If you’ve ever thought about writing an eBook but dismissed the idea because you’re "not a writer," you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to earn passive income. Many have used self-publishing eBooks to change their financial future, and now you can too!

Self-publishing an eBook isn’t just for professional publishers anymore. The truth is that non-writers have just as much potential to profit, if not more. The key lies in understanding the market and using proven strategies to get your eBook in front of the right people.

The world of self-publishing has exploded in the last decade, and anyone with an internet connection can turn their ideas into income. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing have made it easier than ever to make money writing eBooks. But the question remains: Are eBooks profitable enough to try? 

Are eBooks Profitable?  

Yes, eBooks are profitable; in fact, selling eBooks online is free and often more profitable than physical copies. The key lies in recognizing the factors that make eBooks desirable to self-publishers and customers. Bottom line? eBooks sell! Let’s hear from a couple of our students who have found success in our recommended niches:

Aaminah

Janelle

Rising Demand for Digital Content  

The demand for digital content has skyrocketed. Readers increasingly prefer eBooks because they’re convenient and accessible almost anywhere. Unlike traditional print books, which require physical storage and shipping, eBooks are instantly available to readers worldwide with just a few clicks. This rising demand has created an ideal environment for new publishers to break into the market quickly and affordably.

Affordability  

One reason eBooks are so popular is their affordability. Readers can access some of their favorite reads for less than the price of a cup of coffee. Traditional paperbacks and hardcovers often cost more to print, distribute, and ship, which limits their audience and can sometimes take away from the excitement of reading a new book instantly. 

In contrast, when it comes to how much it costs to publish a book, selling eBooks is cost-effective both for the publisher and the reader. Lower costs mean more people are more likely to buy your book, directly contributing to higher eBook sales revenue for you.

International Readership  

Another significant advantage of self-publishing eBooks is the potential for international readership. Not all physical books are readily available in every country; eBooks, however, can be sold anywhere in the world. That is what makes eBooks so profitable. This opens up a massive market of readers from different regions. A well-placed eBook on platforms like Amazon can reach millions of potential readers far beyond your local audience.

Instant Gratification  

When someone decides to read a book, they can download an eBook within seconds and start reading immediately. There’s no waiting for a delivery, and this sense of instant access increases the likelihood of impulse buys, boosting your eBook income potential. 

How Much Money Can You Make Self-Publishing eBooks?  

The amount of money you can make from self-publishing eBooks varies depending on several factors, but the potential is what sets it apart from other “side hustles.” With self-publishing, you control your book's pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies. On average, eBook publishers can earn between $2 and $5 per sale, depending on the price point and platform fees. While this may not seem like much, each sale adds up!

Let’s break it down: If you price your eBook at $9.99 and sell on a platform like Amazon KDP, you can expect to keep around 70% of the sale price after Amazon’s cut. That’s about $7 per sale. Now, imagine selling 100 eBooks a month—that’s $700 in passive income. For first-time publishers, this kind of return can be life-changing. And the earnings potential is even greater for those who dial in their marketing and niche.

eBook Earnings by Genre

Different genres offer different earnings potential, and knowing where your book fits can make a huge difference. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

Fiction

• Popular across multiple subgenres (romance, fantasy, thriller).
• Average price: $9.00 - $19.00
• Potential for high-volume sales due to loyal readers.

Self-Help

• High demand for topics like personal development, wellness, and productivity.
• Average price: $3.99 - $9.99
• Often used to build personal brands or upsell coaching services.

Business

• Targeted at entrepreneurs and professionals looking to improve skills or build wealth.
• Average price: $9.99 - $19.99
• Higher pricing reflects specialized knowledge and practical value.

Niche Topics

• Focused on smaller but dedicated audiences (e.g., hobby guides, niche history).
• Average price: $2.99 - $9.99
• Profitability depends on reaching the right audience with tailored marketing.

Now that you know a bit more about self-publishing an eBook, use our calculator to estimate your earning potential when you decide to sell eBooks. 

Tip: If you’re unsure about the file size, the average eBook file size is 2.6 MB.

