In the words of the fabulously crafted release from Orna, “It’s time to update the story only you can tell! ALLi’s 2025 Author Income Survey is now open and we need your data—anonymously—to push back against outdated ‘starving-artist’ statistics and to shape the services we advocate for on your behalf.”
ALLi News Editor Dan Holloway
For context, you can find the results of the previous survey in this detailed report and a helpful summary report here. Last time, more than 2,000 indie authors who spend at least half their time or make at least half their income writing or from writing-related activities completed the survey, giving granular and fascinating insights.
Why This Survey Matters
But as always, it is the subsequent editions of the survey that really matter. Because that is what will help to identify trends and patterns, whether they are dangers approaching on the horizon or opportunities starting to present themselves.
One of the key findings last time around was the median author income, which at $12,749 was higher than had been reported in surveys around the time that covered authors published in all ways. There were also interesting findings at the upper end, with 28 percent earning over $50,000 and almost a fifth earning six figures. The direction of travel for each of these will be fascinating. But we can only find that out with your help.
What the Data Will Do
Results will also help with ALLi’s advocacy work, and of course will give invaluable insights on which strategies are working best for our cohort. As Orna Ross puts it:
“The 2025 survey replaces guesswork with data—what’s earning, what’s not, and which levers (rights, formats, direct sales, subscriptions, even AI impacts) most affect our livelihoods. That evidence empowers better decisions for authors and better policy and practice across the industry.
“Platforms and policymakers listen when the data is rigorous. Every reply sharpens the picture: across genres, geographies, career stages, and author-publishing business development. ALLi’s survey is anonymous, it’s quick, and by contributing your numbers—which will be reported only in aggregate—you help build the evidence base that improves terms, tools, and opportunities for indie authors. Please take the survey and make your experience count.”
As a reminder, these are the eligibility criteria for the survey. To be eligible to participate, individuals:
- must have independently published at least one book in English, and
- must spend at least half their time on or make half their income from activities related to writing and publishing (including editorial and other publishing services, book-related speaking and teaching, licensing rights, publishing other authors, and other book-related income activities).
You can take part in the survey here. It should take about 10–12 minutes to complete.
Thoughts or further questions on this post or any self-publishing issue?
If you’re an ALLi member, head over to the SelfPubConnect forum for support from our experienced community of indie authors, advisors, and our own ALLi team. Simply create an account (if you haven’t already) to request to join the forum and get going.
Non-members looking for more information can search our extensive archive of blog posts and podcast episodes packed with tips and advice at ALLi's Self-Publishing Advice Center.
