Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, bsc

Realistic First-Year Expectations for Indie Authors

Let’s be honest—when people hear you’ve published a book, the first question (after “What’s it about?”) is often:
“So… are you making money yet?”

Cue the awkward pause.

The world of indie publishing is exciting, empowering, and yes, potentially profitable. But if you’re just starting out, it’s easy to fall into one of two traps: overestimating your immediate earnings, or underestimating your long-term potential.

In this post, we’re taking off the rose-colored glasses—but not to discourage you. Quite the opposite. Let’s look at real numbers, smart strategy, and what a sustainable first year as an indie author really looks like.

The Fantasy vs. the Reality

It’s tempting to dream big:

• Hitting the bestseller list overnight
• Waking up to hundreds of page reads
• Quitting your job after one book

And while we’ve all seen stories of breakout success, those are the exception—not the rule.

Most authors don’t see significant income right away. In fact, the first year is often an investment year, not a profitable one. And that’s okay.

You’re building a foundation: a reader base, a backlist, a brand. You’re learning—everything from metadata to marketing to mindset.

What You Might Earn (And Where It Comes From)

Let’s talk numbers—not to discourage, but to give you a benchmark.

A debut indie author with one book on KDP, priced at $3.99, earns roughly $1.75 per eBook sale.
So if you sell:

• 10 books/month → ~$17
• 100 books/month → ~$175
• 500 books/month → ~$1,375

Not life-changing yet, right?

But it’s not just about sales. KU page reads, paperback royalties, and bundle deals all add up. A full-time indie author often builds multiple income streams, including:

• eBook and paperback sales (KDP)
• KU reads (if exclusive)
• Direct sales via your website
• Audiobooks (ACX or Findaway)
• Merch, Patreon, courses, or freelance services

In your first year, your total income may range anywhere from $50 to $5,000, depending on:

• Genre
• Marketing budget
• Number of books released
• Reader engagement

This might not cover your rent—yet. But it lays the groundwork for future growth.

The (Not-So-Fun) Costs of Self-Publishing

Before you calculate profits, you have to account for your expenses.

Publishing a professional-quality book involves real costs. Here’s a sample breakdown:

• Editing: €200–€800
• Cover design: €100–€300
• Formatting: €50 (or free with tools like Vellum or Atticus)
• ISBNs (if you go wide): varies by country
• Marketing/Ads: €100–€500+
• Newsletter tools, website hosting, domain name: ~€300/year

All in, your first book might cost between €500 and €1,700 to self-publish at a high standard.

This is why your first year often runs at a loss or breakeven. It’s an investment in your long-term visibility and credibility.

What Actually Moves the Needle?

Some authors publish a debut and make four figures their first month. Others publish three books and barely break €100. Why?

Because success isn’t just about writing a good book—it’s about visibility.

Here’s what makes a difference:

• Publishing more than one book. Series or connected standalones increase discoverability.
• A strong cover and blurb. First impressions sell.
• Targeted categories and keywords. You want your book to be found.
• A newsletter list. Even 100 engaged readers can move the needle.
• Showing up on social media—authentically.
  No need to dance on TikTok (unless you want to!), but consistent presence builds connection.

Publishing is not just a one-time launch—it’s a cycle of creation, connection, and continuation.

Real Talk: What I Made (And What I Learned)

In my first year, a long time ago, I released multiple books across genres: steamy romance, body-positive rom-coms, and nonfiction witchcraft kits.

My total income that year? About €2,800.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real. And more importantly:

• My email list grew.
• My readers found me.
• My systems improved.
• I learned what actually worked.

The next year? I doubled my income. And so forth.

Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game

The indie publishing journey is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a slow-burn career path where consistency beats virality and your backlist becomes your passive income.

Here’s the truth:
Your first-year earnings don’t define your future success.
What defines it is showing up, learning from each book, and committing to your growth.

Because one book is a dream.
But a dozen books? That’s an empire in the making.