I’ve been in this publishing space long enough to say that authors are more empowered than ever before. But with this freedom comes a flood of confusion, especially when royalty structures change overnight. On June 10, 2025, Amazon KDP quietly announced a change that left many authors stunned. The royalty rate for paperback books under $9.99 dropped from 60% to 50%. The ripple effect was immediate. Some authors saw their earnings shrink to as little as $0.13 per sale.
Now the big question is circling: how much do authors really make now?
If you’ve spent months or even years writing your book you deserve clarity and honest numbers. Today, I will break down exactly what the royalty rates look like in 2025. By the time you finish reading you’ll have a real sense of what you can earn and how working with a good book writing company can impact your royalty income. Let’s get into it.
Traditional vs Self Publishing Models
Choosing between traditional book publishers and self publishing is a big decision. Each has pros and cons especially when it comes to royalties. In traditional publishing the company owns the rights to your work. In self publishing you have complete control. You decide when your book goes live, how it looks and where it’s sold. But when it comes to royalties, the rewards can be better.
What is the Average Royalty Rate?
The average royalty rate just means the percentage of the book’s sale price the author gets. In 2025 the royalty rate for self published ebooks is 35% to 70% depending on the platform and price. For traditionally published books that number is much lower, 5% to 25%. Knowing where your money comes from and what can chip away at it helps you make better decisions as an author.
Royalties by Book Format
The average royalties for a book vary not just by publishing model but by format too. Paperback will earn less per copy than ebook and hardcover falls in between.
| Format | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
| Paperback | 5% to 8% | 55% to 70% |
| Hardcover | Up to 15% | Not common |
| Ebook | 20% to 25% | Up to 70% (for $2.99–$9.99) |
Knowing which format fits your audience and budget can make a big difference in your royalty outcome.
How Much Do Authors Actually Make?
When people ask how much royalties do authors get they’re usually looking for a straight answer. But it really does depend on how and where you publish. The latest U.S. Author Income Survey paints a mixed picture.
Full-time authors made a median income of $10,000 from book sales in the past year. Self-published authors averaged a bit more, $12,800 from book income alone and closer to $15,000 when factoring in other income streams tied to their books.
That’s a 76% increase in self-publishing earnings from a few years ago. It is a proof that self-publishing is growing.
Real-World Royalty Example Table
Let’s get to the author royalties. Let’s say you sold 6,000 copies of your book at $14.99. If you’re traditionally published and earning 10% your income per book is about $1.79. That’s $10,740.
Now look at the same book sold through self-publishing. With a 60% royalty rate you’re taking home around $5.74 per copy. Multiply that by 6,000 and you’re earning around $34,440.
That’s a big difference. Not saying one is better for everyone but it does show how much more you can earn when you control the publishing process yourself.
What a Book Writing Company Won’t Tell You About Author Earnings
You’ve probably seen ads for a book writing company that promises to do everything for you. On the surface that might seem like a stress free way to become an author. But dig deeper and you’ll see the trade off. These services hold the publishing rights. That means they get to decide on pricing, royalties and where your book is sold. You might get a nice book in your hands but you could get only a tiny piece of the revenue it generates that is far less than normal royalty rates.
When the contract says “net royalties” they’re subtracting production costs, fees and sometimes even a share for the marketer or editor. Many first time authors fall into this trap because everything sounds professional and easy. And it is, but that ease can cost you long term control and income. Before you sign anything, read every word. Know what you’re giving up.
Final Thoughts
The royalty structure may change but the opportunity for authors is still there. If you’ve written a book you deserve to know exactly what you’ll earn from it. No matter which path you choose staying informed is your best defence. You have options and you have power. If you’re ready to publish your book without losing control of your work Mayfair Publishers can help. Our team will publish, distribute and grow your author brand while you keep your rights and royalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the typical royalty rate for an author?
Traditional publishers usually offer 15% for hardcover, 7.5% for trade paperback, and 5% for mass-market paperback editions.
2. Is 10% royalty a lot?
Ten percent is considered the lowest fair rate for any author. Earning less means you’re undervaluing your work, especially if you’re doing the writing and promotion yourself.
3. How to calculate KDP royalty?
To calculate royalties on Amazon, multiply your list price by the royalty rate, then subtract printing costs. For ebooks, it’s 70% of the list price for books priced between $2.99 and $9.99. For print books, it’s 50% to 60% depending on your pricing and length.