How Much I Made Publishing My Books 📚

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

I hope this helps give some insights into the self publishing space! Big thank you to today's sponsor, Campfire: www.campfirewriting.com/write/for-novelists?KZbin&DG_Q1_23

[@RecklessFables]

Hey man, long time watcher here. Just wanted to express that it's great to see you achieving the success and validation that you have worked for over the years while still keeping your soul intact.

[@wellendowedplatypus9024]

Thank you for including the disclaimer that your performance is absolutely not indicative of the self-publishing industry. I was thinking of making a comment about that to warn others but decided to see the whole video first (I initially skipped straight to the numbers), I should have know you would be transparent and very explicit about that :) You are one of the good ones!

[@paulwoodford1984]

I had no idea you had laser eye treatment. What was your myopic before the treatment. Your glasses looked really thick

[@FablestoneSeries]

I'm sorry if you've answered this before. But what was the lowest price your books ever sold for. You mention total sales, but didn't mention the price range that included. I'm trying to decide which is the best price to start my first book at. $1. (the lowest it will go) or $3 or $6? or more?

[@bertrammorris214]

Congratulations! Love the content you provide. Hope your next book surpasses your first two.

[@Sarah27H]

This is so helpful. All you hear are the Cinderella stories or the failures, so it's great to hear about success that is just normal and based off building an audience through hard work.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darkking9528]

​@@DanielGreeneReviews Daniel, I want to thank you for being my inspiration to go into the field of writing

[@davidmould7396]

Awesome. Congratulations on the success and paying it forward by sharing it with your audience. Thank you!

[@jennychasteen]

Exactly! I found that really encouraging too.

[@Tethloach1]

It feels good when people buy your book. Handful of sales.

[@Luka2023-]

The level of transparency you give with everything you do is really commendable, from the money donated to charity to your published works. This is an incredibly useful thing for up and coming authors so thank you!

[@classicmicroscopy9398]

The fact this man can shamelessly boast about his earnings and get adulation for doing so is actually sad.

[@valaja1458]

@@classicmicroscopy9398 shamelessly? Dude u r the same why who get proud for some ceo to say he earned some millions. So duh why pissed now?

[@classicmicroscopy9398]

@@valaja1458 Okay random person on the internet who *definitely* knows that I randomly "get proud" about CEO earnings. Are you a moron? I don't give two F's about what a CEO makes. I never said I did either.

[@classicmicroscopy9398]

@@valaja1458 CEO's are in general some of the stupidest people on the planet. Their wages piss me off. They do NOT make me proud.

[@teachmegaming822]

Stf*

[@Scaevola77]

To put those numbers in perspective, I recall Brandon Sanderson saying his first book sold roughly 11,000 copies in the first year of its release. Well done, Daniel!

[@danperkins4781]

you heard em Daniel, time to start up the goblinsmere. You owe us a 40 book lifelong epic now

[@bartandaelus359]

​​@@danperkins4781 I do not want so see the smeare of whatever came out of a goblin thank you very much.

[@philippschmidt80]

But of course Sanderson didn't have a KZbin channel with almost half a million subscribers, so his 11,000 sold copies are actually way more impressive.

[@l4nd3r]

@@philippschmidt80 His channel does average 50~90k views these days, which i guess is a fair reach a big publisher like Tor Books could make Sanderson reach in 2005, the situations aren't that comparable since self-publishing wasn't really an option for Sanderson.

[@joncarroll2040]

​@@philippschmidt80 he did have a publisher behind him though and they provide a lot of marketing and advertising support.

[@casualdragonslayer9655]

As a writer currently working on self publishing their debut novel, I can’t overstate how much I appreciate you doing this, Daniel. Self publishing is a scary prospect, and resources like this give those of us in the process some really important points to consider. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@MastaDRD]

Elevator pitch, bro!

[@casualdragonslayer9655]

@@MastaDRD bet! A retired soldier turned monster hunter gets pulled into a war he was never supposed to be a part of. Now he must decide between the command of his God, and what his conscience believes is right.

[@kingofhearts3185]

@@casualdragonslayer9655 very curious

[@thanosnoctem4473]

@@casualdragonslayer9655 What's its title?

