(Updated May 2011)
I get asked this question a lot. Actually, I get asked “So, have you made your first million yet?” a lot (the answer to that is no, not even close!). I think it must be all the news stories about JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer and those celebs who write books and get 6 figure or multi-million dollar advances (I wish).
A New York Times bestselling author (her sixth book debuted at #19 on the mass market list) has posted up her earnings on the book and just (Nov 09) posted up another follow up royalty statement (you should read both of them to get the whole picture–and also the comments). It’s a great blog post and gives you an idea of what authors *really* earn on their books.
Keep in mind that I’m a YA author and that we tend to get smaller advances (much! — my first advance was nowhere near $50,000.00. — though also keep in mind that an advance is just that…an advance against the royalties your book will earn…kind of a pay me now or pay me later kind of thing…) YA books also don’t tend to have nearly as large a print run (especially first timers like me). I think my first print run was around 20,000 (and honestly, I’m not exactly sure…those royalty statements are hard to read!).
As you read that, you should also keep in mind that she’s talking about ONE book and it’s a mass market paperback. To really get an idea of what your potential income is, you need to consider that you’ll (hopefully) get to the point where you have more than one book in print, that your earnings will be very different on a hardback vs. a paperback vs. a mass market paperback, and that even one book can generate multiple revenue streams (foreign language editions, eBooks, Kindle, audio books, etc.). So just looking at numbers for ONE book in ONE format really only gives you the tip of the iceberg.
So anyway, read on and see what you think. I bet it will surprise a lot of you!
There are some other things you should know too (so many people stumble upon this post according to the logs, I figured I’d clarify things some more):
- Most publishing houses send out royalty checks twice a year. Some send them out quarterly. Advances, though, are generally paid upon contract signing & delivery (1/2 on one, 1/2 on the other), though sometimes this can be split into three payments. It all depends on your contract.
- Depending on your contract, you can earn additional money off of a single book by selling to foreign publishers and audio book publishers. Each of those sales is like a new contract with new terms. For instance, I’ve also sold the Spanish, Czech, French and Croatian rights to Sucks to Be Me. However, you have to take out foreign taxes and what not. It also takes a while for all of the contracts to go through and for the books to actually come out. You can also sell movie/tv rights. NOTE: when I say the foreign rights can take a looooong time to pan out, I’m serious.
- If you can write a few books a year (and sell them!), you can make a decent living as an author. As long as a book is in print and selling it is generating income for you (albeit 2 to 4 times a year when most people get paid every two weeks). But if you’re a one book a year or less author, it would have to sell a boatload of copies for you to live off of it. Seriously. A boatload. Like Queen Mary sized. Ellen Hopkins made an excellent point — it makes a huge difference whether or not we’re talking hardback sales vs. mass market paperback sales. The numbers are different. She’s generally a one book a year author and does pretty well — though she also sells quite a few books now that she’s built up a following.
There’s also a difference between trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks. This article from the NY Times covers it well. And all of it, of course, depends on what’s in your contract — i.e. what percentage the author gets and whether it is off of the cover price or (essentially) the publisher’s price (sorry, I forget the exact term). - The author gets a small percent of the total price of a book. Me, I got something around a $1 per hardback sold on my first book. It varies completely by contract (and is a good reason to have an agent since that’s the stuff they negotiate). The publisher also gets a percent, though I’m not sure exactly what % that is (I imagine it varies with every book and every publisher). Everyone has a piece of the pie (distributors too).
- If you have an agent (which I do now, but didn’t for the first book), they also take a %.
So basically…money is not a reason to write. Or rather, it shouldn’t be “the” reason. You write because you have stories to tell. Because it is something you love to do. Because you can’t imagine not doing it. You don’t write because you think you’re going to be the next Stephen King or J. K. Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.
Update: And read this post by Author/Agent Mandy Hubbard. That really breaks it down for you. Though keep in mind that epublishing is changing the marketplace in many ways. Everything I’ve talked about here is so-called “traditional” publishing. I really can’t comment on those writers that have gone the solely epublished route as I haven’t done that myself.
So far my royalties run in the hundreds of dollars.
drtombibey.wordpress.com
Definitely every author is different and it depends on so many factors. But I thought it was great for a NYT bestselling author to post actual figures. Kind of takes away some of the mystique!
I won $3.ooo.ooo for one book
and plus royalies : $1.ooo
Kozmos
Currently, I am working on getting my children’s book published. A publishing company researcher discovered my manuscript at the Library of Congress Office in Washington,
D. C. for copyright. This publishing company has written me twice, in reference, to the manuscript. They want to draw up a contract.
Do publishing companies always charge fees up front. This publishing company charges $6000 to $10,000. They offer publishing, promotions, marketing, they say book signing
appearances and warehousing. Also, included eBookstore, Amazon Kindle, digital form,
Android phones, the iPhone, the iPad, the iPad touch, the Nook, the Sony Reader,
I emailed you back
I got the same offer they told me to publish my book it would cost 6,000-10,000. They also talked about book signings and promotion i dont know where to belive them.
I’m writing a book but im skeptical about if it will even get published
Oh, don’t give up already!
You never know. It is hard work and it’s often not the first book you finish that you get published (every time you write, you get better). So don’t give up! Besides, you’re still young!
thanks so much for the advice!
Kimpauley,
I need your expertise, too. Please read REPLY I sent to Kozmos. Thanks very much for your posted Comments. In the future I plan to do spinoffs from this children’s book.
lovealways_eternal@yahoo.com
do you write your book with pen or with computer?
I’m mostly a computer person, but I do pick up a pen now and again, especially if an idea hits while I’m away from my laptop.
Kozmo,
I wrote my manuscript with a pen. It is saved on a flash drive.
