Earn from Selling Books in Sri Lanka
It is a viable income opportunity for Sri Lankans to sell books through both physical and digital channels. This method encompasses selling new books, used books, rare collections, and self-published works through online marketplaces like Daraz, social media platforms, and dedicated websites. With internet penetration at 53.6% and e-commerce revenue expected to reach $2.61 billion by 2025, digital book sales are increasingly accessible. Self-publishing platforms enable authors to write and sell books globally without traditional publishing barriers. Book sellers can focus on educational materials (given Sri Lanka's emphasis on education), specialized local content, or rare editions that appeal to collectors. This business requires inventory management skills and market knowledge but offers reasonable profit margins, especially when dealing with niche titles or self-published works that highlight Sri Lankan culture, history, or contemporary issues.
What is Selling Books Money Making Method?
Writing and self-publishing books on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or selling through local bookstores.
Earning Potential 📈
- Margins - 30–50% on new books; rare editions yield 100–300% profits.
- Platforms - 60% sell via Facebook; Amazon sellers report 20% higher prices.
- Genres - Academic/children’s books sell fastest locally.
How Make Money Online Selling Books Works?
Earn from Selling Books in Sri Lanka,Write and format books, publish through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or local publishers, market to target audiences, and earn royalties (typically 35-70% for e-books) based on sales.
Skills & Resources Needed 🎯
- Writing skills - For original books or knowledge of literature
- Publishing knowledge - Understanding publishing options
- Marketing abilities - Promoting books effectively
- Inventory management - If selling physical books
- Computer with reliable internet - For e-book creation/management
- Publishing platform accounts - Amazon KDP, IngramSpark
- Book design software - For formatting and covers
- ISBN numbers - For book identification
- Storage space - For physical book inventory
- Shipping supplies - For sending physical books
Best Ways to Learn It?
Best Way to Learn to Earn From Selling Books in Sri Lanka
Free Methods to Learn to Earn From Selling Books in Sri Lanka
- Study online marketplaces like Daraz and ikman.lk
- Join Sri Lankan bookseller Facebook groups
- Research book pricing strategies on YouTube
- Follow successful local bookstores on social media
Affordable Methods to Learn to Earn From Selling Books in Sri Lanka
- Attend book fairs in Colombo and other major cities
- Purchase e-books on book retail business
- Take short courses on e-commerce (under Rs. 10,000)
- Subscribe to bookselling industry newsletters
Paid Methods to Learn to Earn From Selling Books in Sri Lanka
- Complete retail management certification
- Invest in inventory management software
- Hire an experienced bookstore owner as consultant
- Attend international publishing and book retail conferences
How to Get Started 🚀
- Source books through wholesalers, distributors, or second-hand markets
- Identify profitable niches (textbooks, rare books, or special interests)
- Create inventory system to track books and condition
- Set up shops on Daraz, eBay, or specialized book marketplaces
- Take quality photos and write accurate descriptions of condition
Pros ✅
- Multiple formats available (print, ebook, audiobook)
- Opportunity to showcase Sri Lankan stories and perspectives
- Print-on-demand options eliminate inventory risks
- Potential for passive income from backlist titles
Cons ❌
- Limited local market for specialized books
- International shipping costs
- Storage space requirements
- Competition from major online retailers
Earning Platforms 💰
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing - Self-publish eBooks targeting Sri Lankan readers
- Sarasavi.lk (local) - Sell physical books through Sri Lanka’s largest bookstore chain
- Facebook Marketplace - Advertise secondhand textbooks/novels in local groups
Helpful Tools 👨💻
Free Tools
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) - Publish eBooks for free and earn royalties.
- Google Docs - Write and format books for free.
- Canva - Design eBook covers and promotional graphics.
- Instagram - Promote books with quotes and reviews.
- Payhip (Free Tier) - Sell eBooks with no upfront costs.
- Goodreads - Join author groups and promote books to readers.
- Mailchimp (Free Plan) - Build an email list for book launches.
- Facebook Groups - Share book excerpts in niche communities.
Paid Tools
- Amazon KDP - Self-publish print/eBooks and earn royalties.
- Blurb - Professional book printing and distribution service.
- BookFunnel - Deliver eBooks and grow reader email lists.
Scam Alerts 🚨
Be wary of publishing services requiring high fees with unrealistic sales promises. Verify distributor payment terms and reporting transparency. Watch for unauthorized reproduction of your work online. Be cautious of book promotion services charging high fees without guaranteed results.
Conclusion
It is a viable income opportunity for Sri Lankans to sell books through both physical and digital channels. This method encompasses selling new books, used books, rare collections, and self-published works through online marketplaces like Daraz, social media platforms, and dedicated websites. With internet penetration at 53.6% and e-commerce revenue expected to reach $2.61 billion by 2025, digital book sales are increasingly accessible. Self-publishing platforms enable authors to write and sell books globally without traditional publishing barriers. Book sellers can focus on educational materials (given Sri Lanka's emphasis on education), specialized local content, or rare editions that appeal to collectors. This business requires inventory management skills and market knowledge but offers reasonable profit margins, especially when dealing with niche titles or self-published works that highlight Sri Lankan culture, history, or contemporary issues.