[@casualdragonslayer9655]

@@thanosnoctem4473 when it’s released, it’ll be titled The Huntsman’s War

[@lelaitcestlavie4504]

Congratulations, I'm so glad your books were more successful than what you anticipated :)

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Thank you so much!

[@Darbobski]

My client made less than 10,000 on his first book upon initial release. However, the second book (Benchley) did better and helped to increase sales of the first book (Sheldon's Song). It helps to write multiple titles as they can each create deeper and more loyal fan baes.

[@odin1185]

Very true when you find a writer in a genre or style you like you look for more of their work.

[@CapturedInWords]

Daniel I just gotta say I respect you so much, especially with how transparent you are when so many creators/writers wouldn't bother sharing any of this. I think this is incredibly helpful information to share for those trying to navigate publishing their first works. I have some pretty bad anxiety too so can relate a lot. While you may feel privileged , you've totally earned it with all the hard work you've put into your channel. Seriously, you're an awesome human being. Super proud of you dude!

[@kategrossi8717]

Dude, you're just such an amazing person to the core. I absolutely respect your transparency about everything, makes you seem like a real, normal person and not just a youtuber putting on a personality for the camera. Love you and keep doing you.

[@Armistice_]

We're all super proud of you, this is a huge success and it is amazing, way to go goblin!

[@thebellaedit]

It's so wonderful you're being so transparent and sharing this info when so much of publishing is tricky for new authors to navigate - thank you! :)

[@bellemoon1008]

Hopeful indie author here! I’m sure I won’t get anywhere near your units, but your story is so informative and inspiring! Please make more about IngramSpark and other self publishing tools/avenues. You’re teaching me so much!! 😊

[@john10klakes]

As one of your older fans, I commend you on your professionalism and grace, Daniel. Not only are you a kind person, but you’re damn smart and funny, too. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here.

[@jbca]

These contacts are genuinely unsettling. Please agree to never wear those again and I’ll agree to keep buying your books. 😂

[@patricklevitre7213]

Thanks for the peek behind the curtain. But never... Ever.... EverEverEverEverEver Put those contacts in again please.😂 I had to minimize the video to watch it.

[@dcle944]

If I make $200k in the first two years, I’ll quit my job and write full time.

[@adamborst]

Those contacts, please no more.

[@ManCarryingThing]

This was awesome and really informative- thanks for sharing this!

[@pjlights164]

Congrats!!! But please never wear those contacts again haha.

[@yasielromero8236]

Thanks for sharing something that very few if any creators would even consider doing. You are one of a kind. Also you went from a booktuber I intentionally avoided to one of my favorite KZbinrs period. Love your content

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

I appreciate that!

[@Cannibalable]

Big congrats Daniel! Any privilege you feel that you have is completely earned by the work you've put in building your channel. As an aside, despite watching many self publishing videos, I didn't know until you mentioned it that Google sold books!

[@pattheplanter]

It doesn't seem like many other people know they sell books, either. 😃

[@Armistice_]

Daniel please do a self publishing masterclass, even if you have to charge for it, like a Patreon exclusive or something. Your previous video on it with Evan Winter was very useful, but some of us could use a more detailed breakdown

[@drawgam2946]

Already a lot of information on self publishing if you look for it , i rather have him do what he enjoys creatively.

[@Sgt.T.J.Albin-oh4de]

First... congratulations on your success Daniel. As an unpublished first-time author, I have pushed any thoughts of money into a dark place, only to be thought about after I had finished my project (a four-book series). As for the money, the bottom-line numbers have always been a mystery to me. What kind of money can an author really hope to make? Frankly, the information I have come across until now has not been very encouraging. This video was very insightful. And if I am really being honest... inspiring and motivating. Thank you for sharing. Fill a man with hope, and he will walk an extra mile.

[@zadwitt3402]

I'm sorry. But the contacts made me super queasy. I don't know why. But I couldn't watch the video...with that said. Thank you for sharing!

[@cicero_19]

You just wanted an excuse to wear those contacts, didn't you?

[@Jed_Herne]

Dude, as a fellow self-pub fantasy author, this is unbelievably useful, and I massively appreciate the transparency. Breach of Peace was an awesome read - well deserved!