Hi Kimberly, first of all thank you for this post, I needed it. I’m thinking of becoming a writer, not because of the money, as I see it’s not so good, but because I truly enjoy writing and I actually have the talent to write. But lately, I’ve been having doubts. Does being a writer mean I HAVE to have a day job to make a living? Also, I read on your bio that you studied Young adult Literature and science fiction. I wanted to have a focus on creative writing..I guess I’ll have a master’s so I can be a teacher or something…I just think it sucks ..I wish I could just sit down and devote myself to the book without being broke haha =D And I can write a few books a year even now as a seventeen year old I write books in just a matter of months…
Sorry for the lengthy comment..A reply would be much appreciated!!
It is definitely possible to make a living — a good living even — as a writer. You don’t *have* to have a day job, especially when you are established and have (preferably) more than one book a year and are selling your foreign rights, maybe doing a lot of speaking engagements, etc. However, that’s not likely to happen in the beginning. Possible, but not likely. I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but that’s the boat that a lot of writers I know are in. And remember, you don’t get a regular bi-weekly paycheck as a writer. Most just get paid twice a year.
But don’t let it discourage you. Just realize that it is a job and it takes a lot of work, but it’s also a very rewarding one. And ultimately, if you’re a writer, you’re a writer…
Thank you SO much for writing about this. This is one of those topics that everyone is curious about, but very few people will actually ask, due to it being almost like a “taboo” subject (one is not supposed to ask another about his/her salary, I believe). So this was an eye-opening post. Now I can stop speculating so much and have some real numbers to work with!
No problem. I’m trying to see if I can get 4 other authors to also post their own figures and I’ll post mine as well. The more information out there the better!
Hound your fav author 
It was excellent of you to post this because aspiring writers need to know the truth. The Stephenie Meyers and J.K. Rowlings are not the norm. While my book hasn’t sold yet (cross your fingers for me, my agent just sent it out to editors!) I don’t expect to live on the income it generates. Not initially at least. Like you said, if you write (and sell) several books, then maybe you can pull in a decent income. Of course every writer hopes their book will be as big as Twilight or Harry Potter, but it’s important to stay grounding and know what to expect. Bravo for you! Most people won’t divulge this stuff.
Hey! Thank you for your post It really helps, especially the advice at the end
All the best
However, just out of curiosity, do you have any idea about poetry books?
They sell a lot less than novels and regular books right??
Thank you very much for your help and kindness
David — do make sure you read the entire series of posts too
It depends on the type of poetry books. For instance, Ellen (you’ll see her numbers in one of the posts — and I hope I someday hit them!) writes poetry books. But they are basically novels told in poetry and not collections of poetry — does that make sense? There are quite a few wonderful author/poets out there that write that way (Tanya Lee Stone, April Halse Wayland, Ron Koertge, etc.) and they’ve had quite a bit of success. Of course, these are all YA authors (I don’t really know a great deal about the adult market).
I do suspect that poetry collections or chapbooks do sell less, but I have no numbers to back that up. I simply don’t know.
Best of luck to you!
I have written already three books…they are still in the editing phases but i just love to write, read, and think up of crazy stories…im a young writer still in her teens. Anyways i was wondering how long does it take to get a book published and how much do first time writers get from their books?
Thanks for your help
Hi Carol! If you read through the whole series of linked posts, you’ll get a better idea of what first time writers make
How long really depends on so many factors. I’ve known people it’s taken only a year and others that it took 15 years.
Since I just got my book published on luLu.com, what are the chances of me earning anything? Should I publish more books on that website?
I don’t have any experience with LuLu and really couldn’t say. It all really depends on you and your books and your marketing efforts.
I saw your comments, and I am aware that it varies on how much you get paid. I have written some children’s books. I published myself at a copy place such as Staples. I sent in one of my story books in to a couple o publishers. One of them won’t accept unsolicated books, and the other one won’t accept it because the book wasn’t suitable or the publishing company.
\i just got a book published on the website called Lulu. \how well will my book sell? \is there a chance that \i might make a good salary.
I would say to keep trying — two or three rejections is really nothing in this industry and there are lots of publishers/agents to try. I’d also say to research the houses before you send as well, to make sure your book is a good fit for their list.
Hi, I know this was posted long ago but I’m hoping you still reply to comments! I will be joining the United States Air Force in around four years. (I have to get my bachelor’s first with a program they have called ROTC). I will commission as an officer and will be making around 33k a year (on my first year of service) and around 43k (second to third year) and around 58k on my fourth year. I’m not here to brag about money but to ask you something. I know publishing a book is often expensive (specially if you get a lot of advertising to go with it) Do you think that with my future salary I can successfully publish a book with good advertising? (I’m not talking about how much I will make for it but how much I will spend on it) Keep in mind most of my expenses (such as living and food) are paid by the military..Also, let’s say the book sells quite well..Would that give me enough spare cash to let’s say..take a little family vacation? I want you to know by the way I write because I love it..but if I can get some money out of it..then why not? =) Thank you, and sorry for the long comment!
Hi Yulia! Okay, first off, unless you decide to self publish, YOU shouldn’t be spending any money on a book! In fact, YOU should GET PAID. I’m not saying you shouldn’t self publish (it can be the right choice for some people), but I wouldn’t automatically assume that’s the way to go. The first step is to write the best book you can (though remember that it isn’t always the first book that you wind up getting published), do your research and submit to agents/editors, and hopefully get traditionally published. Except in rare cases (or the marketing and distribution systems change radically over the next few years), a self-published book never sees a wide readership. If you want your book out there where people can read it and buy it, then I’d say traditional publishing is what you should aim for. Join the appropriate writing organizations (I’m part of SCBWI, for instance), join critique groups (in person or online), etc. It can take time, but if you love it, then go for it!
Hi! I just got contacted by a publisher. They are going ahead with my project (a collection of poetry for a teacher resource). They are sending me a contract soon and I am so thrilled. It has been five years to make this happen. Here is my question. They do not give out royalties. Instead, they just buy your book with an advance. Does this mean my advance would be bigger than average? What do you think it would be? It wouldn’t surprise me if it was $500 or $10,0000???
Well, I’m a little confused, honestly. An Advance is an advance against royalties. Meaning basically that you get a payment up front against your expected royalties. Are they doing this instead as a work for hire with a flat fee? Do you keep any rights? You might want to talk to the Authors Guild or a lawyer who specializes in publishing stuff.
