Tell Your Story: Why More Writers Are Self-Publishing
- Palms West Journal
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
Self-published titles grew by 7.2% in 2023 and more than double what the industry produced a decade ago.
Sponsored Content
More people than ever are taking control of their own stories. According to Bowker, a U.S.-based company that issues ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers), the number of self-published titles grew by 7.2% in 2023—reaching more than 2.6 million books, more than double what the industry produced a decade ago. Meanwhile, traditional publishing output fell by 3.6%. The message is clear: writers are no longer waiting for permission to be heard.
“Continued growth is being fueled in part by the emergence of a growing number of increasingly efficient and user-friendly services,” said Bowker marketing manager Andy Kovacs. Those tools have made it easier than ever for anyone with a story—whether it’s a novel, memoir, cookbook, or poetry collection—to bring their work to readers.
For many authors, self-publishing isn’t just an alternative—it’s empowerment. Unlike traditional publishing, where writers often face years of waiting and countless rejections, self-publishing puts creative and financial control directly in the author’s hands. And because the costs are far lower than traditional routes, authors keep a much larger share of their earnings.
The numbers back it up. Amazon reports that writers using Kindle Direct Publishing have earned more than $3.5 billion in royalties since the launch of Kindle Unlimited, with $650 million paid out in the past year alone. Add in print and e-book sales across other platforms, and self-published authors are generating well over $3 billion in annual revenue.
But beyond the money, the real value lies in access and authenticity. Self-publishing has become a home for niche voices and underrepresented storytellers—people whose experiences might not fit a corporate publisher’s marketing plan but whose perspectives resonate deeply with readers.
In a world where technology has leveled the playing field, self-publishing allows anyone with a story to tell to take their words from idea to finished book. Whether you dream of inspiring others, preserving your family’s legacy, or putting that big idea out into the world, self-publishing gives you the power to make it happen.
Learn more about our sponsor, Dorrance Publishing, and discover how to bring your book to life.