[@genericallyentertaining]

As a small youtuber who's also an aspiring author, this is genuinely so helpful and inspiring. Thanks for the work you do!

[@midnight4669]

Honestly, if you took a couple years to write those - even if just in your free time or whatnot - with today's inflation that actually seems like an honest paycheck. As you mentioned, it seems better than you were expecting but it's such a different world financially than an hourly paycheck so it seems pretty humbling as well.

[@murlend8455]

First there was Brandon "B-Money" Sanderson. And now we have the second apostle, Daniel "D-Money" Greene

[@q00445]

wow Congrats that is amazing. good job and i am looking forword to your next boox

[@KrimsonRogue]

Jeez, Daniel's out here making me question staying with my day job. Seriously though, congrats dude. It's awesome that your books had such an incredible spread!

[@codylakin288]

This is awesome, Daniel. Your humility, honesty, and vulnerability is, to be honest, genuinely inspiring. Not only on the channel as a reader, but also as an author in how you conduct yourself here. Plus, as an indie-published author myself, I simply appreciate this video for its practical wisdom and helpfulness. And dude, I’m so happy for you in this blossoming career. Almost 30,000 copies? Amazing. I can’t even fathom. I published my horror novel through IngramSpark at the end of September last year (and oh, man, I agree, their design tools and all were brutally frustrating). I had low expectations but, like you-despite my paralyzing uncertainty in the face of self promotion and marketing-I feel incredibly lucky with the mild success my book has seen. It received a positive Kirkus Review, and one from SF Book Review. Barnes & Noble approved it for distribution to their top horror stores. And, in 6 months, it’s sold now over 1,000 copies, which isn’t substantial in comparison to many things, I know. But for me that is still a mind blowing number, just as surreal as the positive reviews the book is getting from readers. It feels like such a surreal dream come true. This video is such a valuable resource, plus an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

[@Thanatology101]

I can't believe quirky-yet-relatable KZbinr Daniel Greene would dunk on us with all of the money he made from his books! Seriously, this was fascinating. We get a peek at the guts of self publishing that is usually relegated to the shadows thanks to you. It's important to know what realistic expectations should look like so aspiring authors can appropriately temper expectations.

[@istuilhos]

I purchased and enjoyed both books and am looking forward to Neon Ghosts but... wow, those contacts are distracting.

[@Lampyricus]

You do not have unfair advantage over other authors. You build your channel from scratch yourself, then used your work to promote your other work. It all came from you. You did not have to start from nothing, but only because it was already done. Part of making money from writing is finding a way to sell, and promote.

[@willenhall12345]

Yes, you're right in saying that he did the build the channel from scratch and then used it to promote his other work, but he also does have an advantage because of the channel he built. You even say yourself later in the comment that he didn't have to start from nothing but that's because it was already done, what you just described is an advantage.

[@Natishere768]

He absolutely does have an advantage. It is an advantage he worked very hard for, but an advantage nonetheless. Not something he should feel bad for though, of course -- take every advantage you can get!

[@kevinwalden4288]

@@willenhall12345 but it isnt an unfair advantage because he WORKED to make his channel successful

[@willenhall12345]

@@kevinwalden4288 who said it was an unfair advantage?

[@musical.theory]

@@willenhall12345 Mate. Use your reading skills, please :p and, I guess listening skills too? :p they guy in the video claimed to have an unfair advantage. The OP commented that it wasn't unfair, because the guy worked to get where he is.

[@gatorchomp9607]

The fact you had your channel to promote your books is not a “privilege.” You worked hard to build the channel. Give yourself credit. Not everything is about “privilege.”

[@Differentshadesofash]

I was definitely thinking about this. Having a large audience isn’t necessary a privilege. No one gave you a bunch of subscribers and watchers over night. Everyone works hard for the communities they establish here on these platforms.

[@codysmovingcastle]

I quit my PhD, currently work in customer service, and am counting the days until I can cut my hours to write. Thanks for putting this out there!

[@wizflame9960]

i didnt realise before but amazon kindle percentages to authors is actually so horrible.

[@GremlinBones]

I'm so happy for you! As a teenager that was my dream but it has become apparent that I'm really more of an ideas person than a get it written until completion person. I just can't stick with one idea long enough. I could never really picture my name on a cover anyways so it's cool. I'll perfect my fantasy world one day and maybe I figure something out to do with it. But you are truly an wonderful inspiration, Goblin King!