Hi. Thank you for your response. I just got contacted again and found out that I would get a fee of $500. This does not seem like very much! Do you think I should ask if it is negotiable? Help…
Well, I don’t really have any experience with that type of thing, honestly. It doesn’t seem like much to me either, especially since it’s just a one time thing. Of course, I’ve been paid as little as $15 for a short story before. But I’m not really sure what the going rate is for poetry. Where would the book be available?
You might want to see if you can find someone with experience with poetry books and/or someone from the Author’s Guild who knows about those types of works.
Hello,
I have started about three to four different books. Each time I start one I go onto another. Its like I have this great idea at the beginning then poof all gone. What do you think I could do inorder to stick with one book and not quit.
I also wanted to ask if you know of any places that will except a manuscript without me having a agent.
Thank you so much. Any feedback would be helpful!
Thea
Hi Thea,
Well, I’d definitely advise you to try outlining. Beginnings are easy. Ends aren’t too bad. It’s the middle that’s tough — that’s where the real work goes.
And start by joining some critique groups or organizations like SCBWI.
Each publisher is different and the submission guidelines change constantly. You can sign up for the Writer’s Market from Writer’s Digest or just research individually.
Thank you so much. I will look into it. I think I have a great beginning and end I just needed focus on the middle your right thats what get me.
Thanks again,
Happy writing.
Thea
ok so i am 18 years old and im doing this internship qorking as a receptionist at gibbs smith publishing. The CEO talked to me and asked me what i wanted to do and i said my biggest dream is to be a writer…. ive always had a talent for writing and all my teachers over the years have told me so but i never really have taken it seriuosly. At school i would jst do the minimun like if i were to write a short story or poems thats what i would do. I love writing but ive never taken it seriously. So the CEo asked to read some of my stories so i gave him a short story a childrens book and some poems i did. He came back and said he really like them and that he would pass it around the office and give me tips. I dont think he will take any of my work seriously cause i did those at school like 2 years ago and i read them and they need some improvement. It would be great news if he told me he would publish something but im not getting my hopes up. Anyway this experience has opened my eyes into seeing that i should pursue this career. Even if its a side type of deal. But i need help cause i really dont have a clue what or where to start from. Can i get some help here? i am starting to write again and im either going to do a collection of short stories or a book…. but after im done i need some help of how to get it out there to were publishers can get a hold off cause to tell you the truth i do not know anything about publishers and how this whole process works. Please help
Well, first step I think is to join an organization like SCBWI.org! Right now, you just need to concentrate on your skills and worry about submitting things after that.
After reading all of these posts i find them all to be helpful. However what is the likelyhood that anything i will write will be publish worthy. I don’t care about money, i just want to see how the world sees my work. Like right now i am writing a story about some random people who get thrown into a fictional world and end up living there for 20+ years. After living out the (typical fantasy adventure) would they want to go back? Would they try and use their experiences to try and change the real world? Or perhaps they would go insane? Maybe they would even use these experiences to better their own lives and become their own person rather than a follower or a leader.
Based on this concept alone i want to know if my ideas would be publish worthy.
That’s a really hard question to answer in some ways. Generally, the more you write, the better your writing becomes. What are the chances you’ll write something publish worthy? I don’t know that anyone could answer that without seeing your work. Based on just an idea, I couldn’t tell you either — ten people could have similar ideas, but depending on their skill and what they actually wrote, they would come up with very different end results.
But if you really don’t care about money at all, maybe you should look into online publishing (like on a blog) or self-publishing. I don’t generally recommend that, but if all you really want to do is have some people read your work, maybe that’s the right choice for you.
Kimberly,
Great information! How did you end getting the first book out without an agent? Did you use a different process than query letters to score an agent after book 1 came out or maybe someone approached you? Great post and thank so much for sharing your experience.
I actually did some posts about how I got an agent. You can find them here:
Part One: http://www.kimberlypauley.com/2009/12/08/and-now-for-something-different-how-i-got-an-agent/
Part Two: http://www.kimberlypauley.com/2010/03/24/agent-y-news-i-e-more-on-how-i-got-an-agent-other-stuff-like-china/
Hi Kimberly,
I just love your books so much, and they’ve really inspired me. I’ve been writing for a while, even though I’m pretty young (14), and I just love how you give your charcters such well… character! I’ve started about 10 books, but I always seem to get writers block, and then I just start another book later. I would dearly appreciate some advice. I’m afraid I’ll just end up with a bunch of half written stories that I must finish.
Yours truly,
Kandis
I really think you ought to try outlining. Beginnings are easy. And ends aren’t even bad…it’s the middle that will get you. Outlines really help!
Hello,
Thank you for your generosity and knowledge. I have a career and make a really good living, but I would like to give back and have another stream of revenue at the same time. I would like to incorporate a present day scientist’s work into my fiction and embellish a little bit. How would I do that in a fictional work? Do I need to get permission from the scientist to mention him in my work? Can I just use his work and footnote the material? I think the concepts he presents are important, and it would be great to share that knowledge. And, funny thing, there is a chapter in my local area for SCBWI.
Well, it all depends on what you’re doing — writing a non-fiction book or a fiction one, writing for kids or teens…picture book, chapter book, novel… I’m not very knowledgeable on non-fiction type of stuff, so you might want to try out your local chapter and see if someone there is. I pretty much work in fiction.
Fiction/Young Adult. I want to reference something a scientist has studied and want to take a few liberties with it. Is that allowed?
I don’t see why not. The best science fiction books are based on real science.
How do writers get publishers? I read on somewhere on google about how to get books published, but it said that one of the steps required an agent. Is that step really necessary for beginners?
I sold my first book without an agent, but it’s generally always better to have one. Many publishers won’t accept unagented submissions, especially the larger publishers. So your work won’t even be seen unless you have an agent.
But, basically, you submit, you submit, you submit, and then you do it some more.
is it best to submit through mail, or can my work be submitted via email?
