I hope this helps give some insights into the self publishing space! Big thank you to today's sponsor, Campfire: www.campfirewriting.com/write/for-novelists?KZfaq&DG_Q1_23

This is so helpful. All you hear are the Cinderella stories or the failures, so it's great to hear about success that is just normal and based off building an audience through hard work.

The level of transparency you give with everything you do is really commendable, from the money donated to charity to your published works. This is an incredibly useful thing for up and coming authors so thank you!

To put those numbers in perspective, I recall Brandon Sanderson saying his first book sold roughly 11,000 copies in the first year of its release. Well done, Daniel!

As a writer currently working on self publishing their debut novel, I can’t overstate how much I appreciate you doing this, Daniel. Self publishing is a scary prospect, and resources like this give those of us in the process some really important points to consider. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Congratulations, I'm so glad your books were more successful than what you anticipated :)

Daniel I just gotta say I respect you so much, especially with how transparent you are when so many creators/writers wouldn't bother sharing any of this. I think this is incredibly helpful information to share for those trying to navigate publishing their first works. I have some pretty bad anxiety too so can relate a lot. While you may feel privileged , you've totally earned it with all the hard work you've put into your channel. Seriously, you're an awesome human being. Super proud of you dude!

Dude, you're just such an amazing person to the core. I absolutely respect your transparency about everything, makes you seem like a real, normal person and not just a youtuber putting on a personality for the camera. Love you and keep doing you.

My client made less than 10,000 on his first book upon initial release. However, the second book (Benchley) did better and helped to increase sales of the first book (Sheldon's Song). It helps to write multiple titles as they can each create deeper and more loyal fan baes.

As one of your older fans, I commend you on your professionalism and grace, Daniel. Not only are you a kind person, but you’re damn smart and funny, too. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here.

Hopeful indie author here! I’m sure I won’t get anywhere near your units, but your story is so informative and inspiring! Please make more about IngramSpark and other self publishing tools/avenues. You’re teaching me so much!! 😊

We're all super proud of you, this is a huge success and it is amazing, way to go goblin!

It's so wonderful you're being so transparent and sharing this info when so much of publishing is tricky for new authors to navigate - thank you! :)

As a small youtuber who's also an aspiring author, this is genuinely so helpful and inspiring. Thanks for the work you do!

Thanks for sharing something that very few if any creators would even consider doing. You are one of a kind. Also you went from a booktuber I intentionally avoided to one of my favorite KZfaqrs period. Love your content

Dude, as a fellow self-pub fantasy author, this is unbelievably useful, and I massively appreciate the transparency. Breach of Peace was an awesome read - well deserved!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your transparency! Sending all the good vibes, and hoping that it's all uphill from here! 😊

First... congratulations on your success Daniel. As an unpublished first-time author, I have pushed any thoughts of money into a dark place, only to be thought about after I had finished my project (a four-book series). As for the money, the bottom-line numbers have always been a mystery to me. What kind of money can an author really hope to make? Frankly, the information I have come across until now has not been very encouraging. This video was very insightful. And if I am really being honest... inspiring and motivating. Thank you for sharing. Fill a man with hope, and he will walk an extra mile.

I love the transparency- thank you! I’m just about finished revising my first novel and am excited to share it with the world.

That is so exciting for you! I have both of your books in the physical copies, and I am so excited for your next one! You should be so proud of yourself!

Jeez, Daniel's out here making me question staying with my day job. Seriously though, congrats dude. It's awesome that your books had such an incredible spread!

Your sharing results like this is greatly appreciated! Ten years and fifteen books after getting started in self-publishing, I've yet to gain much traction, so it's nice when people who have a leg up on things acknowledge it with grace and gratitude. You've worked no less diligently than anyone else, though, and your success is fully earned. Congrats!

You deserve everything, you've earned it, and your growth on KZfaq over the past years has been nothing short of inspiring. Wish you even more success in the future!

So glad I found this video. I'm happy you have found success publishing your work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us!

A lot of respect for the transparency. Very happy for your success and wish you the best with your future books!

