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The Indie Author Success Blueprint: What the 2024 Written Word Media Survey Reveals



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If you're an indie author trying to make a living from your books, you’ve probably wondered: What are successful authors doing that I’m not? The latest 2024 Indie Author Survey from Written Word Media sheds light on exactly this question, offering fascinating insights into what works, what doesn’t, and where authors can best spend their time and money to maximise income.

 

In this blog, we’ll break down the survey results into easy-to-read insights, with practical advice you can apply to your own journey. Whether you’re curious about how many books to publish, how much time to dedicate to marketing, or whether audiobooks are worth it, this survey has answers.


More Books, More Money: The Power of Publishing a Catalogue

 

One of the strongest indicators of an author’s success is the size of their book catalogue. The survey found a direct correlation between the number of books an author has published and their income. To put it simply: More books = more money.

 

How Many Books Are We Talking About?


  • Authors who earn over $20,000 per year from their books typically have around 20 books published.


  • High earners making over $100,000 annually often have 50+ books under their belt!

 

It’s not just quantity, though—readers seem especially drawn to series, particularly in genres like romance, romance-fantasy, romance-paranormal, fantasy, and cozy mysteries. Series allow readers to follow a storyline over multiple books, creating a steady stream of income as they buy one book after another.

 

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to increase your income, consider plotting out a series that appeals to dedicated genre readers. Building a loyal readership who wants to know what happens next can be a winning strategy!


The Value of Time: Balancing Writing and Marketing

You might wonder how successful indie authors split their time between writing and marketing. Here’s what the survey found:

 

How Much Time Are Authors Spending on Marketing?


  • Successful authors spend an average of 10–15 hours per week on marketing alone.


  • This time includes everything from social media posts and newsletters to paid ads.

 

This balance is essential because, while writing is the heart of an author’s work, marketing is what gets those books into readers' hands. And for indie authors, marketing often means building a loyal following through mailing lists. The survey shows that authors with large mailing lists tend to earn more, as they can directly engage with readers who are already interested in their work.

 

How Do They Grow Their Mailing Lists?


  • Back Matter Links: Adding a link at the end of each book encouraging readers to join the mailing list.


  • Reader Magnets: Offering a free story or bonus content in exchange for an email sign-up.


  • Paid Ads: Using ads specifically to drive email sign-ups, growing a list of potential buyers.

 

A large mailing list is like a personal fan club you can connect with directly. When a new book launches, you have a built-in audience ready to buy it!

Investing Wisely: Where Are Authors Spending Money?

Successful authors know that some investments are worth every penny. Here’s how they’re spending:

 

Quality Over Quantity


  • Editing and Cover Design: These are non-negotiables for high-earning authors. A well-edited book and an eye-catching cover make your work look professional and increase the likelihood of sales.


  • Audiobook Production: The survey shows that over 30% of successful indie authors have audiobooks as part of their catalogue, and these audiobooks contribute to 20–25% of their annual revenue. Audiobooks reach a whole new audience—people who prefer or need to listen, rather than read. A professionally produced audiobook can increase your reach and credibility as an author.

 

If you’re ready to create an audiobook but aren’t sure where to start, partnering with a high-quality production team (like Indie Audiobook Productions) can make all the difference. Professional production ensures your audiobook will meet industry standards and attract listeners who are more likely to leave positive reviews.

 

Advertising That Works


  • Successful authors invest in ads, but they do so carefully. They spend an average of $1,000 to $5,000 per month on ads, particularly on platforms like Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, and BookBub.


  • Amazon Ads are a favorite because they target readers already looking for books, which translates to higher conversion rates (the percentage of people who see the ad and actually buy the book).

 

However, ads are not a guaranteed success, and each platform has its own learning curve. Successful authors often experiment with different ad types, track their results, and adjust their strategies based on what’s working.


What Genres and Formats Are Bringing in the Most Income?


Genres That Perform Well

According to the survey, certain genres tend to attract more readers—and therefore more income. Here are the top earners:


  • Romance (particularly subgenres like romance-fantasy and romance-paranormal)

  • Fantasy

  • Cozy Mysteries

 

Readers in these genres are especially loyal and tend to enjoy a series, which further boosts income for authors who focus on these types of stories.

 

Formats That Drive Sales

While eBooks remain the most popular format, audiobooks and paperbacks are essential income streams for successful authors. Audiobooks in particular are seeing rapid growth, with many readers preferring to listen on their commute or while doing other activities.

 

For indie authors, this means that audiobook production can be a smart investment if you’re ready to reach a new audience. High-quality audiobook production can give your story the polish it needs to stand out.


Key Takeaways: How to Build Your Own Indie Author Empire

The survey provides a wealth of information, and here are some actionable tips for authors looking to grow their income based on what successful authors are doing:

 

  1. Build a Backlist: Publish more books, ideally in a series, to keep readers coming back for more.


  2. Balance Writing and Marketing: Dedicate time to building a mailing list and connecting with readers. Mailing lists remain a top income driver for indie authors.


  3. Invest in Quality: Spend on professional editing, cover design, and, if possible, audiobook production. Consider using a professional service like Indie Audiobook Productions for high-quality, affordable audiobook production.


  4. Experiment with Ads: Allocate a budget to Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads, or BookBub, but track your results and be willing to adjust as needed.


  5. Diversify Formats: EBooks are crucial, but don’t neglect paperbacks and audiobooks. Audiobooks now make up a significant portion of income for many authors and are worth the investment.


Final Thought: Growing Your Success as an Indie Author

The 2024 Written Word Media Indie Author Survey has confirmed some key strategies: producing quality books, building an audience through mailing lists, diversifying formats, and marketing smartly all play essential roles in indie author success.


If you’re considering adding an audiobook to your catalogue, remember that it’s an investment that could bring in new listeners and boost your reputation as a professional author. Indie Audiobook Productions can guide you through creating an audiobook that reflects the quality of your work and helps expand your reach.

 

Remember, your journey is unique, but learning from the habits of successful authors can give you a head start. Embrace what works for you, keep your readers in mind, and enjoy the process of building your own successful book empire!


Enjoyed our Audiobook Narration Guide? It doesn't stop here...


If you're looking for more industry insights and insider tips delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the Indie Audiobook Productions Gazette today!

 

Sources:

The insights and data presented in this blog are primarily derived from the 2024 Indie Author Survey conducted by Written Word Media. This comprehensive survey offers valuable information on the habits and strategies of successful independent authors. 


Additional information regarding the correlation between the number of books published and author income, as well as the impact of professional editing and cover design on sales, is supported by findings from the Alliance of Independent Authors' "The Big Indie Author Data Drop 2024." 


For further details on the importance of mailing lists and effective marketing strategies, the article "Survey Results: The State of Indie Authorship" by Written Word Media provides in-depth analysis. 


These sources collectively offer a comprehensive view of the factors contributing to the financial success of indie authors.

 

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