Hi, I have through my life always been told that I had a gift for writing, so now, at 40, I am attempting to write my first book. I am living off my rapidly dwindling savings now and writing full time on my first work. However, I have been reading some very discouraging things. My book is going to be large, about 600 paperback sized pages, and I simply can’t make it shorter without destroying the essense of the story. If I send it to every single publisher in Writers Market 2010, what are my odds really of getting it published? On average do I stand to make at least $15,000 so that I can live without taking another job and devote my time to writing a second one? Other than writers market, what are some good tips on how to find someone to publish your book? I know the answers to these questions depend on alot of factors and these cannot be answered definitively. But I would apprecaite some educated guesses and estimates. Hopefully ones that won’t cause me to lose hope completely.
To kind of break this down into your questions — the odds of getting it published depend on the quality of the story/writing plus what publishers you send it to are looking for, etc. It’s really an impossible question to answer, I’m afraid. Though I hate to tell you that you really need to look at your word count. Of course, it depends on what age group you’re writing for and what similar books come in at, but it sounds like you’ve got quite a tome on your hands. Have you tried any critique groups? Or gone to any writing conferences?
As for money — keep in mind that generally how writers are paid is this:
–You get an advance. Part of the advance you’ll generally get on signing the contract/delivering the initial manuscript. Then you generally get the rest of the advance upon delivering the final revised (based on your editor’s input) manuscript.
Say they buy your book in August 2010. You get all the contract stuff finalized and signed by September. You’ll probably get the first part of your advance fairly soon after that. Then your editor will send you a revision letter, which can take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months (or more). Then you revise your manuscript, usually under a deadline, which could be a timeframe of between 1 and 3 months. You turn it in, your editor decides whether or not you need to make any more changes or if it’s the final version that will go to print. If it’s final, you’ll get the second half of your advance.
–You won’t get paid again until the book is a) out in bookstores and b) the first payment date rolls around. For most publishers, this is only twice a year (though mine pays quarterly, but that is very rare). If you sold your book in August of this year and went through all the revisions, etc., then there was all the pre-publication stuff that the publisher does…the book probably wouldn’t come out until 2012. That means your first check would probably be around the end of 2012. HOWEVER, if you didn’t earn out your advance (an advance is an advance against royalties), you wouldn’t receive a check at all.
The average advance for a first time author varies by an incredible amount. On the low end, it can be just a couple of thousand dollars. On the high end? Well, the sky is the limit.
Most authors do not quit their day jobs unless they have a spouse capable of supporting them (which is my situation and thank goodness for my hubby). I don’t want to discourage you, but I don’t want you to put yourself in hock either. It’s not until you’ve got a few books under your belt (and they’re all in print and earning royalties) that most folks can afford to “just write.”
Hope that helps!
Thanks so much for taking your time out to write that detailed resposne. It helps to have someone who knows the game to ask advice from. I had another couple of questions if you don’t mind. My novel is for adults, and is fiction with perhaps a horror bent. Unfortunately, right now I do not have a day job to quit. I was laid off, and despite my constant looking for jobs have not found one. My unemployment has run out and I am living off a dwindling savings. I have been using this time when not looking for work to write, as I had always been told that that was my real calling. Fortunately, I do not have a wife and kids to support in my current situation. I would like to make writing a full time profession. I feel good about the work I am doing now, but try as I might, I don’t see how I can make it much less than 600 paperback sized pages. Is it alot more difficult to get a first novel published which is that large? Also, when you send your work out to potential publishers, does anyone actually read it? Do they just read a small bit of it, at random or in the beginning? Or, as horror stories in my mind imagine, do they not read it at all, throwing in on some huge pile of other unread first time authors? If you are contracted to be published, how much can an editor chop up your work? Can they seriously alter the crux of your story? If you get one book published by a company, is it much easier to get a second book published by that company (assuming the first one doesn’t totally flop)? And you say that advances for first time books can vary from thousands to much more than that? If you had to guess, from what you have heard, what would be an inbtween average? And finally, and this may be a totally stupid question, is it of any value at all to get an agent before your first book is published? Can they help a first books chances of getting published through their contacts?
Once again I appreciate your help with any of these questions. Thank you so much.
When you query, you send the editor or agent what they ask for, which is often either just a query letter or a query letter plus 3 chapters. You don’t send out the whole thing. As for how much they read, it depends on a lot of factors. If it grabs them, they’ll read the whole thing and then ask for the rest (i.e. “the full”), or if they had just the query and it sounded good, they might ask for a “partial” which would be 3 or more chapters.
If you don’t follow their guidelines, yes, there is a chance that no one will read it. A good chance. They get so many submissions that if there’s a reason NOT to read, there’s a good chance they won’t. So always follow the guidelines.
How much editorial revision is asked for is also completely up in the air and dependent upon a LOT of different factors, from who your editor is to how much work the manuscript needs. They can ask for all kinds of changes, though ultimately you as the author have to decide what you “can” do. Just keep in mind that some revisions are potential dealbreakers. So you have to be willing to turn down a deal if you’re not comfortable with their requests.
And yes, getting an agent is definitely of value. Many publishing houses do not accept unagented manuscripts at all.
Thanks again for your continued answers to my questions. I am really a total newbie at this game and every bit of knowledge helps. I had just a couple more questions. You have already ansered alot of questions from me, so if your tired of answering my questions, you can just say “Louis, shut up already.” I understand that you other things in life to do. So please, if I am pressing on your time too much, just tell me.
From your last response it seems that alot of publishers don’t even read your work, even if you follow their rules, if many only want a query letter from you and nothing else. How the query letter is written becomes as important as how the book is written. This seems unfortunate. Is there a good book or website which teaches how to make a good query letter?
Most importantly, I wanted to know is the annual book Writers Market still the best source for finding publishers to send your work to? If not, could your recommend some?
How can you find a good agent? Are there books or websites that list them and critque who is good and who just isn’t?