I think it is really cool to see the success you've had. As a new KZfaqr in the writing/book sphere, it's always helpful to see what the actual numbers are for people trying to make a living via content creation, writing, freelancing, and otherwise self-employed. Been watching you for a long time and am always happy to see you reach these sorts of milestones!

You’re such a joy to support Daniel. You are a profoundly decent human.

Congratulations on the success of the books! And thanks for sharing this info. There's such a lack of financial transparency between artists and creators, and it is really helpful and even comforting to know this and understand your particular situation and the circumstances around you as a youtuber and self-published author. Keep up the good work and take care of yourself! And congrats on the house!

What a slam dunk! Congrats on the sales, it's crazy impressive & I hope it encourages you to continue to write in addition to maintaining the channel

My guy. I found you a couple years back when I was doing my first WoT re-read since AMoL was published, and I just wanted second screen content to nerd out on while I played games. Its been a journey since, and you've become pretty much the only booktube content creator I follow. I cannot imagine how surreal it must feel to hear your favorite narrators reading your own work. So fuckin' stoked for you.

I love how open you are and how amazing a human you are bud. Anxiety is a struggle, but you do amazing my friend. I cannot wait for Neon Ghosts

Transparency around costs and money earned and all that stuff is soooo important, so I commend you for this video!

I really like how humble you are and how you strive to be better. It's really refreshing to see someone who cares about people more than money and fame.

I'm just glad this means you'll keep making books! I couldn't read them when they came out but I'm working my way through the second audiobook now and enjoying it.

Thanks for the ever being transparent with us! I'm happy for your success, it's well deserved (speaking both as a subscriber & a reader of your work) ^^

Transparency is the way to go. Thanks for the insight, very helpful. And congrats on the numbers, very well deserved.

Thank you sir for everything you have done with your books. I went to my local bookstore and saw two copies of Breach of Peace, a pretty underrated book for all the schlock coming out nowadays.

I really appreciate how transparent you are about this

thank you for doing this video, it's very kind of you. i love yt celebrities because you guys are so grateful for everything you have and put your fans first, it's truly heartwarming.

TY for being so open about the costs and results. Not everyone would do that. And congrats on the success!

I'm so happy for you! As a teenager that was my dream but it has become apparent that I'm really more of an ideas person than a get it written until completion person. I just can't stick with one idea long enough. I could never really picture my name on a cover anyways so it's cool. I'll perfect my fantasy world one day and maybe I figure something out to do with it. But you are truly an wonderful inspiration, Goblin King!

Thank you sooo much for sharing this it's actually really helpful. Selling almost 30k copies in two years is very impressive, even with a big platform! Incredible work!

I listened to the books here on KZfaq and enjoyed them. Thanks for putting them out there for everyone!

This was really really REALLY helpful and educational. Wow. Thank you SO. MUCH. Daniel. Your continued transparency and encouragement for people to start writing is awesome. Thank you.

This is Giga Chad transparency, Daniel! Thanks so much for being so awesome and self-aware. ✨ I actually think this is a wonderful dose of motivation for some of us who write with a guilty conscience, worrying that writing is a waste of time and never financially beneficial.

As someone who intends on self publishing this year, this video was incredibly insightful. Thank you!

Thank you for doing this video. Very useful. Congrats again on the books doing so well.

I always appreciate the transparency you bring to every project you work on!

Big congrats Daniel! Any privilege you feel that you have is completely earned by the work you've put in building your channel. As an aside, despite watching many self publishing videos, I didn't know until you mentioned it that Google sold books!

I predicted a cool 100k, but to see that you made more warmed my heart, damn, that's the good stuff. Seeing your success encourages my own ambitions forwards. Congrats Daniel, you've earnt your success, and I look forward to reading and listening to more of your work!

Thank you for your transparency and congratulations on your success! Best of luck on the upcoming books !!

Massively respect your transparency and well done on the success of your books, really glad the response to them went above and beyond even your most optimistic expectations!

No matter what, every indie author needs a platform so readers can find them and buy their books.

Thank you for doing this. It's commendable and inspiring to be honest. I've always wanted to write and independently publish. It's good to know what could be, even if it's the exception to the norm for those without an established marketing platform. Well done, Sir!

