% of all eBook sales in the U.S., giving authors unmatched reach and visibility.
This surge in book self-publishing platforms has democratized the literary world, enabling authors to publish independently without needing traditional publishers. It opens doors for diverse voices and niche genres that may have been overlooked by the mainstream. With more control and fewer gatekeepers, self-publishing allows writers to share their stories directly with readers, making the literary landscape more inclusive and varied.
Fact 2: Self-Published Authors Can Earn Higher Royalties
Self-published authors can earn significantly higher royalties compared to traditionally published authors. While traditional authors typically receive 10-15% of retail sales, self-published authors can earn up to 70% on platforms like Amazon KDP.
This higher royalty rate is complemented by the ability to set their own prices, offering greater flexibility to maximize income. With more control over pricing and profits, self-published authors can potentially generate more revenue per sale compared to their traditionally published counterparts.
Overall, self-publishing offers a far more lucrative model, where authors can keep a larger share of the revenue and have the freedom to experiment with pricing to boost their earnings. This greater control over financial outcomes makes self-publishing an attractive choice for many writers.
Fact 3: There Are No Gatekeepers in Self-Publishing
One of the greatest advantages of self-publishing is the complete freedom it offers authors. Without traditional gatekeepers like publishers or agents, writers have full control over their content, genre, and creative decisions. This means they can write what they truly want, without needing approval from someone else.
Approximately 19% of books published by the Big Five publishers sell a dozen copies or fewer, indicating that a significant portion of traditionally published books struggle to find an audience. Self-publishing also allows authors to explore niche topics or experimental works that may not fit into the mainstream market. Whether it’s a unique genre, unconventional writing style, or a very specific subject matter, self-publishing gives authors the opportunity to publish and connect with readers who share their interests, without the limitations imposed by traditional publishing houses.
Fact 4: Increase in Speed of Publication
Self-publishing offers a speed of publication that traditional publishing simply can’t match. While it can take years for a manuscript to go through the traditional publishing process, spanning query submissions, contract negotiations, editing, and marketing, self-published authors can have their books available to readers in just weeks or months.
Once a manuscript is ready, self-published authors can upload their work to platforms like Amazon KDP and begin selling almost immediately, with minimal delays for formatting and distribution. The number of book titles published annually has surged from 2.3 million in 2013 to about 4 million in 2021, with nearly half from self-published authors. This rapid timeline allows authors to capitalize on trends, seize timely opportunities, or simply get their work into readers’ hands without the long waiting periods associated with traditional publishing.
Fact 5: Larger Access to Global Markets
One of the most powerful aspects of self-publishing is the ability to reach a global audience. The global market is estimated to reach USD 165.22 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.2% over the forecast period (2023–2031). Through platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Spines and Audible, self-published authors can easily distribute eBooks, audiobooks, and print-on-demand copies worldwide.
These platforms provide authors with the tools to make their books available in multiple countries and languages, ensuring that readers from around the globe can access their work. With no geographic limitations, self-publishing opens doors to international markets, allowing authors to expand their readership and grow their presence in ways that were once reserved for traditional publishers.
Fact 6: Self-Promotion is Incredibly Powerful
In self-publishing, authors are not only in charge of their writing but also of their marketing and promotion. This means they take on the responsibility of building their own personal brand, engaging with readers, and creating strategies to get their books noticed.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook offer authors a direct line to connect with potential readers, share updates, and build a loyal following. More than 90% of authors reported spending at least a few hours a month creating posts for social media. It’s crucial for self-published authors to actively engage with their audience, responding to comments and sharing insights into their writing process.
Additionally, tools like Amazon ads and Facebook ads allow authors to target specific audiences and promote their books directly to readers who are likely to be interested. This level of control over marketing means authors can tailor their efforts to their audience, experiment with different strategies, and ultimately grow their book sales and visibility on their own terms.
