Fantasy and Romance Dominated Self-Publishing Market in 2025
This is a great survey that Written Word Media does annually. You can see earning trends, popular genre moves, and a lot more. That said, the purpose of this post is to talk about the top-selling genres: romance and fantasy.
Of the responders, 44% of romance writers make over $10k per month, while that figure is at 11% for fantasy authors. A fun twist is that 12% of romance writers make under $100 while that figure is at 3% for fantasy writers. Of course, there were many more romance responders in the survey, but that makes sense, as there are many more romance writers around.
Do you write in either of these genres? How competitive does it feel? And do you think there is a career to be had in the genre?
The 2025 Indie Author Survey by Written Word Media reveals key trends in indie authorship, including income breakdowns, genre performance, and marketing strategies. The survey, with 1,346 responses, highlights that while 44% of authors earn $100 or less monthly, 56% earn over $100, with a significant portion in the $500-$5,000 range. Motivations for publishing vary, with financial goals being less common than creative fulfillment. Genres like Romance and Fantasy show higher earnings, while Children’s and Literary Fiction face challenges in the indie market. Catalog size and series publishing are strong predictors of earning potential. eBook and paperback remain the primary formats, with audiobooks and hardbacks gaining traction. Amazon is the top revenue source, but direct sales are growing, especially among higher earners. Cover design and editing are critical for sales, with professional investment correlating with higher income. Marketing is recognized as the most challenging aspect, with effective strategies including email lists, promo sites, and Facebook Ads. Email marketing stands out as a key driver of income, with larger lists correlating with higher earnings. The survey also notes the emotional landscape of indie authors, marked by hope, fatigue, and a strong community spirit.
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