How Much Money Have My Bestselling Books Earned? (All the numbers!)

I hope you enjoy this inside look at my bestselling books and series! Let me know if you have any questions about this material or why I think this is the way things are.
Also, remember that my Publish and Thrive course is not about just going through the material on your own. You’ll get personalized attention from me and have a chance to ask questions in our weekly livestream Q&A each week. So far, I’ve been able to answer every single question asked in the course, and alumni are welcome to come back each round to get support! I will be your partner through this and be cheering you on along the way!
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Heart Breathings, Episode 349
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About Me: My name is Sarra Cannon, and I've been indie publishing since 2010. In that time, I have published 26 books and sold well over half a million copies.
I've made some mistakes along the way, but I've also learned some valuable lessons that I think will help you reach your goals. I can't wait to help you learn to make money writing what you love.
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MY BOOKS -- www.sarracannon.com
THREE FREE BOOKS -- sarracannon.com/book/beautiful...
My Author \ Vlog Channel - / sarracannon
#authortube
00:00 Introduction
02:51 My Genre and Series
05:29 Tracking My Sales
08:55 Total Income
10:04 My Bestselling Book
16:06 My Highest Earning Book
25:31 Another High-Earning Book
31:19 My Bestselling Series
36:13 Takeaways and Strategy

[@HeartBreathings]

I hope you love seeing the actual data and breakdown of my bestselling books and series (and why I think these sold well when others haven't). Long video, but I know it will be helpful to many of you! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

Through my journey of manifesting my dream life, I listen to these types of videos and visualize myself having this type of success with my books. It’s so fun!! 🥰📚

[@jackienicholson2990]

This was free information! Can you imagine what advice she has for us in the course? Still working on a draft, but I will definitely be investing in her course soon.

[@tamidawn8383]

Thank you Sarra! I can sense the unwavering determination you’ve harnessed to realize these dreams. It bounces out of my iPad as I watch this. 💫

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much, that means a lot!

[@shenellmaye11]

You are such a blessing 🙌 I was literally feeling defeated because I have not hit my income goals I was aiming for my better goal and have only hit the good. So I was really down and on the verge of quitting (full time) finding a job I would hate because I want to have an author career. Then here comes Sarra with her wisdom showing me that I can make an income with just books . I have merch but like I said I love the writing. Thank you thank you 😊

[@ailismckinney1750]

I appreciate how open you are and how generous you are with what you offer to all of us. I am so grateful to you and for you! You are Amazing!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!

[@rebeccalally8669]

Okay the over 40 minute videos are always my favorites. Time to settle in and enjoy :)

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay, thank you!

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I know you’re been hard on yourself in the past so I’m so happy to hear you say how proud of yourself you are. 😀

[@The_WriterVerse]

This is incredibly encouraging. You’re not the first person I’ve seen be candid about the earnings they make with their self published writing, so I know you’re not a one off. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and self publishing does not scare me. However, of all the book ideas I have, only one has a second book potential. How do you expand your stories into 6-12 books long? From what I’ve seen, it seems that self published authors are only successful when they have several books published that basically “sell each other” with those cliffhanger endings. My stories don’t follow that structure.

[@Ao3AnotherLady]

I'd love to see a breakdown like this that includes how much you invested to publish your books (editors, cover art, ISBNs, etc...)

[@allisonwatson6394]

I didn't know you had a freaking KZbin channel! I am on book #11 right now! I LOVE your books. Usually I get bored w/ a series by book 3 or 4 MAYBE 5. There is only one other series I could read all 12 books.

[@HeartBreathings]

You are so sweet!! I'm so glad you are loving the books. Hopefully book 12 will come together soon!!

[@etiernan5695]

I appreciate your sharing these facts about earnings. This has been a mystery to me. I’m getting my first publication of a short story out to dip my toe in the water. I chose not to use kindle direct, instead to go wide. You have validated this choice. I’m stuck on how people get a quality novel out in rapid release. It seems quality suffers or they are writing 8 hours a day. I also like that you didn’t use many ads. I can see how using a newsletter is more personal. Finally, you are one of the writers I follow because you get to the point, focus on content vs. your ego. Keep up the good work!

[@KristenKingWrites]

Thanks so much for this video, Sarra! Love hearing about your journey and all the milestones along the way. Really appreciate your heartfelt energy and so glad to see you happy and thriving

[@sunitasaldhana4491]

This was a huge learning . Thanks for for sharing this.

[@julienorman]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience! This is such a great overview of your career and how the industry has changed over the years, besides the great advice.

