Hey ghostwriter, what’s the ROI on writing a book?

This is a common question ghostwriters field from potential clients. And it’s a fair one—why invest time and money in a book without some idea of the return on investment (ROI)?

Experienced ghostwriters know that the ROI on writing a book can be substantial, but it doesn’t always come from book sales alone. Instead, client-authors are more likely to see returns in the form of enhanced reputation, increased clients, speaking and consulting opportunities, and more.

A recent study titled 2024 Comprehensive Study of Business Book ROI has provided the first definitive ROI numbers. This survey of 301 nonfiction authors—two-thirds of whom had published more than one book—found that:

• Sixty-four percent of business books delivered a gross profit.
• For books that had been on the market at least six months, the median profit was a little over $11,000.
• However, not all books perform equally well—some generate over $250,000 in income from book sales, consulting, speaking engagements, and workshops, while others are total losses.

That’s why investing in PR, marketing, and a well-thought-out, professionally written book can make all the difference:

• Books supported by PR teams from the start grossed a median profit of $55,000.
• Books backed by a strong revenue strategy reported a median profit of $96,000.
• Books written by ghostwriters were four times as profitable as those written without professional help.

Why write a book?

The authors in the study had a variety of goals, including:

• Becoming an opinion leader
• Bringing attention to a specific topic
• Boosting their reputation
• Securing more consulting and paid engagements
• Generating leads
• Giving back to society
• Sharing their knowledge
• Earning money from book sales

According to the study, “More than 90% reported some form of non-monetary value from their books, and 89% said writing a book was a good idea.”

The key takeaway

There is a measurable ROI on writing a book, whether it’s a business book or other non-fiction book. But you can’t slapdash through the writing process, publish without a strategy, and expect great results.

Like any business venture, a book must be carefully planned and executed. Authors who collaborate with knowledgeable professionals to plan, write, and market their books can expect significantly better outcomes than those who do not.

For a look at a dozen reasons to write a book, some good, some bad, see “Hey ghostwriter, why should I write a book?” And click here to learn the difference between a bestselling book and a successful book. (Remember, the ROI on writing a book doesn’t just come from book sales.)

Notes:

The 2024 Comprehensive Study of Business Book ROI was conducted by Amplify Publishing Group, Gotham Ghostwriters, Smith Publicity, and Thought Leadership Leverage. You can download a copy of the study at AuthorROI.com.