Don’t Be Disappointed

Writing a business book guarantees disappointment.

According to this year's authoritative report on the business-book market, most business authors are disappointed by their sales.

But the report also said that doesn't matter.

Of the three main routes to publication:
• traditionally published books sold an average 4,600 copies
• hybrid-published books sold an average 1,600 copies
• self-published books sold an average 700 copies

But most authors reported being happy they had written their books. They accomplished their goals of helping readers, generating business and raising their profile.

For one thing, 4,600 readers would fill six average high schools; 1,600 would fill two; 700 would nearly fill one. If you can find that many people you want to reach, your book will pay its own way.

And business books do pay. The average book generated $18,200 in revenue … but not from sales. Most of that revenue came from speaking, consulting and other non-sales related activity.

So your business book can pay – but probably not how you expect.