So happy for you and well deserved - thank you for your insights! Can’t wait for Neon Ghosts!

Soo grateful for you being transparent, really gives a lot of motivation and direction for young authors like me. THANKS❤🎉

I have Breach of Peace in paperback, and although I thought it was rough, I’m looking forward to reading your new book (rebels creed too)

Aa much as it was obviously your first attempt at publishing, and it did have issues, I enjoyed the hell out of both of them, and the least I could do for all the years of hard work and books you've turned me onto over the last 4 years was to read yours! Really excited for the new book, but can't wait to get past the two book prologue (taking notes from Iordan, eh?) And to the main story! Either way. Thanks for the transparency and all you do!

Thank you for this video! I will pick up one of your books -looking forward to adding you to my collection! Best of luck for your future book!

Mad respect for being transparent like this. Absolutely invaluable. And also, just, congrats. You couldn't be much more deserving of your success.

holy crap, im glad you were so successful. i wasn't ready for those numbers. glad you shared this with us as reveal financials is really personal and can attract unwanted ire.

This is awesome, Daniel. Your humility, honesty, and vulnerability is, to be honest, genuinely inspiring. Not only on the channel as a reader, but also as an author in how you conduct yourself here. Plus, as an indie-published author myself, I simply appreciate this video for its practical wisdom and helpfulness. And dude, I’m so happy for you in this blossoming career. Almost 30,000 copies? Amazing. I can’t even fathom. I published my horror novel through IngramSpark at the end of September last year (and oh, man, I agree, their design tools and all were brutally frustrating). I had low expectations but, like you-despite my paralyzing uncertainty in the face of self promotion and marketing-I feel incredibly lucky with the mild success my book has seen. It received a positive Kirkus Review, and one from SF Book Review. Barnes & Noble approved it for distribution to their top horror stores. And, in 6 months, it’s sold now over 1,000 copies, which isn’t substantial in comparison to many things, I know. But for me that is still a mind blowing number, just as surreal as the positive reviews the book is getting from readers. It feels like such a surreal dream come true. This video is such a valuable resource, plus an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

congrats on all of the success thus far! appreciate the transparency around the costs and income!

I'm happy it went so well, I hope your next book will be even better! 🎉❤

I know it's considered cool to just shit on youtubers and social media personalities for being successful at their jobs, but I really can't say enough how happy I am for you man. You made something you love and its loving you back. I hope I likewise can publish a story in the future. Till then, Im cheering for you. Cant imagine a more deserving indy author, cheers!

Man I subscribed to your channel in early 2019 and it's been really incredible seeing the growth of both the channel itself and your career. From telling me why I should read Wheel of Time (I did and it was awesome) to being self-published to a trad publishing deal. It's been super inspiring and this channel was a big part of me switching to a librarian career path. I'm looking forward to the day when you've got a big Tor-published best seller I can stick on my Staff Picks shelf!

Love you man keep doing what you are doing! Super happy to hear the books are doing well

I quit my PhD, currently work in customer service, and am counting the days until I can cut my hours to write. Thanks for putting this out there!

Firstly, it's not an 'unfair advantage' when you built an entire (successful) youtube channel and subsequent community with your sweat and effort. That's part of the sauce and it's good, honest work. Outside of that, these insights are super important for upcoming authors. Really informative and gives a lot of great perspective for aspiring writers such as myself. Cheers buddy, let yourself have the moment. Thank you.

Well done! Thank you for sharing these numbers as well, it really helps people set expectations and plan their own approach to writing.

So happy for you! 🎉 Thanks for sharing this info with us.

This was awesome and really informative- thanks for sharing this!

So admirable that you're this transparent and authentic about all of this.

Lol a sincere thank you with those crazy contacts was hilarious 🤣

I think it's cool that you're so open with this. I can't think of many people that would share that kind of info. Good on ya. I found it informative.

First there was Brandon "B-Money" Sanderson. And now we have the second apostle, Daniel "D-Money" Greene

Really happy to see your success on these books, personally I believe you deserve all success you receive! Appreciate the transparency as well and cool to see the insights of this type of world. The battle of anxiety is a ongoing struggle but super proud (idk if that’s the right word but ima roll with it) to see you take another step in that journey ❤

I love that you did this. I wish every author was honest about their sales and how well their books do. I'm always impressed with how you handle things in the industry. Thank you!

