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Do Self-Help Books Make Money?

Are self-help books a golden ticket to financial success? Do they open the doorway to dozens of new revenue streams? Do self-help books make money? is the big question many aspiring authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs ponder as they consider writing a self-help book.

In this blog post, we’re diving headfirst into self-help book profitability. Buckle up as we explore the ins and outs of making money in the self-help genre. From understanding reader demographics to discovering the potential earnings of self-publishing, we’re uncovering all the secrets to help you navigate this lucrative market. 

Do self-help books make money? Yes, yes they do. Let’s talk about how and how much.

Do self-help books make money?

Self-help book industry statistics: Unveiling a lucrative market (and changing the world at the same time.)

Let’s talk self-help book sales statistics. The self-help book industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with personal development books showing a remarkable 20% year-over-year increase since 2013. 

According to a study by Custom Market Insights, the self-improvement market surged to over $38.3 billion in 2022 and continued its upward trajectory in 2023, reaching a staggering $41 billion. 

These figures underscore the immense value and profitability of self-help books. 

Moreover, with the burgeoning demand for personal development and wellness content, experts project that by 2032, the self-help market will double to a staggering $81.6 billion.

Your self-help books = a money making machine

Ready to turn your self-help book into a cash cow? Get ready to explore the fun and exciting world of authorpreneurship, where creativity meets profitability!

Here are some of the many ways authors like you make money with a single self-help book:

What demographic buys self-help books?

Is there a market for self-help books? You might be wondering, who’s reaching for those self-help books? Well, it turns out, it’s a diverse crowd! From millennials seeking career advice to boomers looking for retirement wisdom, and everyone in between – self-help books cater to folks from all walks of life. So, if you’re thinking about penning your own masterpiece, consider who might benefit most (ahem, maybe your current clients?) from your wisdom and tailor your message accordingly!

What demographic buys the most self-help books? While self-help books have a diverse audience, they’re particularly popular among:

Is self-publishing still profitable?

Is self-publishing still profitable? Uh, is the sky still blue? Cha-ching! Absolutely!  In my book coaching practice, I serve a fantastic and fairly unusual niche. In addition to the first-time authors I coach, most of my clients are 6- and 7-figure authors, and ALL of them are either entirely self-published, or hybrid-published (meaning they’re both independently publishing and also have one or more titles with a traditional publisher – like me.) 

How much money can you make if you self-publish a book? Millions. No, seriously. I have lots of book coaching clients who are doing just that, including Renee Rose, Vanessa Vale, Skye Warren, Lee Savino, Theodora Taylor, and many more.  In my long experience as a traditionally-published author and a self-published author (aka a hybrid author) self-publishing is generally significantly more profitable than traditional publishing.

Do self-help books make money?

How long does it take to write a self-help book?

Now you’re talking! How long does it take to write a self-help book? It depends on a lot of factors including how fast you write, how determined you are, and how much guidance you have. 

With dedication, it’s absolutely doable to write your self-help book in just 10 to 30 days. 

Try this: Write a Self-help Book in 14 Days: The proven, step-by-step plan to easily write your nonfiction book—from the bestselling author coach

Is there a course for writing a selfhelp book?

Is there a course for writing a selfhelp book? Absolutely, and it’s a doozy.
Ever wondered if there’s a shortcut to writing your self-help book? Well, guess what? There is! Enrolling in a writing course can be like having a personal guide leading you through the jungle of book creation. 
And hey, if you’re looking for a turbo boost, check out the Write a Self-Help Book in 30 Days course! It’s like the express lane to authorship success! 🚀

Lisa Daily bestselling author coach - Do self-help books make money?

USA Today bestselling author Lisa Daily is the author of romantic comedies and self-help including Write a Self-Help Book in 14 Days. She’s the go-to book coach for 6- and 7-figure authors, and the founder of the Bestseller Academy: Write a Self-help Book in 30 Days Course.