[@KDbooks]

1:27 - 1:28 - the best part of this video

[@EhsJaySaunders]

Your sharing results like this is greatly appreciated! Ten years and fifteen books after getting started in self-publishing, I've yet to gain much traction, so it's nice when people who have a leg up on things acknowledge it with grace and gratitude. You've worked no less diligently than anyone else, though, and your success is fully earned. Congrats!

[@JohnnyValmaggia]

Brilliant video. Congrats

[@christiancornier9357]

Firstly, it's not an 'unfair advantage' when you built an entire (successful) youtube channel and subsequent community with your sweat and effort. That's part of the sauce and it's good, honest work. Outside of that, these insights are super important for upcoming authors. Really informative and gives a lot of great perspective for aspiring writers such as myself. Cheers buddy, let yourself have the moment. Thank you.

[@Jarlaxleify]

This was a great video and you nailed the douchey look, it was super difficult to take you seriously once you put the contacts in lol

[@RobJordanKeepGames]

Thank you for doing this. It's commendable and inspiring to be honest. I've always wanted to write and independently publish. It's good to know what could be, even if it's the exception to the norm for those without an established marketing platform. Well done, Sir!

[@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio]

Congratulations on the successful book and thanks for making this video! It was kind of the opposite for me. Great reviews but only sold about 80-85 copies. I tried promoting it through Amazon, Bargain Booksy, and BookBub, and Kindle Countdown Sales, etc., and ended up losing money every step of the way. I'm still underwater on the book after 10 months. I've made about half as much as I've spent. But then again I don't have a KZbin channel, and I don't think it exactly helped that it's an LGBTQ Scifi book with a m/m romance subplot.

[@milestrombley1466]

No matter what, every indie author needs a platform so readers can find them and buy their books.

[@meganferguson1291]

Considering Patreon is a monthly subscription that most people can't afford to add to their other regular expenses while a book is a one time purchase that is much more affordable for the average person I'm surprised you were surprised at how many books you sold.

[@seanhalpin87]

Aa much as it was obviously your first attempt at publishing, and it did have issues, I enjoyed the hell out of both of them, and the least I could do for all the years of hard work and books you've turned me onto over the last 4 years was to read yours! Really excited for the new book, but can't wait to get past the two book prologue (taking notes from Iordan, eh?) And to the main story! Either way. Thanks for the transparency and all you do!

[@Cam_Wolfe]

I'm... going to go ahead and not try to take the "black shirt, unnecessarily large secondary ring" comments personally 😂 Great video Dan, it really is good as an indie Author to get more insight like this

[@wrestlingwithwords]

I think it is really cool to see the success you've had. As a new KZbinr in the writing/book sphere, it's always helpful to see what the actual numbers are for people trying to make a living via content creation, writing, freelancing, and otherwise self-employed. Been watching you for a long time and am always happy to see you reach these sorts of milestones!

[@hanzquejano7112]

Hey Daniel, I have two of your books! Wishing they're more accessible in the Philippines. I only had my uncle abroad buy it for me.

[@chrnomakerch.2957]

Really happy to know that with right tools, you can be successful as author. I'm nearing a year after publishing on amazon and it's mostly kindle income with 0 physicals sold. good luck to any incoming authors to not give up and keep writing!

[@bere0157]

Congrats!! That is graet. One question though: was the money count before or after taxes? How does the tax stuff work with publishing as on author? Maybe a small video idea?😇 Congrats again🌸💕

[@RumoHasIt]

I know it's considered cool to just shit on youtubers and social media personalities for being successful at their jobs, but I really can't say enough how happy I am for you man. You made something you love and its loving you back. I hope I likewise can publish a story in the future. Till then, Im cheering for you. Cant imagine a more deserving indy author, cheers!

[@Rhand007]

I'm surprised to hear that you made more money per unit from the traditional printed book than an ebook. Never understood the pricing model of the ebook anyway, and this doesn't change it.

[@kdherr01]

Real talk: why do those contacts look so good?

[@LightsOnTrees]

Chad Daniel! You are the new superpower!

