Business Book ROI Study

Download the 32 Page Business Book ROI Study Results to Learn the Strategies of Successful Business Authors

At Smith Publicity, we are proud to present the first and most comprehensive research report dedicated exclusively to business authors, the Business Book ROI Study.  Unlike most industry surveys that include all types of books, this analysis focuses on the unique opportunities business book authors face today.

What Sets This Survey Apart?

This is the largest-ever survey of business authors, with data from more than 350 respondents. Unlike typical studies that only focus on book advances and book sale royalties, this report delves into the real sources of revenue for business authors: public speaking, consulting, and increased business opportunities that arise from publishing a book.

The findings provide unmatched insight into the publishing journey, comparing different pathways—traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing—while revealing how ghostwriting, publicity, and strategic planning for the author’s expert brand can amplify an author’s success.

Key Highlights:

• Revenue Beyond Sales: Speaking engagements, consulting, and workshops far outpaced book sales in terms of income generation. Many authors reported boosts in credibility and personal brand value as key outcomes of publishing their books.
• High-Earning Authors: 18% of authors with books out for six months or more reported earning over $250,000 from their book-related activities.
• Strategic PR: Authors who hired professional launch PR teams achieved a median gross profit of $55,500—five times that of a typical business book.
• Investing in Success: Book launch PR, ghostwriting, and a clear revenue strategy were strongly correlated with profitability, generating an average return of $1.24 for every dollar spent.
• Ghostwriting: Ghostwritten books yielded four times the profit of non-ghostwritten books.
• Publication Pathways: The median income from hybrid-published books nearly doubled that of other publishing paths, while traditionally published books more than tripled it.
• Publishing Satisfaction: Hybrid publishers scored higher in service quality, with authors being more than twice as likely to express strong satisfaction compared to other publishing methods.

Why This Report Matters

This report offers invaluable guidance for both aspiring and established business authors. Whether you’re weighing the pros and cons of different publishing routes or planning your marketing strategy, this research empowers you to make informed decisions to maximize your book’s impact—and your return on investment.

About the Business Book ROI Study

The Business Author ROI Study survey was conducted by statistical professionals Josh Bernoff, bestselling author of Build a Better Business Book, COO and AJ Marsden, Ph.D., Organizational Psychologist and Psychometrician, both of Thought Leadership Leverage who have conducted and analyzed countless surveys for authors and other thought leaders. Survey sponsors also include Amplify Publishing Group, Gotham Ghostwriters, Smith Publicity, Inc. and Thought Leadership Leverage.

Download the full report now to access exclusive insights into the business of being a business author in today’s evolving publishing landscape.