Self-Publishing eBooks vs. Traditional Publishing  

When it comes to profitability, self-publishing far outshines traditional publishing. In the traditional model, publishers typically receive a small percentage of sales, around 10-15%, after their publisher takes a hefty cut. 

In contrast, self-publishing offers significantly higher royalties. On platforms like Amazon KDP, which we highly recommend, publishers can earn up to 70% of their eBook sales revenue. This high royalty rate makes self-publishing the better option for publishers looking to maximize their profits. In short, publishing on Amazon KDP is very lucrative.

Something else to consider is wait times. Traditional publishing can often take months or even years for a book to go from manuscript to store shelves. Self-publishing allows you to bypass these delays and get your eBook to market quickly, so essentially, more money faster.

Tips to Self-Publish and Sell eBooks Online

The good news is that self-publishing eBooks isn’t as complicated as it might seem. All you need is the right approach, and you’ll have your own eBook available to the world in no time. Here at Publishing.com, we love giving practical tips and advice to set new self-publishers up for success!

Free Webinar

While this one may seem like a no-brainer, it’s so important to do your research. One great way to get started is by attending a free training session, such as our no-cost webinar.

During the webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into the self-publishing industry. It’s led by Co-Founder Christian Mikkelsen, who has not only self-published himself (and made a ton of self-publishing mistakes) but has also helped thousands of publishers, both writers and non-writers, become self-publishers. 

Self-Publishing Course

Our AIA self-publishing course or AI Publishing Academy is chalked full of information that helps first-time publishers identify tools and topics and ensure their eBooks have the greatest chance of being sold. Keep reading to get a sneak peek into just a few ways we help educate our students for success:

Choose a Profitable Niche  

Finding the right niche is crucial to maximizing your eBook sales and income potential. Certain topics and genres are in high demand, while others are not so much. The key is finding a niche in the eBook market that balances demand and competition. 

Pro Advice: This year, some of the most popular niches our students used to make money online were fitness, health, and finances, just to name a few. After all, we can't give away all our secrets.

Utilize AI in Your Writing Process 

One of the biggest hurdles for first-time publishers is the writing process. The introduction of new AI tools has been a game changer. You can write and edit your eBook with AI quickly and efficiently.

Taking advantage of AI tools also saves you money by eliminating the need for expensive editors while retaining a quality product. You can also use AI to create an attractive eBook cover design, which is crucial for grabbing readers’ attention.

Publish on Popular Platforms  

Once your eBook is polished and ready, the next step is to publish it on reputable eBook publishing platforms to reach the largest possible audience.

‍Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has already been mentioned a few times, and that’s because it's the go-to platform for self-publishing, offering publishers access to millions of readers worldwide. ‍

IngramSpark is another excellent option. It allows you to distribute your eBook across multiple online retailers, including Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. 

The beauty of these platforms is that they take care of distribution and payment, allowing you to focus on writing and marketing. Another huge plus is that they’re also simple to navigate, which is important whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned self-publisher.

Whoever you choose to learn from, just know that a big part of your research is finding the right people to help you on your journey. Learn more about us and our mission to see if we’re the right fit for you!

Common Mistakes First-Time eBook Publishers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Self-publishing is a great opportunity, but there are a few pitfalls that can derail your efforts. Here are a few to keep at the forefront of your mind:

• Pricing Mistakes: Setting the price too high can scare off potential readers, while pricing too low may devalue your work. Read our guide on how to price a Kindle eBook.

• Neglecting Marketing: Many first-time publishers think that publishing their eBooks is the hard part, but the truth is that marketing strategies are just as important. Without solid marketing strategies, even the best eBook may not sell well.
• ‍Skipping Editing: Poorly edited books can lead to bad reviews and hurt your sales. Use many different AI book editing tools to ensure your book is polished and professional before you hit publish.

How to Start Making Money with eBooks Today  

eBooks offer a remarkable opportunity for first-time publishers to earn income with minimal upfront costs. Their profitability is undeniable, with successful publishers earning passive income month after month.

Ready to take the leap and start making money selling eBooks? Don’t wait—become an eBook publisher today and see just how profitable self-publishing can be.