Let’s not describe it: writing an eBook takes time, focus, and a whole lot of energy. So, it’s only fair that once your book is live, you want to know exactly How do authors get paid for ebooks. Whether you’re self-publishing for the first time or aiming for a traditional deal, this question is more than just about income, it’s about understanding your options, setting expectations, and writing with purpose.
Earning money from your eBook doesn’t have to be confusing, but there are a few different routes to consider. Royalties, subscriptions, advances, and licensing, each have their own rules, pros, and quirks. Let’s break down through how eBook payments really work, where the money flows from, and how to make sure you’re not leaving income on the table.
eBook Sales, Understanding Royalties First
If you’re publishing your eBook on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you’ll get paid through royalties. That’s a percentage of each sale that goes directly into your account. The amount you earn depends on your price point.
Here’s the breakdown if you price your eBook between $2.99 and $9.99, Amazon offers a 70% royalty rate. Price it lower or higher, and you’re looking at 35%. So yes, how much you charge has a big impact on how you get paid.
Other platforms, like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Press, typically offer similar royalty rates, often without extra delivery fees. And many authors “go wide,” listing their eBooks across multiple retailers to reach more readers and increase their earnings.
Page Reads Through Kindle Unlimited
Here’s where the model shifts a little. If your eBook is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited (KU) through Amazon’s exclusive KDP Select program, you don’t earn money per download. Instead, you get paid per page read.
Each month, Amazon sets aside a pool of money and distributes it based on the total number of pages read across all eBooks in the program. You earn a share of that pool based on how many of your eBook pages readers finish.
This is why authors who write long-form fiction or educational books often see solid results here. More pages read equals more earnings. It also explains why cliffhangers and series books perform well, if you hook a reader, they’ll keep turning pages, and that translates to income.
Traditional Publishing- Advances and Royalty Sharing
While the indie route is booming, traditional publishing still exists, and yes, it pays differently. If you land a publishing deal, you usually receive an advance against royalties. That’s an upfront payment the publisher gives you, essentially a bet on how well your book will do.
You won’t earn additional royalties until your sales “earn out” that advance. For eBooks, royalties typically hover around 25% of net revenue. And that’s important: “net” means what’s left after the retailer and publisher take their share.
It’s a slower process, and you give up control over pricing, promotion, and often the final product. But for some authors, the trade-off is worth the distribution and marketing support that comes with a traditional publisher.
Library Licensing and Educational Use
If you’re only thinking about sales, you might be missing an entire stream of eBook income, and library licensing. When your book is available to libraries or educational platforms, they don’t buy it in the same way individual readers do. Instead, they license access, and authors are paid per loan or through agreements with distributors.
In some countries, like Canada or the UK, there are public lending rights (PLR) programs that pay authors every time their book is borrowed. This passive income might not be headline-making, but it adds up, especially for authors with educational, niche, or nonfiction titles.
And here’s the kicker: many writers never explore this because they don’t even know it exists. If you’re working with an experienced team, like a seasoned eBook writer for hire, they’ll help you build content that’s library-ready and formatted for institutional distribution.
Do Shorter eBooks Earn Less?
It’s a common question. People ask, how many pages should an eBook be? The short answer is, it depends on your audience, your topic, and your goals.
Most nonfiction eBooks that sell well tend to range between 10,000 to 25,000 words. That’s usually around 40 to 100 pages. Fiction often runs longer, depending on the genre. But remember, royalties aren’t based on page count alone. If you’re pricing smart and offering strong value, even a short eBook can bring in consistent income.
If your eBook is going into Kindle Unlimited, though, longer content usually means more page reads, and more earnings. In that case, structure and pacing are key. A professional ghostwriter or editor can help you get that balance right.
First Impressions Matter
This often gets overlooked, but when people preview your eBook, they usually see the first page before anything else. So, what should be on the first page of an eBook? Start with the essentials: your book’s title, your name, a subtitle if you’ve got one, and a copyright notice.
No fluff. No dedications. No disclaimers.
Think of it as your storefront window, it needs to be clean, readable, and confidently formatted. If you’re aiming for quality, getting this part right is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Is There a Minimum Word Count?
Technically, no one’s stopping you from uploading a 2,000-word PDF and calling it a book, but most readers (and platforms) won’t take it seriously. If you’re wondering what is the minimum word count for an eBook, aim for at least 5,000 to 7,500 words to deliver something substantial.
Anything less can feel like a teaser, not a full product. That said, for commercial success, 10,000+ words is a solid target.
And if you’re stuck on structure or need help expanding your ideas, that’s where partnering with a professional can make all the difference.
Which Genres Sell Best in Digital?
Genre matters, especially for eBook earnings. If you’re wondering what genre of books sell the most, romance consistently leads the charts. Close behind are thrillers, self-help, business, and spirituality. These categories thrive in digital because they have loyal readers and high demand.
But don’t choose a genre just for the trend. The most successful eBooks are built around what the author genuinely cares about. Authenticity shines through. And that’s what builds trust, and repeat readers.
Why Work with Professionals?
Making money from eBooks isn’t just about writing, it’s about publishing smart. That’s why so many authors team up with Hire eBook Writer Now. We help you not only write and edit your book, but also shape it for royalty optimization, KU performance, and multi-platform distribution.
We’ve worked with authors to provide content that looks good, reads well, and earns. Whether you need a full ghostwritten manuscript or just structure help, we’re here to guide you from idea to income.
Conclusion
So, how authors get paid for eBooks? The answer: through royalties, page reads, library licensing, and advances. But the real key isn’t just knowing how eBooks earn, it’s planning for it from the very first draft.
If you’re serious about writing an eBook that pays off, financially and creatively, consider partnering with experts who understand both the words and the business behind them.
Because the eBook world isn’t just about storytelling. It’s about building a smart, scalable product, and getting paid for every word.
Frequently Asked Question
Authors earn royalties on each sale, page reads via Kindle Unlimited or licensing deals with libraries. If traditionally published, they may also get an advance. The payout depends on how and where the eBooks are sold.
Start by writing something valuable readers want. Self-publish on platforms like Amazon, price it smartly and promote it well. More downloads or page reads = more money. You can also license to libraries or sell directly from your site.
It varies. Some earn a few hundred, others make thousands per month. If you’re selling on Amazon, expect 35–70% royalties. The more targeted and professional your eBooks, the higher your chances of real income.
Usually, no, unless you’ve got a traditional deal with an advance. Most authors earn after publishing. But if you’re working with clients or offering services, you could get paid to write eBooks for others.