Do publishers in general still want you to send everything to them via snail mail, or are most accepting online submissions?
You mention critque groups and writing conferences alot, are their online resources which list these locally?
Once again, thanks for any help.
Hi Kimberley,
Thank you so much for the post. I needed this badly. I am an aspiring writer. I am writing my first novel. I am not sure if it would ever get published. But I am writing it because I am enjoying every moment of writing it down.
I particularly loved this line of your article-”You don’t write because you think you’re going to be the next Stephen King or J. K. Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.”
I look forward to being myself.
Thank you once again for this so practical post.
No problem! Glad it helped!
Hello, my name is Christopher and I’m a 16 year old writer. I’ve been told since I was 12 that I have a gift for writing. So this summer, maybe three weeks ago i started writing my first book. I’ve sent the first chapter to a good five people and they all tell me it is rally good but i have a few problems. The book is 80,000 words long.
1. Editing is really expensive
2. My age
3. Questions and doupts.
my question is: Do i have a chance of being published at this age? Is there a way to publish a book without editing or is there a way to edit the book where it doesnt cost me thousands of dollars?
Do i need an agent in order to be published and if i do, how expensive are agents?
sorry if there are grammar issues, english is my second language.
80,000 words isn’t too long. Many YA novels fall into that range (I’m assuming you’re writing YA?). And most writers don’t purchase professional editing for their manuscripts (though you can). Most writers, myself included, join critique groups and go to writing conferences, things like that.
Your age is a hurdle, but not an impossible one — if your work is ready. Quite a few young writers have been published. But don’t get discouraged if this isn’t the book that makes it. Many a successful writer has a completed book or two that will never see the light of day, but which ultimately helped them learn more about the craft of writing. Everything you write helps you to write better.
And as for questions and doubts…trust me, we’ve all got those, no matter our age or experience!!
Agents are paid when you get paid. You don’t pay them up front. They take a percentage of the profits of your book (generally 15% or so). You don’t *need* an agent but it definitely helps to have one.
Good luck!
Thanks for all your help.
Hi Im 11 years old and im wondering when I finish the book im writing which will probally be when im 13 how would i find a publisher.
i wonder is there people or persons in the business you can speak with and orally construct a book an then they print it similiar to court reporting
I think you mean like transcribing? I imagine you could hire someone to transcribe a book for you. If you wanted to have them do more than just write it down verbatim, that’s possible too, but it’s something you’d have to pay for. If you didn’t want their name on it, just your own, it would be called Ghostwriting (that’s what a lot of celebrities do).
Hello,
This article and its subsequent comments have been very helpful. I am in the process of writing my first book. My whole life I have looked at the world and spun my thoughts into stories in my head. Everywhere I look I find inspiration. I’m constantly reaching into my purse for my notebook and scrawling down sentences and paragraphs as dialogue and descriptions literrally flood my brain. So, after years of this, I’m actually writing a complete book. My dream is to help and inspire people with my writing. My question is, when do I begin finding an agent? Should I wait until the book is done, or do I start now by submitting the parts of the book that are done? Thank you for your time.
Hi, as a new author, you definitely need to finish your book first before contacting an agent, particularly if you write fiction. If you write non-fiction and have particular credentials that make you the right person to write that book, you can do a proposal, though they may still ask for a finished book.
I wrote a book a few years back and pretty forgot that I even wrote it. However I get sent a check every three months. It’s pretty small, just a few hundred per check. But I did this through LULU.com. I have no clue why it’s still selling. I guess the topic was niche enough. But, those are my numbers. just thought I’d contribute to the convo.
Niche can definitely work well for self-published stuff!
Kim, You’re absolutely right. One should write to tell a story. Write, or do whatever you do, because you want to. You love it. If you do it soley for money, then it’s work. If you do it because you love it, it’s not work, it’s fun. Then the odds of making any money are more likely. If I was an insect, I’d give you six thumbs up.
HELP! My husband wants to quit his job and write. We have two kids a mortgage and all that stuff. He has written a “book” and got it published on one of those sites that will just put it into a book for you and you can order some copies. I think he sold like 4 for $16 or something. He thinks we’re going to be able to live off of his books. I am so very skeptical. He really hasn’t done any research on writing books and finding a publisher. Please someone tell him what he really needs to consider.
Most writers *don’t* quit their day jobs for years, if at all. My books have been fairly successful but I wouldn’t even dream of calling it a living wage, especially to raise a family on. Not at this point. Also remember that writers only get paid once or twice a year usually (depending on your publisher). He should read through the posts that I’ve linked to get a better idea of what to expect.
I’ve heard that Clickbank tries to make it next to impossible to get compensated by compelling you to resell heaps of alternative e-books using varied cards and Paypal. I would like to sign up for Clickbank sadly I’m concerned with this. Do you know if it is true?
Afraid I don’t know anything about Clickbank. I’ve never heard of them. Sorry!
Hi Kimberly,
Great stuff you have here! And nice to see that you respond to everyone.
I’m a novice screenwriter and am currently working with a British director to bring a biopic I’m doing to the big screen.
Obviously books and scripts are two very different animals, but I suddenly find myself faced with the possibility of having to write a book. I was recently contacted by a UK publisher who evidently wants to reprint the out-of-print book I’m adapting with images from the film if it gets greenlit. That’s really cool, but I only have the film rights to the book so I’m not sure how that works.
Anyway…
The person on whom this biopic is based had a whole OTHER story, a sort of “part two” which was touched upon only briefly in book #1, and still exists in the form of dusty, half-century old memoirs. This publisher wanted to know if I’d be interested in writing a book based on those memoirs. I was flattered, but then I realized how hard that would be for me. A screenwriter learns to condense, to summarize. To be concise. We don’t write prose or flowery description, and we only write in present tense. We don’t write what someone is thinking (unless we’re writing voiceover dialog, which is usually frowned upon). Basically we write what can be seen or heard in a scene and that’s about it, because that’s all film really is. We force ourselves into a mindset which prevents us from writing novel-style.