Love the transparency! Thanks for sharing.

Really happy to know that with right tools, you can be successful as author. I'm nearing a year after publishing on amazon and it's mostly kindle income with 0 physicals sold. good luck to any incoming authors to not give up and keep writing!

Keep the look. Loving it.

Thanks for sharing and congrats! Can't wait to listen to the audiobooks now that they are on KZfaq!

Been looking forward to this! Thanks for sharing!!

I'm so excited for Neon Ghosts! I love the cover so much! Can't wait to see how your writing develops over time :)

Its an amazing success and conrats. Me and cats are sending all the love and hoping your next books will be bigger success and inflate sale of already published ones :)

thank you for this, I just encouraged my friend to watch this as she's a writer and these insights are really helpful!

This was very helpful insight on the self publishing space and a huge congratulations to you for exceeding your expectations on your books .

Thank you for this video! :) I'm so appreciative of your transparency, not only in your sales but in your mental health too. With my first book published I've been struggling to make any content or progress on book 2. Because of my ADHD and anxiety, I even went through the same video-plans-fading-into-the-constant-tension-I-feel. XD It's so encouraging to see you find your way through that, cause it gives me hope I will too.

Daniel, your success is more than well earned! Sure you have the advantage of your audience backing, but don't underplay the fact that you've worked super hard to get that in the first place! We are all so proud of how far you've come, both as a content creator and an author; I'm sure I can speak for all of us when I say I can't wait to see what's in store for you next 😊 I personally appreciate your transparency throughout your career. It makes you come across as a genuine guy, rather than a fake personality. I also find this sort of information interesting, and highly beneficial to those looking into self publishing. It gives them a starting point, as not many people are willing to talk personal finances. Thanks Daniel, keep up with the great content, have a great day, peace ✌😊

Echoing the respect for the transparency you are demonstrating. So rare. And just cool to see this and understand how numbers sold translates into profit.

Glad you did well with these! I read Breach of Peace recently and had a lot of fun with it. Reading Rebel's Creed soon!

I can't believe quirky-yet-relatable KZfaqr Daniel Greene would dunk on us with all of the money he made from his books! Seriously, this was fascinating. We get a peek at the guts of self publishing that is usually relegated to the shadows thanks to you. It's important to know what realistic expectations should look like so aspiring authors can appropriately temper expectations.

Daniel please do a self publishing masterclass, even if you have to charge for it, like a Patreon exclusive or something. Your previous video on it with Evan Winter was very useful, but some of us could use a more detailed breakdown

Thank you for sharing this! The transparency is so greatly appreciated.

Congrats! Thanks for sharing. The breakdown was interesting. Would love to see another breakdown in the future. I think it’s inspiring.

You've done a great job on KZfaq as well as in your self-publishing. The thing I love the most is how you continue to focus on getting better. The thing A lot of people do not realize and I think you do now. Is the impact of momentum. If you have 1,000 people who are willing to go out and buy your book on day one you will jump to the top of the charts. Which will then grab the attention mainstream readers and chart Watchers.

Don’t sell yourself short sir. I own physical copies of BOTH of your books. You have a great talent. The fact that you made both of your audio books available on youtube is simply incredible. I think I shall go listen to them both. Looking forward to what is next. Your advocacy for independent authors warms my heart. I am an unpublished author myself. This inspires me to push forward for the sheer joy of it.

Like the other comments, thanks for being transparent. You are the one who got me started reading the wheel of time series. 😊

Thank you for sharing this! As someone who's been looking back into the business side of writing after initially trying to get published twenty-three years ago (when it was a very different landscape), watching your journey into self-publishing has been fascinating. I hope you continue sharing that writing/publishing journey with us! It has been an invaluable resource for me, as both a springboard for researching what needs to go into indie publishing, as well as some numbers to at least chew on. Thank you again! Can't wait to dive into Breach of Peace!

These contacts are genuinely unsettling. Please agree to never wear those again and I’ll agree to keep buying your books. 😂