audiobooks | Badman Publishing

Best stores currently for indie authors

What are the best revenue channels for independent authors in 2025?

Amazon continues to be the main way indie authors earn money. Research suggests that around 87% of indie authors say it's their top source of income.

Kindle Unlimited

Kindle Unlimited is a big reason for these results. Many authors in the higher income brackets find success there. Authors making $5,000 to over $20,000 often get 75% or more of their income from Kindle Unlimited. They earn royalties based on the number of pages read. For example, one mystery writer earns $15,000 a year. She gets $12,000 of that from Kindle Unlimited alone. Readers subscribe to Kindle Unlimited for a flat fee. They can then read books in the program for free. Authors get paid a small amount per page read. Some authors find it very profitable. Yet, the platform isn't for everyone.

However, around 28% of authors making under $250 report no income from Kindle Unlimited. These authors may not attract enough readers on the service. They might write in a niche that is not popular there. Some genres thrive on Kindle Unlimited. Others may do better elsewhere.

An ongoing stable income

To make a stable income, diversifying is vital for authors as it is too risky to rely on using just one platform alone...

Apple Books is the second-highest income source for 13% of authors. It helps authors reach a new group of readers.
Kobo and Barnes & Noble offer other options too.

These platforms help authors expand their reach. An author can sell sci-fi books on Kobo to target a different audience.

Does the niche determine the format?

Print books are also worth exploring. Print versions help authors reach readers who like physical copies. For example, some readers prefer cookbooks in print. Others would rather hold a physical book than a device - a simple solution that doesn't require batteries :-).

These strategies help indie authors create a more stable income. Authors can avoid relying too much on one source of revenue. By being on multiple platforms and differing formats, authors can protect themselves and their income. If one platform changes its policies, they still have other income streams. This approach gives them more control over their careers.

Summary

Amazon remains the primary income source for indie authors, with Kindle Unlimited being a significant contributor. Many high-income authors earn 75% or more from KU, which pays royalties per page read. However, diversification is crucial as relying solely on one platform can be risky.

Acknowledgements, Credits & Hat-Tips

Graphics created in-house.
Article author: Desktop Dan

Next Steps

Check out our writing and publishing guides in our member's resource library.

Latest Resources for Free Members

Common mistakes made by self-publishing authors [Guide]
8 Essential Steps to Format Your Book in MS Word [Guide]
How to use PowerPoint to Outline Your Book [Guide]
Outlining to create your manuscript [Guide]
Story Planning Checklist [Printable PDF]
Character Creation Checklist [Printable PDF]
Five Steps to Publishing. [eBook. & PDF]
The importance of book covers [Guide]
The Benefits of Blogging for Self Publishing Authors [Guide]

Resources Library Header Image For Badman Publishing

Free Resources

Please feel free to share this page... Thanks :-)

The rise of digital reading is creating opportunities for independent authors

#Publishing, #Writing

In recent years, the world of reading has undergone a significant shift towards digital formats, with both ebooks and audiobooks experiencing remarkable growth. This trend presents exciting opportunities for indie authors, particularly those with limited budgets.

The preference for ebooks appears to be continuing to grow. We read that by 2028, it is projected that 1.1 billion readers will prefer ebooks over traditional print books. This preference is largely driven by the better affordability and accessibility of ebooks. Unlike physical books, ebooks can be accessed from any compatible devices such as PCs, tablets, phones, dedicated readers, etc., making them a convenient choice for readers worldwide.

So what does this mean for Independent (Indie) Authors?

For indie authors, ebooks offer a more cost-effective way to publish their work. Without the need for printing and shipping, ebooks can be produced and distributed at a fraction of the cost of physical books. This not only saves money, but also allows authors to reach a global audience more efficiently. Whether you're a debut author or an established writer, ebooks provide a platform to test the waters and build a readership without 'breaking the bank'.

Audiobooks are also booming. The audiobook market is another area experiencing rapid growth, with an annual increase of 26.4% expected over the next seven years. Audiobooks offer readers the flexibility to enjoy books while engaging in other activities, such as exercising or commuting. This format is particularly appealing as it allows listeners to immerse themselves in stories even when their hands are busy.

Creating an audiobook version of your work is now easier than ever before. With continuing improvements in user-friendly apps and web-apps, producing high-quality audiobooks is both fast and accessible. For indie authors, this presents a unique opportunity to expand their audience reach and tap into a growing market. If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to consider converting your book into an audiobook format.

Conclusion

The digital revolution in reading is opening new doors for indie authors. Whether through ebooks or audiobooks, the ability to reach a vast audience without significant financial barriers is a game-changer. As the demand for digital content continues to rise, embracing these formats can help authors build a loyal readership and achieve success in the constantly evolving reading landscape.