It should be interesting to see where all this goes and if I can pull it off. I have no idea if I can do it. So, Kimberly, you may become my book guru at some point. Hope you don’t mind.
As for you novice writers, I’ve read every letter above, and here’s the only advice of value I can provide: proofread, proofread, proofread! Capitalize when necessary, watch your spelling, watch your grammer. EVERYTHING you write is a writing sample, and you never know who’s going to see it.
There are NO unimportant words from now on!
Making the switch from screenwriter to novelist can definitely be done, but it is a different mindset! You should check out Saundra Mitchell.
Hello Kimberly,
I am currently a Marketing major going into my senior year. I have always been passionate about writing and lately my mind has taken off with fresh ideas. My heart tells me that writing is what I should do and the more I learn about marketing, the more I detest its many menacing mechanisms. Since I have already finished my general ed’s, I am seriously considering changing degrees. I have such a vast amount of genres I am interested in (sci-fi, politics, philosophy and quantum physics to name a few). I have written a compilation of political monologues so far totaling 21,000 words and started a science fiction novel with enough threads to spill into perhaps another novel or two. In my science fiction novel I have implemented state-of-the-art technology that I have created on my own that will make my stories unique. My question to you is, what degree should I peruse if I want to be a credible writer?
Well, the obvious choice, I suppose, is English or some type of Creative Writing thing. But I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary. I know writers who’ve had all kinds of degrees (and vice versa, I’ve known lots of English majors who’ve held all kinds of jobs).
I need to find a good editor or writing coach. Got any ideas where I can look? I wrote a book for the 2009 NANOWRIMO, and I’ve been editing ever since. I’m in a writing group, but I don’t find the group is helpful enough. It seems to me that everyone in the group is too focused on their own writing to provide enough valuable feedback. I don’t have a lot of money, but I’d be willing to pay someone for professional help. I just want to make sure I pay the RIGHT person and not some scam artist. I’m a story teller, not an editor.
Honestly, I don’t really know. The only person I know who used to do that no longer does. If you write YA, you can join SCBWI and find someone through there, I imagine. There are probably other professional associations you could join as well.
Sorry I couldn’t help more. I wouldn’t want to recommend anyone I didn’t have direct knowledge of.
I sent in my edited manuscript earlier today to my agent and I’m wondering how long it’s going to take to come out, how much I will make from each book softcover and hardcover because it has eighty one thousand words. I got accepted by the first literary agency that I applied for, that was absolutely no problem. The book is military science fiction, when my agent looked at it she said that it was fantastic, also, everyone who has ever read the manucript has said that it was fantastic or something like that, so the book has a lot of potential. It’s my first book so I have to built up a reputation and it’s not very big because of the word limit, but my agency has international connections so could a first novel of that size still be able to make more than one million dollars.
Hi Luke,
Well, it’s really hard to say — it all depends on when your agent actually sells the book to a publisher. But I would guess if they sell it in the next while that it would come out in 2012. How much you make will completely depend upon what % you get and that would be worked out in your contract by your agent. There’s really no way to take a good guess since every contract is different.
The chance of a first novel making over a million dollars, however, is pretty slim. Not impossible, but unlikely. You ought to talk to your agent and see what her expectations are. She should be able to tell you what she thinks she’ll be able to work out as far as terms. Then you can do the math and see how many copies you’d actually have to sell in order to hit the million dollar mark.
Hello Ma’am, I am Tyler Hall. I am 16 as of this past Dec. and have several writing projects in progress.
I dont have a specific genre, I write in most, from horror, to historical fiction, I even have a philosophical work in progress.
I was wondering if you could give me advice on a few things:
Firstly, how do go about getting an agent? A good one, preferrably.
Secondly, do you know how I would go about getting published under a pseudonym? Like I said, I write a lot, and I hear it isnt best for your fanbase to publish multiple genres under the same name.
Sorry about the lengthy comment, and it’s poor format(Im doing it from my cell), but any info would be greatly appreciated.
-Tyler Hall
Hullo Tyler! Each agent has different submission guidelines. You need to research agents and figure out who you want to submit to, then follow their guidelines and send off your stuff to them. There are sites like agentquery.com and others to help with that. A lot of agents are also on Twitter.
A pseudonym is simple enough; when you sub your manuscript to publishers, you put something on the title page like so:
Title of Book
by
Tyler Hall
writing as Joe Schmo (the pseudonym)
If I do the “Tyler hall writing as…” will my real name be kept off of the final published copy? Cuz Im looking to write a few things that I don’t want accredited to me immediately.
Thank you, very much, ma’am, for the info.
I appreciate it greatly.
Yep. And keep in mind that once a book gets accepted by a editor at a publishing house, you’ll be working with them on it for MONTHS and months before it comes out. These are all the kinds of details you can hash out with them as well.
Great, Thanks again, you’re a huge help.
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you so much for your help. I have nine books at various stages. One if finished and ready for print. I had a daughter of a large publishing company read two of my books. She told me that my novel, was probably worth nine million dollars the first year, but that the big money was in how too books. She read my first How too book, and said it was the most outstanding book she had ever read. I did not believe her, as she was trying to get to my brother through me, so I think that she was just blowing smoke. However, she told me to quit my job in construction, and continue writing. She said I was a natural, and can and will make millions. I also did some work for a writer who appeared to have made millions. Your tips above, do not indicate that this may be possible, Why? In your best estimate, is it not possible? Thanks for the help. Please send me an email, I have and offer for you!
It’s of course possible to earn millions of dollars from writing. Not that many writers do, but it’s definitely possible. I would say if you get a publishing contract, then go for it. No reason not to try.
So i just started to write a story and just wondered, how do you find the right publshing company and editor?
That’s always the million dollar question! Research, research, research! But first I’d say finish the story and polish it up.
With so many movies out of everything, is it still possible for people to considering doing this for a living? This is the only thing I seem to be good at (mostly fantasy story writing). Should I pursue this or just stick it in my back pocket and keep looking for something else?
That’s really only a question you can answer
My best advice is to do what you love.
