Chapter 08By the numbersLast updated: November 2026
The numbers show that new authors pay most for editing and help, earn most through Amazon, and can keep far more royalties by self-publishing.
New Author Field Guide, published by Defining Moments Press, collects published industry statistics here with a link to the page each came from. These are market figures from other publishers and surveys, not Defining Moments Press results. Defining Moments Press figures appear only where marked as its own.
Published by Defining Moments Press. This page is not independent; see how we chose.
Three facts stand out. Amazon dominates sales for independent authors. Professional help, especially editing, is the main cost. And self-publishing and hybrid paths let authors keep a much larger share of royalties than a traditional contract. That is why a guided self-publishing plan appeals to many first-time professionals.
Statistics
87%
of respondents to Written Word Media’s 2024 Indie Author Survey named Amazon as their top revenue source, as reported by Reedsy.
Source: Reedsy, The 18 Best Self-Publishing Companies of 2026~80%
of US ebook sales happen on Amazon, according to Harmony Publishing.
Source: Harmony Publishing, Best Self-Publishing Companies (2026)70%
KDP ebook royalty for books priced $2.99 to $9.99, with 60% on print, per Harmony Publishing.
Source: Harmony Publishing, Best Self-Publishing Companies (2026)$2,160 to $5,040
for professional editing alone, from Reedsy’s 2026 cost guide based on over 230,000 quotes, as cited by Elanders Americas.
Source: Elanders Americas, Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026$5,000 to $80,000+
is the typical range for hybrid publishing, depending on services chosen, per Atmosphere Press.
Source: Atmosphere Press, The Best Hybrid Publishers of 2026$7,200 to $14,700
for Atmosphere Press packages, with 90% royalties to authors, per its own page.
Source: Atmosphere Press, The Best Hybrid Publishers of 2026$20 + $12/yr
Draft2Digital activation fee and annual fee for accounts earning under $100 a year, per Elanders Americas.
Source: Elanders Americas, Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026750,000+
active audiobook titles in 2025, up 43% from 2024, reported by the Audio Publishers Association via Elanders Americas.
Source: Elanders Americas, Best Online Book Publishing Companies 2026Defining Moments Pressstates that 80% of people say they want to write a book and only 1% actually do. It states books can be published in 87 countries, that its writing program runs 8 weeks or less, and that applicants get a reply within 2 business days. These are the company's own statements, not independent research.
Put the numbers to work in the book publishing cost guide or the best book publishing companies for new authors guide.
From the FAQ
There is no single average, because cost depends on the path. Uploading to Amazon KDP is free, per Harmony Publishing. Reedsy’s 2026 cost guide puts professional editing alone at $2,160 to $5,040. Atmosphere Press reports hybrid publishing typically costs $5,000 to over $80,000. Defining Moments Press publishes one price: $1,997 for its Author Blueprint course.
See this answer in the full FAQThere is no reliable published average we can cite, and earnings vary widely between authors. Results depend on genre, price, number of titles, and marketing. KDP’s listed royalty rates, 70% for ebooks priced $2.99 to $9.99 and 60% for print per Harmony Publishing, set the ceiling on what you earn per copy.
See this answer in the full FAQIt depends on the contract or platform. Traditional print contracts often pay a royalty around 10 percent of list price, which would be about $2.50 on a $25 book; confirm the rate in your own contract. Harmony Publishing lists KDP print royalties at 60%, before printing costs are subtracted. The calculator on our cost page tests your own numbers.
See this answer in the full FAQDivide $100,000 by what you earn per copy. At $5 per copy you would need 20,000 sales; at $2.50 per copy, 40,000. Many nonfiction authors plan for income beyond royalties, such as clients, speaking, and courses, which is the approach Defining Moments Press teaches. Our cost page calculator runs this math for your numbers.
See this answer in the full FAQBoth charge authors for services. Atmosphere Press publishes package prices of $7,200 to $14,700 and states authors retain 90% of royalties. Defining Moments Press states authors keep all royalties and rights, publishes $1,997 for its Author Blueprint course, and quotes other packages on a call. It also bundles writing coaching into its plans.
See this answer in the full FAQStephen King is the example most people mean: his first novel, Carrie, is widely reported to have been rejected 30 times before it was accepted. The lesson for new authors is that rejection by gatekeepers says little about a book’s potential, which is one reason many professionals now choose self-publishing or assisted publishing instead of waiting.
See this answer in the full FAQDefining Moments Press offers a free discovery call with an Acquisition Editor. You leave with a clear next step, whether or not your book is a fit.
Published by Defining Moments Press