[@annelyle5474]

That was really interesting - and I will definitely sign up to ScribeCount in due course! Looking forward to retaking P&T next month, as it's been a while, but I feel like I'm closer than ever to having a publishable book so it's perfect timing for me ❤

[@girlscandrum22]

This is so impressive! Thanks so much for sharing this information. I recently found your channel and have loved watching your videos. Your advice is so helpful, and you seem really down to earth. :)

[@susanring7634]

Love your transparency Sarra, thanks for being so open! And, Congratulations on your success!

[@fralou_sind_kreativ]

That was super informative! Thank you for your transparency. Super excited about Book 12 and about your upcoming projects :D Sending love and creative vibes

[@Road2Peachtree]

I'm so ready to take P&T. I tried taking it in February and couldn't handle the amount of information, as silly as that may sound. But I have made it my business to clear my mind and plate in Q3 just for P&T. It's going to be amazing!

[@zsazsabanks424]

What's P and T?

[@naodabk5929]

Thank you for your honesty and openness in explaining everything you talked about.

[@sherricewilliamsauthor]

As usual, Sarra, this video is right on time for me. It’s crazy how I’ve been going back and forth for soooooo long about what I’m going to write, that I’ve killed my momentum, creativity and passion. I’ve decided to focus hard on my writing and finally buckle down on what I’m going to write, and I so needed to hear this right now. I can’t wait to go through this round of P&T and really focus on finally getting my books out into the world. As always, thank you so much for all you do, it truly is helpful in so many ways ☺️

[@HeartBreathings]

I believe in you!! You got this :) Can't wait to see you in the live round.

[@Bibliophile1686]

Thank you so much for this video! You've shared various pieces of your writing journey covered in this video before and it was really helpful to have the numbers alongside everything to see how that affected sales. It also helps to demonstrate some of the strategies covered in your fabulous publish and thrive course! (Love that I can go back and review lessons whenever I want.)

[@charlotteeverett6404]

Thank you so much for being so open to help fellow authors. I'm excited for publish and thrive. Since I've been a part of the Heart Breathings community, and using HB90 it's been a wonderful game changer for me xx

[@HeartBreathings]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@garnellwallace5594]

This was very informative and inspiring. Sometimes indie publishing can feel like shooting in the dark and it's nice to find strategies that can help you hit your target.

[@authorannettepalmer]

I loved this video! Thank you so much for being so open and honest. I always look forward to your videos. I'd also love to see a video on KU to hear your thoughts on it.

[@tortagialla]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge - so kind of you!

[@HeartBreathings]

You are so welcome!

[@EfiLovesBooks]

This is tremendously informative. Thank you for sharing this information, and speaking frankly about your experience and what you might have done differently now that you've had the experience.

[@HeartBreathings]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissaoneill7077]

Eternal Sorrows is my personal favorite! I love it.

[@describer99]

This is the video I always hoped you would make. Thank you.

[@HeartBreathings]

So glad to hear that!!!

[@dianagarland4907]

I loved the review of Scribecount. I am horrible at looking up data so programs that will do it for me are something I need to learn more about. :) I loved hearing your release strategy thoughts behind the numbers.

[@persephone3892]

Thank you so much for sharing!! So informative! 💖

[@HeartBreathings]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Katlyn_Duncan]

I loved this, Sarra! Also your new setup is amazing, you look amazing and your background is truly a testament of your intentions. 💜

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!!

[@inkayork3331]

I cannot wait to see that phoenix rise, Sarra. And I can't wait for the P&T kick-off either. Great content as always.

[@tamaraearthsong]

really great information, thank you so much for your time making this video. I hope your next book sells amazingly well!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much! Me too!

[@grounded-chaos]

Let's go, Project Phoenix! So here for it. Thanks for sharing all of this, Sarra.

[@HeartBreathings]

❤️

[@sanityone649]

Thanks you so much. Lots of good stuff here.

[@crystalmorrison4463]

Great video! Thanks! Please don’t forget to one day return to your “Great ideas” video series. I know you did one or two? Episodes on that topic, then life happened and the videos stopped. I loved that topic and so many of us struggle with narrowing down all the good stuff floating in our heads! 😎

[@HeartBreathings]

This series will need some tweaking before it comes back, but it's on my list!

[@RemonaGreen]

Really enjoyed this video. Lots of great info. You are my favorite Writer to watch on You-Tube.😁

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow thank you so much! That means a lot to me!

