Business of Writing Part 2: Income Distribution
By Andrew Bridgeman
Last week, I started a four-part series analyzing the business of writing using my own numbers from 2025.
In Part 1, I shared how much money I made when a reader bought my book. If you missed it, here are those numbers.
Today, we're going to talk about income distribution. In other words, where did the money come from in 2025?
As you may remember, I'm a bit of a unicorn. I'm self- published (indie) in the US and traditionally published internationally.
What does that mean?
In Germany and Hungary, I get an up-front advance for print, digital, and audiobook rights from the publisher.
They do the work of translating, developing the cover, and distributing the books to European bookstores. Until I earn out my advance, that's all the money I receive.
As an indie author, unlike my international deals, I don't get an advance.
I get paid as books sell.
I won't share my exact income—not because I'm embarrassed or I'm being humble. It just doesn't really matter.
Here's the chart:
So where do we start?
First, let's look at the biggest box, International Publishing Advances.
I'm fortunate to be published in Europe. Those deals are hashed out between my overseas agent and the publisher.
Professionally and financially, they've treated me very well.
But I don't have control over that bright green box. So for the purposes of this evaluation, we're going to skip it.
Okay, what do you notice?
Digital (Ebooks and Kindle Unlimited) was my biggest source of income in 2025.
Now, scroll up to the first chart on how much money I make per book. Hmm. See anything?
Yup. The two formats that I earn the least from ($1.64 and $2.29) are the highest contributors to my indie income.
Now, it's important to say this clearly. If you love digital, and ebooks are your jam—that's awesome. Seriously. There is no right or wrong way to buy a book.
I'll say that again. There is no wrong way to buy a book.
Those orange and dark green boxes represent, literally, thousands and thousands of ebooks and almost 2 million pages read on Kindle Unlimited. In other words...many, many readers.
If we just look at book sales (not income) on the next chart, it becomes abundantly clear how readers consume my books.
What's the big deal, Andy?
The majority of your readers (73%) prefer digital (ebooks and Kindle Unlimited).
You make less money. Get over it.
But...here's the thing.
In all of the reader surveys I've seen, when it comes to reader preference, it's clear that print is king. Not digital.
In fact, not too long ago, I asked you (Briefing subscribers) about your favorite reading format. This is what you told me...
In 2025, seventy-three percent of my sales came from ebooks and Kindle Unlimited.
But only 20% of my readers say they preferred digital.
What's going on?
Last year, almost all of my indie income were sales from Amazon.
That's your hint.
In Part 3 next week, we'll talk about the one trillion pound elephant in the room.
