Research roundup
Indie publishing and book publicity by the numbers
Published by C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. Last updated November 2026.
More than 2.6 million self-published titles with ISBNs appeared in 2023, which is why standing out now takes real media outreach. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists collected the strongest published statistics on indie publishing growth, author income and publicity costs, each linked to its source.
How many self-published books come out each year?
Bowker counted more than 2.6 million self-published titles with ISBNs in 2023, up 7.2% from 2022, as reported by Publishers Weekly. Over the same period traditionally published titles fell 3.6% to 563,019. More titles competing for the same reviewers and producers make a strong media angle more valuable than ever.
Self-publishing is growing fast
2.6 million+
Self-published titles with ISBNs in 2023, up 7.2% over 2022, according to Bowker.
Source: Publishers Weekly, “Self-Publishing’s Output and Influence Continue to Grow”
563,019
Traditionally published titles in the same Bowker report, down 3.6%.
Source: Publishers Weekly, “Self-Publishing’s Output and Influence Continue to Grow”
$3.5 billion+
Royalties Amazon says KDP authors earned from Kindle Unlimited over its first 10 years, with more than $650 million in the prior 12 months.
Source: Publishers Weekly, “Self-Publishing’s Output and Influence Continue to Grow”
16.7% CAGR
Growth rate cited for the global self-publishing market.
Source: Writer Cosmos, “Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing (2026 Guide)”
Indie authors are earning, and expect more
$13,500
Median annual indie author earnings in ALLi’s 2025 survey, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median cited for traditionally published authors.
Source: Writer Cosmos, “Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing (2026 Guide)”
50%
Share of roughly 600 indie authors surveyed mid-2026 who expect their income to increase in the next 12 months.
Source: “What 600 Indie Authors Just Told Us About 2026 (Mid-Year Survey)”
Under $100 a month
What authors with one to three books overwhelmingly earn, while 40% of those with 25 or more titles earn over $5,000 a month.
Source: ALLi Self-Publishing Advice, “Written Word Media Opens 2026 Indie Author Survey”
What publicity and promotion cost
$1,370
Reedsy’s reported median for a one-month book publicity campaign through its freelancer marketplace.
Source: Everything PR, “Best Book Publicity Firms: 7 Companies Compared in 2026”
$15,000 to $25,000
Estimated cost of a full campaign, from a publishing newsletter by Kathleen Schmidt.
Source: Everything PR, “Best Book Publicity Firms: 7 Companies Compared in 2026”
£250 to over £10,000
UK book marketing range, from entry-level campaigns at £250 to £1,000 up to full-service packages over £10,000.
$0.30 to $0.60
Average Amazon Ads cost per click, with a 2 to 5% conversion rate.
What these numbers mean for your launch
Growth in self-publishing means more opportunity and more noise. The authors who break through tend to be the ones journalists can quote: experts with a clear point of view on something in the news. That is the work C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists is built around.
These are published third-party figures, not results from C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists. See the cost guide or the main guide to book publicists for indie authors.
Common questions
- Should a first-time indie author hire a publicist?
It depends on your goals and budget. A Written Word Media survey summary reports that authors with one to three books overwhelmingly earn under $100 a month, so publicity usually pays off best when the book supports a larger aim, such as a business, practice or speaking career, where expert positioning matters.
More in the FAQ- How much does a book publicist cost?
Costs vary widely by scope and length. Reedsy reports a median of $1,370 for a one-month campaign through its freelancer marketplace, and a publishing newsletter by Kathleen Schmidt estimates a full campaign could cost $15,000 to $25,000, both as cited by Everything PR. C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists does not publish prices and quotes each campaign after a conversation.
More in the FAQ- Should I spend on Amazon ads or publicity?
They do different jobs. Ads buy visibility on a retailer: Manuscript Report cites average Amazon Ads costs of $0.30 to $0.60 per click with a 2 to 5% conversion rate. Publicity earns interviews and articles that build your name and authority. Many authors use ads for direct sales and publicity for credibility and new opportunities.
More in the FAQ- Is hiring a book publicist worth the money for an indie author?
It can be when you have a clear goal, such as building a speaking career, attracting clients or reaching media you cannot reach alone. Client Mike Song credits Cathy Lewis’s team with helping him make over 100 media appearances. No publicist can guarantee sales, so weigh the cost against your own goals, budget and timeline.
More in the FAQ- What is indie author publicity?
Indie author publicity is media outreach for books that are self-published or released by small independent presses. The goal is the same as for any book: interviews, reviews and features that build the author’s name. The difference is that indie authors usually hire and direct the publicist themselves instead of relying on a publisher’s in-house team.
More in the FAQ
Have a book launching soon?
Tell C.S. Lewis & Co. Publicists about your book, your publication date and what you want the campaign to achieve. The firm will build a plan around your goals.