Can publishing in Kindle be a sustainable main income source?

Yes, it can. My partner had self-published books on Kindle as their only income source for more than ten years before becoming unable to write, and still receives significant secondary income from backlist sales and Kindle Unlimited reads.

As I understand it, a bestseller might buy you a car, but it's the backlist that pays the monthly bills; you need to have multiple titles available for sale or on KU to have Kindle publishing as primary income.

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While some authors have reported success with Kindle publishing as a primary source of income, the question remains whether this can be a sustainable option for tech book writers. A key factor to consider is the level of visibility and discoverability that authors can achieve through Amazon's algorithms and promotional tools. Kindle Unlimited (KU) and Kindle Countdown Deals (KCDs) can provide a steady stream of income, but they are often tied to the visibility of the book on Amazon's bestseller lists. To increase the chances of success, authors may want to consider diversifying their platforms and distribution channels. For example, publishing e-books on other online retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, or Kobo Writing Life can help reduce dependence on Amazon and increase overall visibility. Additionally, authors may want to explore other revenue streams, such as audiobook production, podcasting, or affiliate marketing. Moreover, the business model of Kindle publishing is often based on a royalty structure that can be unpredictable. Authors may not receive a guaranteed monthly income, and sales can fluctuate significantly from month to month. To mitigate this risk, authors may want to consider building an email list or creating a newsletter to stay in touch with readers and promote their work. Ultimately, whether Kindle publishing can be a sustainable main income source for tech book writers depends on individual circumstances and the author's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and algorithms.