[@ronjagdfeld8127]

That was so interesting. Thank you for that Video! Greetings from Germany! 😊

[@aktarango]

Thank you! This was so helpful 👍✏️😁

[@iralell]

Publish & Thrive is fantastic. Best indie course I’ve taken.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much Tricia!!

[@bodine219]

This was very interesting, thank you for sharing. I'm not currently one of your readers as I've never been big on paranormal. I don't know why I assumed your books would be spicy (maybe just when I hear the word "romance"), but I just downloaded The Problem with Goodbye while I watched this and I'm looking forward to reading it!!

[@MsMdgrace]

I'm so excited... I signed up for your course!

[@HeartBreathings]

Awesome! Thank you! I know you're going to love it!

[@lennemitincan]

I know one day i ll buy your course. Can t wait to be able to buy it!

[@HeartBreathings]

Can't wait to have you there!

[@ronwynallen9876]

I enjoyed your selling insights and will come back to the video if I get this far

[@lensullivan7082]

Lots of great information ty

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for watching!

[@woodlandlady7011]

Wow, I am impressed by how open you are about your journey. Such an inspiration. You deserve success for all your hard work. I would love to take both of your courses, but I am currently waiting for cataract removal surgery. After surgery I am definitely signing up! Would love to hear how you decide on the types of book covers for your books too.

[@mensajesdeamorypaz1]

The courses are great. Both are super helpful. I highly recommend them.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@HeartBreathings]

I'd love to have you when you're ready!

[@claudiad7957]

Thank you.

[@PinkHawk191]

I am reading book 4 Shadow Demons. I love it! I ordered books 5 and 6. My mom orders them on Amazon since that is easiest for us.I love the Shadow Demons Saga book so far!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much! I've definitely put a lot of my heart into that series.

[@gospelpopmusic]

Awesome hardworking achievement!!!!

[@caramullaney2043]

Found this video so insightful so thank you Sarra. I have always only published under KU but this last year or so my sales have tanked from £700 a month to around £50 a month. Seeing your success going wide makes me wonder if I should give it a go with at least one of my book series.

[@HeartBreathings]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to try going wide. I hope you find success!

[@ashleyemma4954]

I never thought about the amount of series until I watched this. I am writing 3 series but I wonder if I should have finished my first 2 before writing my third. So many eye opening points I've never heard anyone talk about before! 🎉❤

[@BriantWebster]

Even though I'm more interested in writing standalone novels, this was useful. Coincidentally I'm writing a short story collection on demons and vampires. It includes ghosts, witches, zombies, and pirates. I'll try to publish it in a year.

[@carolynprunkl1359]

your books is on. good reads

[@inesjohnsonwrites]

Project Phoenix I LOVE IT!!!!!

[@BrettJones27]

Thank you for such a great, informative video. Much appreciated. One quick question; how do your audiobooks do? They seem to be such a growing market.

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@describer99]

For the zombie series, have you considered doing a big promotional splash at the run up to Halloween?

[@dianagarland4907]

I second this idea along with maybe a tie-in to a Zombie run or some other type of event.

[@HeartBreathings]

I've had trouble getting any big ads on it, likely because it's a virus story, so no one wants to feature it!

[@dianagarland4907]

@@HeartBreathings I read book one for the first time during 2020 when we were teaching from home at the end of the school year and loved it. I think fantasy/sci-fi readers are good at separating real-world events from what they are reading. That, and to me, it made me feel better to imagine maybe there was a reason for everything going on and got me thinking creatively instead of brooding on daily events.

[@cherylmartin5799]

Awesome 👍

[@joannelalli5576]

Yes, please to a video about KU!

[@uninterupptedwriter]

I love the idea of Project Phoenix! That's so cool.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! It's a big project!

[@authorchristinabutrum]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on KU. But I'd really like to hear how to get out of KU and go wide with a strategy! I've been in KU since it started, and going wide worries me!

[@dianagarland4907]

Christina, You should be able to go into your KDP dashboard and take any titles you want out of KU off. It then takes 30 days I think for the change to go live. (It's been a while since I've done it, so I am a bit fuzzy on the 30 days).

[@HeartBreathings]

Totally understand the fear, but you might be surprised by how quickly you can build with the right strategy! Would love to talk more about it!

[@anupampandey1652]

Nice Information. My two books are published on Amazon. 1. Frugality: Being Mindful of Your Expenses. 2. Nanu's stories for Amaaya. Happy Reading!

[@DogWalkerBill]

I followed both your Shadow Demons & Fair Hope series on Audible. But there was only a few of each series on Audible.