[@midnightblack07]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your transparency! Sending all the good vibes, and hoping that it's all uphill from here! 😊

[@greath7513]

Those contacts.... Makima cosplay incoming? 🤣

[@joshshave7833]

I predicted a cool 100k, but to see that you made more warmed my heart, damn, that's the good stuff. Seeing your success encourages my own ambitions forwards. Congrats Daniel, you've earnt your success, and I look forward to reading and listening to more of your work!

[@stephenlogsdon8266]

Good for you! I’m not surprised, and a bit jealous. Okay … MASSIVELY JEALOUS! But DO NOT feel bad for this. You worked hard for it, congrats. Good time to plug my SCI FI, but I’ll leave it with my name. It’s my education in progress. Book 3 is about to be launched, and a forth book is done.

[@Jobiin]

You deserve everything, you've earned it, and your growth on KZbin over the past years has been nothing short of inspiring. Wish you even more success in the future!

[@zionthedon7745]

Love you man. Fr. I relate to you so much. I have so much respect for you. Wish you nothing but the best. Do your absolute best to give yourself a break man. Not about work, but about life. We can often be hypercritical of ourselves, when we would easily forgive our friend if they were in a similar position. Sometimes I envy all the simpletons who walk around without analyzing every thing bad til its worse, and everything good until it can be perceived as bad.

[@Sunlit_Reading]

You’re such a joy to support Daniel. You are a profoundly decent human.

[@calebdrew5684]

oh man, when you changed into the black t-shirt I got total Dresden's unconscious persona vibes

[@helenthehobbitwilliams5466]

Daniel, your success is more than well earned! Sure you have the advantage of your audience backing, but don't underplay the fact that you've worked super hard to get that in the first place! We are all so proud of how far you've come, both as a content creator and an author; I'm sure I can speak for all of us when I say I can't wait to see what's in store for you next 😊 I personally appreciate your transparency throughout your career. It makes you come across as a genuine guy, rather than a fake personality. I also find this sort of information interesting, and highly beneficial to those looking into self publishing. It gives them a starting point, as not many people are willing to talk personal finances. Thanks Daniel, keep up with the great content, have a great day, peace ✌😊

[@afnanbogey]

Just be careful with too much transparency man. There are people who need no reason to be malicious except the opportunity. Dont give them ammo.

[@MWinklerBooks]

Thank you for this video! :) I'm so appreciative of your transparency, not only in your sales but in your mental health too. With my first book published I've been struggling to make any content or progress on book 2. Because of my ADHD and anxiety, I even went through the same video-plans-fading-into-the-constant-tension-I-feel. XD It's so encouraging to see you find your way through that, cause it gives me hope I will too.

[@LisaOsterholt]

The contacts are disturbing.

[@RoryBland]

As someone who intends on self publishing this year, this video was incredibly insightful. Thank you!

[@Afolabitv]

Hello charming, I am a phantompro, a digital marketer with 6 years of productive experience in digital marketing field I specialized in book marketing, I can help you promote your books to thousands of prospective buyers, I can help you create more awareness to your business and help you get more organic traffic. I am very concerned in giving my best to provide my clients 100% satisfaction on their result. Give it a try today I promise you won’t regret it. Contact me now, let’s talk on how to get your sales coming in. Hope to hear from

[@TheArtfulBrittani]

I want to Write, Illustrate and Publish my own Children's book. I know a full novel is different, but I like hearing experiences from indie authors. I'm literally not at a point to be ready to publish anywhere, but my worries about that definitely hold me back from finishing. Also, your eyeballs bothered me the entire video. 😆

[@Slipfish]

My guy. I found you a couple years back when I was doing my first WoT re-read since AMoL was published, and I just wanted second screen content to nerd out on while I played games. Its been a journey since, and you've become pretty much the only booktube content creator I follow. I cannot imagine how surreal it must feel to hear your favorite narrators reading your own work. So fuckin' stoked for you.

[@markmahowald7866]

I’d love to hear your marketing strategies and what you would do differently now.

[@shethewriter]

Thank you sooo much for sharing this it's actually really helpful. Selling almost 30k copies in two years is very impressive, even with a big platform! Incredible work!

[@dratzlogic]

So glad I found this video. I'm happy you have found success publishing your work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us!