I’m 15 and have been writing stories since fifth grade XD I’m trying to write a book now and really want to get it published before i head off to college but am not even sure If I could accomplish that XD I just see myself finishing the book and having no clue where to go from there or how to get it published and etc.
I think to be able to make a living off of writing stories, something I absolutely LOVE to do would be amazing but i don’t know If I could make a succesful career out of it >.<
Well, you never know unless you try.
In general, I’d say keep writing as you go to school and take some classes in college as well. As you get older, your interests may change (mine did! For a while there I wanted to possibly major in Physics!). It’s not an easy living (writing), but if it’s what you really want, it’s worth it.
Alright, I’ve read this whole blog and I want to summarize my knowledge to you about how publishing works. If there are any mistakes or anything i missed, please correct me. I’m 19 years old and I’ve been brainstorming on a story with my best friend for nearly six years, and now I’m close to graduating college and finishing our book (first book written by me).
So first of all, once I finish with my manuscript, revised and edited it myself, I write a query letter (one page, 3 paragraphs [Hook, short Summary and a little about myself]), and send it to publishing agencies along with 3 chapters of my book. (Q: Does it have to be the first 3 chapters or any 3 chapters from the book?) If they’re hooked, they’ll ask for the complete manuscript. If they like it, we talk contracts. Do agents like to meet up with the authors to learn more about the story and discuss contracts, or do they prefer to just send contracts through e-mail and fax? Anyways, an Agent is important because most publishing companies do not accept manuscripts. Are agents like lawyers for your book?
After the story has been considered and decided for publishing, depending on their expectations about how much money the book will make in the first few months/years, I will get an advanced. (I used to think that the amount of money we get in advance increases if there are two or more authors.) An Advance is the money I get for selling the rights for the book to the publishing company(?) and the minimum amount of money they expect the book will make(?), and if I earn less than the amount I got as the advance, I’ll end up having to pay them back the difference(?).
A good advertisement of the book and, of course, a good story, increases the chances of the book being sold fast and successfully (not necessarily by a huge amount of sells). If it does, I get Royalty Checks, probably twice a year or quarterly.
This story is intended to be told in 3-4 books, along with small side stories (about 2 or 3 shorts about the “untolds” of our story). How do we discuss with the publishers and agents that this book has continuations? Does the amount of money we get in advance increases if they know more than one book will be written? I know writing isn’t all about money, its about telling your story to the world.
Regardless of the hopes I have I know that I will be rejected over and over again. Agents get hundreds of letters from writers every day, and for them to pick mine to read I’ll have to make my story stand out by writing a good query letter.
This is all I know about the publishing process and I wish to know more if there is. I’ll be awaiting your reply.
Wow, I think I’m going to have to take this in pieces to make sure I get it all.
>>>So first of all, once I finish with my manuscript, revised and edited it myself, I write a query letter (one page, 3 paragraphs [Hook, short Summary and a little about myself]), and send it to publishing agencies along with 3 chapters of my book. (Q: Does it have to be the first 3 chapters or any 3 chapters from the book?)
Every agency is different. You’re pretty much spot on as far as what goes in a query letter, but for what you need to include you need to look at each agency. Some will want 3 chapters. Some will want only a summary. Some won’t want anything but a letter. If they do ask for 3 chapters, it’s generally assumed to be the first 3 chapters (which is why everyone always talks about why your first 3 need to have the “hook”
>>>Do agents like to meet up with the authors to learn more about the story and discuss contracts, or do they prefer to just send contracts through e-mail and fax?
Depends on the agent, but unless you live in NYC, which is where the majority of agents are, you’ll probably just be dealing with them over email and telephone. Publishing contracts will either be mailed to you or PDF’s will be emailed, you then sign the copies and send them back via regular mail (or Fed Ex). You won’t necessarily sign an actual contract with the agent, however. That really depends on the agent.
>>>How do we discuss with the publishers and agents that this book has continuations? Does the amount of money we get in advance increases if they know more than one book will be written?
There’s varying advice about this. Some people say not to mention additional books at the outset and bring it up in contract negotiations. Me, I just put a one sentence description in my query letter indicating I had planned out additional books, but that I felt the book could be sold as a stand alone as well. Advances vary on so many things and there’s really no standard. Every publisher is different. You might also get different advances for each book, not one lump sum for all of them at once. So there’s really no way to answer that.
Anyway, I hope that helps! Sorry it took so long to answer — I’d been traveling.
>>>Anyways, an Agent is important because most publishing companies do not accept manuscripts. Are agents like lawyers for your book?
Yes, most publishers don’t accept un-agented manuscripts these days. Agents aren’t exactly like lawyers. they will handle all of the contract details for you, but they aren’t legal counsel.
>>>An Advance is the money I get for selling the rights for the book to the publishing company(?) and the minimum amount of money they expect the book will make(?), and if I earn less than the amount I got as the advance, I’ll end up having to pay them back the difference(?).
An advance is literally that — an advance against the royalties they expect your book to earn. They hope (and you do too) that your book will earn far more than the advance. If you do not “earn out” (i.e. make more money in royalties from the book than you were given in the advance), you do NOT have to pay back the money.
Royalty checks from US publishers usually come twice a year. My experience with foreign publishers (it’s written in the contract) is that you get paid yearly.
Thank you! This is very informative. I have been writing books since I was six years old. Of course my writing needs heavy improvement, but it is my number one passion in life (it keeps me sane.)I feel naked if I don’t have a journal with me at all times. Lol. Again, thank you!
Thanks for your blog, I just found it.
I have completed a book and had it copyrighted. The fee publishers are soliciting heavy, but I just ignore them. Because of my life and work, I have very unique stories that would make great books and movies (I’m sure everyone says that). I am also working on two others. I was wondering, how do you exactly find an agent? What is the mechanics of finding one, where do you look for email addresses or street addresses? Most lists are way out of date or they don’t take submissions.
How do you start to find an agent?
I think that if I could speak to one, they would get what I’m writing.
