What percent per book does an author earn?

An author's earnings from a book vary greatly depending on the publisher, the author's reputation and negotiating power, and the format of the book (ebook, hardcover, paperback, audiobook, etc.). Generally, authors receive an advance payment against royalties, which are a percentage of the net sales of the book. Royalty rates vary widely, but as a benchmark, traditionally published authors typically earn around 10-12% of the list price of a hardcover book, 8-10% of the list price of a paperback book, and 20-25% of the net proceeds from ebook sales. Self-published authors may earn a higher percentage of sales, but they are also responsible for the costs of editing, formatting, marketing, and distribution.