[@v1e1r1g1e1]

So... basically, your advice for budding self publishers, is to start up a KZbin channel and get hugely well-known there. Effectively, generate your own audience.

[@FanoBelmont]

Congratulations on the success of the books! And thanks for sharing this info. There's such a lack of financial transparency between artists and creators, and it is really helpful and even comforting to know this and understand your particular situation and the circumstances around you as a youtuber and self-published author. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself! And congrats on the house!

[@martingrace1979]

This is really insightful. Great channel. I'm hoping to self publish for the first time so thanks for the data. Looks like it's worth going all-in with the Amazon devil perhaps...

[@Alibaba-le2ku]

I have Breach of Peace in paperback, and although I thought it was rough, I’m looking forward to reading your new book (rebels creed too)

[@praalgraf]

always love creators who have some level of financial transparency. thank you for sharing!

[@rockinrom1524]

holy crap, im glad you were so successful. i wasn't ready for those numbers. glad you shared this with us as reveal financials is really personal and can attract unwanted ire.

[@bobd4401]

Hi Daniel, I tried posting a comment twice yesterday but it appears to have vaporized! Let's see if my rapidly decaying memory can dredge some of it up... Your breakdown of the Amazon vs other book sellers numbers was very helpful, though disheartening - I agree that Amazon is engaged in market suppressing tactics and is not as helpful to indie authors as they would like the world to believe, but what can we do? Hopefully Brandon Sanderson's efforts will help, but realistically, Amazon is just too big to even care. I want to thank you for your willingness to be so transparent regarding the financial side of your work. Again, thank you for all you hard work and willingness to help others!

[@quentinwach]

Keep the look. Loving it.

[@JoeAuerbach]

A: outstanding transparency me B: this really highlights how the massive amount of work and hustle that goes into writing does not translate into as much income as I'd hope.

[@emm6724]

I love the transparency- thank you! I’m just about finished revising my first novel and am excited to share it with the world.

[@beepboop9313]

This was actually really nice to see. I’m curious more about the rate of your income, like how much by month would have been cool to hear about.

[@shiven513]

Thank you sir for everything you have done with your books. I went to my local bookstore and saw two copies of Breach of Peace, a pretty underrated book for all the schlock coming out nowadays.

[@anaisbaromeo1589]

Hi Daniel, saw your video and just subscribed. I published my book on Amazon, but when they arrived. The pages were t aligned correctly and it was all messed up. Where did you published your book? I know it's my first time really publishing one of 18 book I've already written and I am scared to start something and the quality is not the why I want to. Do you know of any other sites that you can use to upload your book and order it with good quality?

[@HarvestLockwood]

Transparency around costs and money earned and all that stuff is soooo important, so I commend you for this video!

[@joelhicks5468]

This is awesome. I love that you dressed up for this too

[@e.matthews]

This is Giga Chad transparency, Daniel! Thanks so much for being so awesome and self-aware. ✨ I actually think this is a wonderful dose of motivation for some of us who write with a guilty conscience, worrying that writing is a waste of time and never financially beneficial.

[@Aaron537_UNIQUESTRING]

Those contacts are so damn distracting ❤️

[@brodiewhitburn4562]

I love how open you are and how amazing a human you are bud. Anxiety is a struggle, but you do amazing my friend. I cannot wait for Neon Ghosts

[@kath4240]

Oh no. Douchemode goblin host has awakened something I did not expect. Respectfully, damn.

[@marissak6664]

That is so exciting for you! I have both of your books in the physical copies, and I am so excited for your next one! You should be so proud of yourself!

[@ramulus694]

alright, those lenses at 1.75 speed are not particularly fun to look at for a sleep deprived mind. But thanks for being so open about this Daniel

[@Khepriem]

I'm just glad this means you'll keep making books! I couldn't read them when they came out but I'm working my way through the second audiobook now and enjoying it.

[@thetrailninja3791]

I just completed a book and finding it is a nightmare figuring out how to get it published. I found one that wanted 3500 bucks to publish it and I don't have that laying around and hesitant about wanting to go the Amazon route as I don't like storing my bank/debit card info on their site as their security is horrible. What publisher would you recommend?

[@thefriesofLockeLamora]

I really appreciate how transparent you are about this