Mark
I am writing a young adult novel. But I’m not naive enough to imagine I’ll become a millionaire. Naive perhaps in a different way, I hope to influence the lives of at least a few young people.
If necessary, I’ll self-publish (and aim for 100 copies) though I’ll try a more traditional route first and aim for more sales.
I recommend “The Frugal Book-Promoter” by Carolyn Howard-Johnson on ways to build a platform on little money. Chances are most of the money an author earns on the first book gets spent on publicity. (Please correct me if I’m wrong.)
Well, I can’t speak for everyone else, but I definitely do spend quite a chunk on publicity and promotional things.
>implying that Stephenie Meyer is any good
?
Hi Kimberly,
Nice to find you. We both have books coming out Spring 2012! Mine is called Lessons from the Monk I Married. I’m happy to meet you and look forward to learning more about your book! It’s nice to see your read about your journey, it helps as I prepare for mine. All the best to you! PS-I’m also on Twitter and have a fanpage on Facebook, I’ll visit you at those places too!
Katherine Jenkins
Great post Kimberly. I received a 5-figure advance from a mid-sized publishing house and am agented. I think this was all pretty good being that I am a first time author who was “discovered” through my blog. My book, Lessons from the Monk I Married, comes out throughout North America and Australia March 2012. It’s nice to know what sales generally look like for authors, since I don’t know much about that. I have built up a pretty big international following and my book. It’s a memoir which takes place in many different countries, so I’m guessing there is a market for foreign sales. My agent has held on to foreign/film rights, so those will be sold separately. I’m still working on final edits for my book. I’m really excited! For me, it’s not about how much I will make. I love writing and connecting with readers/writers is more rewarding that any payment I could receive. All the best to you! Katherine
Congrats and good luck to you!
Hi, Im really young…i dont know much about what it takes to become an writer…ive started, several books..i like working on multiple things at once…but their not professional…im looking at going to a college…but im also working full time…and im going to have to start working 8-12 hours a day to afford living costs…im only 19 so i have a crappy job…but i was wondering…would an online college give me a good education, and set me up? cause i dont have much time on my hands…i could ask my parents to chip in for my appt..so i could go to a 4 year..but id feel bad cause theyve done so much for me already..also i was wondering…can you live in a smaller state..or do you have to move to LA or NYC? cause im from a small town in wisconsin..and i like it here…i would move if i had to for my job…but id prefer to stay..i have so many questions…hmm….and i was thinking about writing about my life…kind of like dave peltzer , a child called it…i was going to write about me, rape, abuse, eating disorder, rehab, suicide, recovery relapse, isolation, self injury, harassment, death threats, drugs, sexuality, basiclly everything showing the darker side of what can happen in a child and teens life…kind of to help others i hope..idk maybe its dumb…i got the idea from my favorite staffmember at rehab, jena morrow, if you want you can look up her book Hollow, she was amazing and her book is really good …idk any ideas? im really new to this…i mean ive been writing my whole life…but im new to trying to do it for a career <3
I am a very open with my options for my future. I love to write stories. To write about my imagination. My thoughts. My happenings. When I was a kid I would always love to write short fiction stories. Those stories would just come out of my head. Now the problem is, I really need a good future. I want good money, but I also want to do something I desire. I am still looking at my options for my future. I am stuck. I guess it will take time for me to find out.
I saw a report for the UK a year or two ago. It said the average author earns less than $100 p.a. That sounds low – well think of the tens of thousands of books published each year. If I remember right J K Rowling the highest paid author earns from memory in excess of $30 million p.a.
At a meeting for novice authors recently I was amazed that new authors thought they would be overnight celebrities. Writing is like acting too many wannabes and most fall by the wayside not due to the quality of their writing, but their inability to be read and enjoyed.
I have, however, noticed that many authors survive their addiction by running causes for other writers.
Film TV Producer / screenwriter / author
Hello to you!!!! So I just finished my very first book, how can I go about getting it edited, a cover, etc….basically I need to know and understand what steps to take after the book is completed. Also I was looking to be a self published author (if I can afford it) since it is my very first book, but if I understand you correctly, I should not go that avenue? Please help, thanks!!!
Whether or not to go the self publishing route is really up the individual! Which steps you take (editing or getting a cover done, etc.) depend on what you want to do. If you want to try the traditional route, you don’t need a cover (publishers do that).
I have been writing since I was 15 years old and write on paper…sometimes a laptop. I am told I’m a good writer, my mom even drowns herself in reading my stuff sometimes, but I can never seem to get something done when I really want to. I do want to become a creative writer but as I have been reading, money seems to be tight with this job. I don’t want to write for money, I just want to write and let people see my work, but I don’t want to be in a finical hole either, especially with this economy now. I don’t think my stuff is that great or will sell well. How can I boost my confidence as a writer? How can I push myself to get one book done? Could I write and have another job at the same time?
Most writers, at least when they start out and often for years after, have another job at the same time. It’s pretty common.
Confidence is something that will come with time (though I can tell you that even multiple published authors still feel the pangs of low self confidence at times!)
I thought most writer’s just wrote for a living, I didn’t think they would really have a second job.
I’m a very depressing person to begin with, but I do have my moments when I can’t seem to stop writing about something.
What do you do when your writing??? (i.e. Listen to music, etc..)
It depends on the book! Sometimes I listen to music and sometimes I can’t.
Hi Kimberly,
I am thirteen years old now and have very recently published a book called Witch Sisters. I was just wondering how much I should expect to earn by the years end 2012. Should I expect a lot or a little???
Hello Lauren,
Well, it depends on a ton of different things. Did you self publish or publish with a publisher (the traditional route)? Is it ebook only or hardback? Paperback? Mass market paperback? Are you doing any marketing? Is your publisher (if you have one) doing any marketing? Do people already know about you or your book? Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it’s almost impossible to answer. Sorry I couldn’t help more!
How awesome that you reply to everyone! Definitely saving you in my favorites section.
I try! Not that I’m an expert or anything, just another writer trying to figure it out!