What You Should Know About Business Book ROI

Writing a business book is one of the most powerful tools for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts to boost their credibility and grow their brands.

But What Kind of Business Book ROI (Return on Investment) Can You Expect?

A recent report, A Comprehensive Study of Business Book ROI, provides fascinating insights into this question. Conducted by Amplify Publishing Group, Gotham Ghostwriters, Thought Leadership Leverage, and Smith Publicity, the study surveyed 350 authors and prospective authors, 301 of whom had published nonfiction books. Two-thirds of respondents had published multiple books, offering a rich perspective on the realities of writing and publishing.

In this blog, I’ve summarised the key findings from the 32-page report and shared examples from some of my own clients (who recently appeared on the Business Book Bites podcast) to illustrate the transformational potential of writing a business book, alongside how my team and I can support you to maximise your book's success.

1. Writing a Book is a Good Decision

89% of authors said writing a book was a good idea, and 72% strongly agreed it was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

A book is more than just a product – it’s a way to showcase your expertise, build credibility, and create new opportunities. Many authors see it as a transformative decision that enhances their professional reputation and positions them as leaders in their field.

For Helen Rowe, publishing her book was not only a personal milestone but also a professional turning point. Her book launch led to opportunities like creating a training course and featuring on BBC Sounds, expanding her influence far beyond her initial goals.

Similarly, Della Judd approached her book as a “giant business card,” designed to showcase her expertise and attract private clients. By focusing on aligning her book with her business vision, she was able to grow her client base and reposition her services in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

That’s why, when we work with clients, we focus on aligning the book with your vision and goals from the start to ensure it drives meaningful opportunities and positions you as an expert in your field. We also follow our proven Smart Author Systems which means you maximise your time and are more productive and efficient.

2. Costs and Profits by Publishing Model

The median book generated $18,200 in revenue, but traditional and hybrid publishing models showed higher returns. Authors spent a median of $7,000, with hybrid-published authors spending up to $23,000.

While higher revenues were linked to traditional and hybrid publishing, these models also came with significant upfront costs. Many authors faced unexpected expenses in areas like editing, design, and PR.

That’s why we help clients identify the investments that matter most and guide them in managing their budgets effectively to avoid unnecessary costs. We also focus on areas such as self-funding a book, so that you can work out how to recoup your investment and drive business growth, even before your book is published.

3. The Real ROI: Beyond Book Sales

90% of authors reported non-monetary value from their books, such as increased credibility, a stronger personal brand, and opportunities like podcast interviews and speaking gigs.

While book sales may seem like the most obvious measure of success, many authors find that the true value lies in the doors their books open. From speaking engagements to consulting work, a book often serves as a powerful tool for creating long-term impact.

For Yvonne Guerineau, publishing her book led to an unexpected revelation: readers were drawn to its self-development themes as much as its professional insights. This prompted Yvonne to rethink her business strategy, expanding her services to meet this newfound audience’s needs.

That’s why, when we work with authors, we always look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about helping you through the step-by-step process of writing a book, it’s about guiding you to use your book as a tool for growth, which is part of your wider ecosystem, and enabling you to leverage unexpected opportunities when they arise.

4. Marketing Tactics That Work

Top tactics included email campaigns, Amazon reviews, LinkedIn posts, podcast outreach, and book launches.

Marketing plays a crucial role in a book’s success. Nick Fewings, for example, uses his book creatively to market himself. When conferences couldn’t offer speaker fees, Nick negotiated bulk purchases of his book instead. This approach ensured his book reached attendees and often opened doors to new business opportunities. Recently, this strategy led to a keynote speaking engagement at the Houses of Parliament.

That’s why we encourage you to create your marketing plans early, so you can think strategically about how to use your books as tools for visibility and growth.

5. The Role of Strategy and PR

Books with a strong revenue strategy earned far more profit.

A successful book launch rarely happens by accident. The authors in the study who achieved the greatest returns often invested in strategies that aligned with their long-term goals. PR teams played a crucial role in amplifying their reach, while clear revenue strategies ensured their books became tools for sustained growth.

And this focus on strategy extends beyond launch day. If I consider other client examples, these include strategically linking books to consulting frameworks, using a book as a foundation for an online course, and many other examples of creating brand-new revenue streams.

That’s why, when we work with clients, we focus on building step-by-step strategies that align with your goals, ensuring your books deliver value long after launch.

6. The Role of a Book Mentor

Only 18% of authors in the study worked with a book mentor or writing coach, yet mentorship was often associated with higher levels of satisfaction and book success.

Writing a book is a deeply personal and professional journey, and the right guidance can make all the difference. A mentor brings experience, accountability, and clarity to the process, helping authors avoid common pitfalls and maximise their book’s potential.

In our podcast, Zana Goic Petricevic reflected on the impact of having a mentor during her writing journey: “Writing a book without a mentor risks your investment of time. A mentor challenges your clarity, your structure, your marketing, even your competition. It’s so important to have someone by your side because writing a book really is a process of growth.”

For Zana, mentorship was not just about finishing the book – it was about embracing her authority as an expert in her field, navigating doubts, and creating a book that would stand out in a competitive market.

Sarah Hamilton-Gill’s experience highlights the value of having a clear plan and the right support. She says: “Every business owner, coach, consultant has a book within them. And I wouldn’t do it alone. I would definitely get mentoring... and enjoy it because it is a really lovely feeling when you’ve gone through the process.” 

Sarah’s approach to writing her book was methodical and strategic. By aligning her book with her business goals and leveraging professional support, she ensured it became a cornerstone of her brand, opening doors to new opportunities.

That’s why we work closely with clients, guiding you every step of the way to ensure you make the right decisions each step of the journey so that your book delivers real results beyond book sales.

Take the Next Step in Your Book Journey

The A Comprehensive Study of Business Book ROI shows that writing a book can be a transformative experience – but success requires planning, strategy, and support.

If you’re ready to make your book the best decision you’ve ever made, please get in touch. We guide authors from idea to launch, offering personalised support, accountability, and marketing guidance to ensure your book delivers real results.

Want to find out more? Book a call with me here.

Want to explore the full report? You can access it here.

Want to listen to our author's experiences. You can listen to the podcast here.