[@chrissec523]

This was very informative, thank you for sharing Sarra 👏 I would love to know how much it costs to publish an indie book. I know it will be different numbers across the board, but having a general idea would be beneficial since I'll have to save up for editors, artists, and the like. If it helps my series genre will be adult fantasy 😁

[@HeartBreathings]

Unfortunately there isn't one answer to the cost to be an indie publisher, but I'd like to make a video on this topic as well!

[@persephone3892]

I see a lot of new authors who spend $2000-5000 on their first book and never make back that money. Just something to consider

[@tavishwilliams4333]

This was so good! It has got me thinking about genres for the series I want to write. How do you research a genre to know if it sells? It all seems so complex with genres inside of more genres. Also, if you have no readers how do you know if there is a dedicated following to a genre, even if it is smaller?

[@crystalmorrison4463]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this too! I’m writing (slowly) a historical fiction western..that’s a genre blend not overly done.

[@thegeekylibrarian360]

Maybe you could make your books in hardbacks with extra content? Like a special edition for each book =D

[@Mythic-BAD]

Our books are like Adventure Time and Gravity Falls. It is really hard to find that audience 😅

[@jessicagentry6379]

I want to join the class

[@kickButt69682]

Thank you Sarra! I have a question - there is a channel that has live writing sprints every day - I lost it and can't find anymore. Could anyone help, please? Thank you!

[@HeartBreathings]

There's not a single channel but each admin goes live on their own channels. YOu can find the schedule and google calendar here: heartbreathings.com/heart-breathings-writing-community/

[@josieann4390]

💜💜

[@victoriaellis3663]

🥰🥰🥰

[@nikkiguerlain]

💗💗💗

[@jessicagentry6379]

I would love to be e a writer

[@jessicagentry6379]

What publishing company would u recommend? I want my books to go world wide.

[@heathermclaughlin8991]

Are you considering converting the Shadow Demon Saga series to audible? If so when are you planning to release them?

[@s.n.rabble8324]

She has talked about wanting to do audiobook version of her series. However, she got so busy with moving and other projects that I don't think she has a planned release date yet. I don't even know if she's re-started working on this project. I don't recall her mentioning it again. However, I am willing to bet that this project is not far from her mind and would not be surprised if she has been slowly putting the gears in motion behind the screen.

[@HeartBreathings]

This is something that's been on my list to look into for a while now, not sure when it will happen though. Stay tuned!

[@frenchvideoclub8031]

How long are your books? Around 50k-60k words?

[@jessicagentry6379]

What publishing companies would you recommend?

[@HeartBreathings]

I started my own LLC to self-publish, and I put my books out through Amazon's KDP, Google Play books, Kobo Writing Life, Barnes & Noble Press, and Apple Books direct, then I use a company called Draft2Digital to get to smaller bookstores and libraries. There's a lot to learn if you want to publish your own books, but if you're feeling excited about the idea of writing a book, I say get started and see where it takes you!!!

[@RobbyGoodwin]

Do Scribecount track direct sales from your website? How about Lulu and Ingram Spark?

[@HeartBreathings]

Right now all they connect with are Amazon, Google Play, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Draft2Digital, and Smashwords. They are working to add Ingram and audiobook stores, but I don't think they would have any way to track direct sales from your website since people use so many different platforms for that.

[@dsd5705]

I am trying to figure our the US tax part. Cost of 320 pg 6 x 9 book = 40% Amazon + Print Cost + Royalties. So, if my book costs 14.99 = 5.99 Amazon + 4.84 Print Cost + 4.15 Royalties. How do I figure out tax? I suspect that will some kind of a way this will come out of my royalties.

[@gemh171]

📚🤩🥰

[@TraceeGarnerAuthor]

I'm curious if you've uploaded all these books to the platforms yourself? I'd really like to pay someone to upload them all. It's sooo much time. :(

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes, I have done it all myself. If you want to cut down the time for a fee, I highly recommend going through Draft2Digital. They will take you file and distribute it to all the major vendors for you.

[@JimmieHammel]

Anyone else's Google assistant pause the vid and open Google play books at 31 minutes? 😂

[@HeartBreathings]

haha sorry!

[@lennemitincan]

I would love a video on kindle. I don t like amazon so anything that Can confirm me they re evil is welcome 😉

[@HeartBreathings]

😂 I mean in the long run I owe a lot to Amazon Kindle, but it's a Love hate relationship some days

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I always have to remind myself that when you say you set the books free you mean ebook, not paperback. There’s the cost to paperback so I don’t even think you can do that. 😆😆

[@HeartBreathings]

haha that's right. Not paperback, only ebook!