How much could a first time author expect to make from writing and selling a book?
70
The major problem a new writer will face going the traditional route of submitting to a publisher is the split of the revenue. Additionally do not be disappointed if a publisher takes three months to do the business.
The approx. cost / revenue splits are;-
- Production cost – 10% to 12%
- Bookstore margin – 30% to 40%
- Distribution cost – 12% to 15%
- Publisher margin – 25% to 35%
- Author - 10% or thereabouts, maybe up to 15%.
(perhaps paid monthly but more likely quarterly to begin with.)
Normally the author receives a payment before the book is printed, this is called the author's advance, if this is a first book and you do not have a portfolio of magazine publications, solid self publishing sales, or literary prizes or awards or famous literary relatives then your advance will be small. However if your book is accepted then this is a very positive step.
You could be talking in the range of hundreds to several thousands of dollars to tens of thousands depending on a number of factors,
- your public profile,
- the genre your book is written in
- the size of the book
- forward plans, for example more in the series
- an analysis of your web profile
- sales in other areas, for example music or film
Under the self publishing model the costs are a little different;-
- Production cost – 20% to 30% (for low volume POD*)
- Bookstore margin – 30% to 40%
- Distribution cost – 15% to 20%
- Author - 35% or thereabouts
(POD = print on demand)
More Resources on the Money
- Professional Writers Association of Canada
The Professional Writers Association of Canada have a very detailed page on What to Pay Writers. - Free Resources for Writers
The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the professional association of independent nonfiction writers. some excellent advice and information here.
Social Media Impact
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Now with sites like Hubpages, Facebook and various social media sites together with your own web presence you must be able to demonstrate to any prospective publisher that you are active in your marketplace. The crucial measurement here is that you have readers (fans) calling for more more... You must not pay the publisher, Self publishing is a very acceptable alternative route.
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thanks Petra, because of the change in technology and distribution the whole area of book publishing is undergoing significant change. Traditionally authors got the least % and I think it is long past time for this to change.
Very interesting and informative, also gave me some interesting leads
@triplet... that's great that it was of benefit.. thank you
Thank you for such detail. It definitely helps. What I want is to continue to self publish with promotion of a traditional publisher! That would be hot!!! Peace
Hey Treasure... thanks for the comment, I'm in the process of setting up my own little publishing house, we should talk in due course :-)
How do you know who to tust, when looking or sharing your book too find the best that knows you are the number one best seller or could be if!had that bach up.
@Sonita... that's easy, you cannot trust anyone !!
This may sound harsh but it is all capitalism and the buyer of your output wants to make the most money they can, hence the terms are in their favour not yours.
It may be good to consider an agent depending on the subject matter but they need to be a good match for the segment of the market you are targeting, you need to research about contracts, you need to be familiar with copyright and different kinds of rights... e.g. EBooks rights, film rights, foreign rights.
Always Always before you sign you should have a lawyer look at the contract terms because it is all about the best terms.
Petra Vlah Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago
Very interesting and informative hub. The more we know, the better. Thank you