5 Book Publishing Business Success Stories [2024]
Think you have a story to tell or see yourself helping others get their words into the world? Starting a book publishing business might be your calling. Essentially, this involves guiding authors through the steps of turning their manuscripts into polished, marketable books.
From editing to design, and finally, to marketing the finished product, your role is to manage the entire process. It's hands-on work, requiring keen attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the literary and business sides of publishing.
This field is both challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to shape literary careers and bring diverse voices to a global audience. If you’re passionate about books and have the skills to navigate the complexities of publishing, this could be a deeply fulfilling venture.
In this list, you'll find real-world book publishing business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a book publishing business that makes money.
1. EOFire LLC ($1.8M/year)
In 2012, John Lee Dumas, a former tank commander and real estate agent, started listening to podcasts during his long commutes. Realizing the lack of consistent, inspiring content, he decided to start his own daily podcast, Entrepreneurs On Fire. Despite having no online presence or broadcasting experience, he took the leap, hired a mentor, and launched the podcast. It quickly gained traction and led to the creation of other successful products and services, generating over $100,000 in net revenue every month.
How much money it makes: $1.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 5
John Lee Dumas launched Entrepreneurs On Fire, a daily podcast interviewing successful entrepreneurs, and went on to create multiple successful products and services including Podcasters' Paradise, which has consistently generated over $100,000 in net revenue every month for 89 months in a row.
2. Kindlepreneur ($1.44M/year)
than the leading software, but it will also work seamlessly on both Mac and PC. With a proven track record of success in the software industry and a strong customer base, the future looks bright for Dave Chesson and his new venture.
How much money it makes: $1.44M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
How many people on the team: 6
Founder Dave Chesson shares how he created a successful book marketing software, generating $120k a month, and offers advice for non-techies on how to hire programmers, prioritize support, and innovate continuously.
3. Paper Raven Books ($1.2M/year)
Founder of Paper Raven Books, a publishing company, started out as a freelance editor and writing coach. After working with clients and receiving requests for publishing services, she documented the process of self-publishing her own book and began offering it as a service to clients, eventually growing the company to gross $1.1 million in revenue with over 150 clients and an 18-member remote team.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 18
This case study follows the journey of a service-based business, Paper Raven Books, from bootstrapping with minimal expenses to scaling with a team of 18 members, $20,000 per month in advertising spend, and revenues of $1.1 million per year by package pricing, paid advertising to webinars, and offering smaller introductory packages with practical insights and guidance.
4. Front Line Publishing Inc ($228K/year)
James Rosone, a former military interrogator, turned to writing as a form of PTSD therapy. After realizing a gap in the market for authentic military thrillers, he and his wife co-wrote and self-published their own books. Since their debut in 2015, they have published eighteen books and earned an impressive $47,365 in a single month.
How much money it makes: $228K/year
How many people on the team: 2
Military veteran turned author builds a six-figure self-publishing business through rapid release and effective marketing strategies, with a current monthly average revenue of $19,000.
5. Thriving Best Sellers ($180K/year)
Steve, while he running an Internet digital marketing company back in 1987, had helped his then-wife and his daughter publish a book while they both blogged about their travel stories. It was at this point he realized how powerful becoming a best-seller can be. Encouaged by a coach, Steve had then put together his first program.
How much money it makes: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
How many people on the team: 0
Steve Kidd's Done For You program has helped thousands of authors write, publish and market their books, with 156 people becoming best selling authors and reaching over 180,000 people in 2016 alone, and since then Kidd has been working on expanding his offerings and services while aiming for an average annual sales of $10 million.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
