🕒 Read time: 5 minutes.
So… your book speaks English.
But what if it could speak five more languages?
In this post, we’re breaking down:
- The 10 most spoken languages in the world (and where your next readers are hiding)
- Which languages are hot for nonfiction and self-help authors
- Why global publishing is easier—and more profitable—than most authors realize
- How to start thinking like an international author, not just an indie one
Stick around—we’re not just talking stats. We’re talking sales. 💸 Let’s dive in.
The World Speaks More Than English
Yes, English dominates online spaces. But when it comes to readers? Buyers? Global influence? English isn’t the only player in the game.
Here are the top 10 most spoken languages worldwide (based on native + second-language speakers):
- English – 1.5 billion
- Mandarin Chinese – 1.1 billion
- Hindi – 609 million
- Spanish – 559 million
- French – 274 million
- Modern Standard Arabic – 274 million
- Bengali – 273 million
- Russian – 258 million
- Portuguese – 258 million
- Urdu – 231 million
You read that right: Over 6 billion people speak at least one of these languages.
And here’s the part most authors miss:
Many of them read. A lot.
Where Readers—and Royalties—Are Growing
Let’s get even more specific. If you’re a nonfiction or self-help author, which languages are worth translating into?
Based on reading habits, Amazon reach, and genre trends, here are the power picks:
📘 Spanish
We’ve already talked about this here, but it bears repeating:
120+ million Spanish-speaking readers on Amazon across the U.S., Mexico, and Spain.
Genres doing well: self-help, parenting, spirituality, productivity
📗 German
Germany has a huge appetite for nonfiction, especially wellness, psychology, and business.
Amazon.de is a major marketplace, and German readers love audiobooks, too.
📙 Portuguese
Brazil is a massive and often overlooked market. If your book covers mindset, finance, or relationships, get in there.
Bonus: Portuguese also gives you access to Portugal’s growing ebook market.
📕 Japanese
Japan has a high literacy rate and a strong ebook infrastructure. Translations need cultural care, but the reward? Loyal, detail-oriented readers.
📒 Chinese (Simplified)
Tricky? Yes. But the potential is off the charts. You’ll likely publish outside Amazon here (e.g., WeChat Reading), but nonfiction sells well when localized properly.
📓 Italian
Italian readers are surprisingly hungry for personal development content. Competition is still low. Think: calm wisdom meets fiery passion.
But Can Translation Be Expensive?
It can be—but it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s what we tell authors:
Don’t start with every language. Start with one.
And make it one that:
✅ Matches your genre
✅ Has Amazon reach
✅ Has a growing demand but low competition
Spanish and German are often the smartest entry points. Once your systems are in place, adding more languages gets easier—and cheaper.
FAQs: Language Edition
Q: Will I need different covers for different languages?
Usually, yes—at least when it comes to titles and subtitles. Even visual preferences vary by market, so it’s worth tweaking.
Q: Do I need to market separately in each language?
Eventually, yes. But starting with organic discoverability on Amazon (via keywords + categories) can still get you sales without a full campaign.
Q: Can I sell audiobooks in other languages, too?
Absolutely—and some authors actually make more from foreign-language audiobooks than their English ones.
Think Like a Global Author
If you’ve only published in English, you’ve probably tapped into about 20% of your book’s potential.
Translation isn’t about ego. It’s about access.
About sharing your work with people who need it, but haven’t been able to read it.
Imagine your book helping a college student in Mexico.
A working mom in Brazil.
A startup founder in Berlin.
That’s not just reach. That’s legacy.
What To Do Next
Curious which language is the best next step for your book?
Go ahead and book a call with our team!
Get in touch with us at Genius Authors
We’ll map out a game plan tailored to your genre, goals, and budget.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media: @geniusauthors.
We’re always sharing tips, success stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a multilingual author.
Let’s build your global author brand—one language at a time. 🌍📚