Fact 7: Creative Control Over Covers and Content
Self-publishing gives authors complete creative control over every aspect of their book, including its content, cover design, and packaging. Unlike traditional publishing, where publishers often have the final say on cover art and book presentation, self-published authors can design their own covers or collaborate with freelance designers to create a cover that reflects their vision. Nearly 100% of self-published authors reported retaining complete control over their book’s content, cover design, pricing, publishing timeline, and marketing decisions.
This freedom extends beyond the cover to the content itself, where authors have the autonomy to edit, revise, or update their work as they see fit. Whether it’s tweaking a chapter, adjusting the book’s tone, or creating a unique design, self-published authors can ensure that every detail aligns with their creative vision. This level of control makes the self-publishing process both empowering and personal, allowing authors to fully express themselves in their work.
Fact 8: Potential for Success (and Failure)
Self-publishing offers incredible potential for success, with some authors achieving extraordinary recognition and financial gain. One notable example is Fifty Shades of Grey, which started as a self-published eBook before becoming a global phenomenon, eventually earning its author millions of dollars and a major publishing deal. Other successes like The Martian by Andy Weir and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, though initially published through traditional means, demonstrate how self-published works can capture the public’s attention and lead to immense success. Self-published books account for an estimated 300 million units sold annually, generating about $1.25 billion in sales, and those numbers grow more and more every day.
However, the self-publishing route is not without its risks. With millions of books now available on platforms like Amazon, standing out in such a crowded market can be challenging. Authors must invest time in marketing, building a personal brand, and ensuring their book is discoverable. Many self-published books sell fewer than 100 copies over their lifetime, and a significant portion of self-published authors earn less than $500 per year. While the potential for success is high, self-published authors must be prepared to face stiff competition and the uncertainties of the industry.
Fact 9: Self-Publishing is a Business
Self-publishing is not just about writing—it’s about running a business. Authors who choose this route must treat their publishing efforts as a business, taking on responsibilities like budgeting, marketing, and bookkeeping. From setting aside funds for editing and cover design to tracking sales and managing expenses, successful self-published authors need to handle all aspects of their business operations.
An entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for navigating this side of self-publishing. Authors must wear multiple hats: they are not only writers but also marketers, accountants, and customer service representatives. Building a brand, promoting their books, and maintaining a sustainable business model require strategic planning, organization, and adaptability. The self-publishing sector has increased by 264% in the last five years, fueled by technology, lower barriers to entry, and the appeal of creative and financial independence. By approaching self-publishing with a business mindset, authors can maximize their earnings, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success in a competitive market.
Fact 10: Use Hybrid Publishing as an Alternative
In recent years, hybrid publishing has emerged as a popular alternative, combining the best elements of both traditional and self-publishing models. With hybrid publishing, authors retain creative control and higher royalties while benefiting from the professional support of a traditional publisher, such as editing, design, and distribution services. This model allows authors to strike a balance between autonomy and expert assistance.
Some online platforms offer hybrid publishing options, providing authors with the tools and support needed to successfully publish their books while keeping control over key aspects like pricing and marketing. By choosing a hybrid model, authors can enjoy the advantages of self-publishing, such as higher royalties and creative freedom, while still receiving the resources and expertise typically associated with traditional publishing. Hybrid publishing typically brings a book to market in 6–12 months-faster than the 1–2 years common in traditional publishing, but with more polish and support than rapid self-publishing. This growing trend offers authors a flexible, well-rounded path to success.
Conclusion
Self-publishing has transformed the literary world, offering authors more control, higher royalties, and the opportunity to reach global markets. With the ability to publish quickly, experiment with pricing, and retain full creative control, authors can carve out their own path to success. While it comes with challenges, including the need for self-promotion and a business-minded approach, the rewards can be significant for those who are willing to take charge of their own publishing journey.
For authors seeking a flexible, empowering, and potentially lucrative way to publish, self-publishing offers an exciting path forward. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your publishing career to the next level, consider embracing the opportunities self-publishing provides.
