A few years ago I made a promise to my writer friends that if I ever had a novel hit the top twenty of the New York Times mass market bestseller list that I would share all the information I was given about the book so writers could really see what it takes to get there. Today I’m going to keep that promise and give you the stats on my sixth Darkyn novel, Twilight Fall.
We’ve all been told a lot of myths about what it takes to reach the top twenty list of the NYT BSL. What I was told: you have to have an initial print run of 100-150K, you have to go to all the writer and reader conferences to pimp the book, you can’t make it unless you go to certain bookstores during release week and have a mass signing or somehow arrange for a lot of copies to be sold there; the list is fixed, etc.
I’ve never had a 100K first print run. I don’t do book signings and I don’t order massive amounts of my own books from certain bookstores (I don’t even know which bookstores are the magic ones from whom the Times gets their sales data.) I do very little in the way of promotions for my books; for this one I gave away some ARCs, sent some author copies to readers and reviewers, and that was about it. I haven’t attended any conference since 2003. To my knowledge there was no marketing campaign for this book; I was never informed of what the publisher was going to do for it (as a high midlist author I probably don’t rate a marketing campaign yet.) I know they did some blog ads for the previous book in the series, but I never saw anything online about this particular book. No one offered to get me on the Times list, either, but then I was never told who to bribe, beg or otherwise convince to fix the list (I don’t think there is anyone who really does that, but you never know.)
Despite my lack of secret handshakes and massive first print runs, in July 2008 my novel Twilight Fall debuted on the Times mm list at #19. I’ll tell you exactly why it got there: my readers put it there. But it wasn’t until last week that I received the first royalty statement (Publishing is unbelievably slow in this department) so I just now put together all the actual figures on how well the book did.
To give you some background info, Twilight Fall had an initial print run of 88.5K, and an initial ship of 69K. Most readers, retailers and buyers that I keep in touch with e-mailed me to let me know that the book shipped late because of the July 4th holiday weekend. Another 4K was shipped out two to four weeks after the lay-down date, for a total of 73K, which means there were 15.5K held in reserve in the warehouse in July 2008.
Here is the first royalty statement for Twilight Fall, on which I’ve only blanked out Penguin Group’s address. Everything else is exactly as I’ve listed it. To give you a condensed version of what all those figures mean, for the sale period of July through November 30, 2008. my publisher reports sales of 64,925 books, for which my royalties were $40,484.00. I didn’t get credit for all those sales, as 21,140 book credits were held back as a reserve against possible future returns, for which they subtracted $13,512.69 (these are not lost sales; I’m simply not given credit for them until the publisher decides to release them, which takes anywhere from one to three years.)
My net earnings on this statement was $27,721.31, which was deducted from my advance. My actual earnings from this statement was $0.
My advance for Twilight Fall was $50,000.00, a third of which I did not get paid until the book physically hit the shelf — this is now a common practice by publishers, to withhold a portion of the advance until date of publication. Of that $50K, my agent received $7,500.00 as her 15% (which she earns, believe me) the goverment received roughly $15,000.00, and $1594.27 went to cover my expenses (office supplies, blog giveaways, shipping, promotion, etc.) After expenses and everyone else was paid, I netted about $26K of my $50K advance for this book, which is believe it or not very good — most authors are lucky if they can make 10% profit on any book. This should also shut up everyone who says all bestselling authors make millions — most of us don’t.
My next royalty statement for Twilight Fall probably won’t come until October or November 2009, but when it does I’ll post copies of it so you can see what a top twenty Times bestseller does in the first year after it’s released.
In Publishing telling the truth about earnings smashes the illusions publishers and writers want you to believe and, like breaking mirrors, it never brings you good luck. Thing is, when I was a rookie I wanted to know exactly what it took to have a top twenty Times bestselling novel, because that was such a big deal to writers. Everyone I asked gave me a different answer, told me a bunch of nonsense, or couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me at all. For that reason I want you to see the hard figures, and know the reality, and the next time someone asks you what it takes, you can tell them the truth.
Just a Heads up: the comments for the post will be turned off on Monday Night (April 27) Thank you so much for all the interest, information and feedback – and keep an eye out for more straight up truth on the reality of this business here at Genreality.
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This is really valuable information. As all of the above wrote, I appreciate your straightforward manner in sharing this. I’m working on a book about cultural dancing in Canada and insight like this really helps me at this stage. Thank you!
Lori
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I’m glad it proved helpful, Lori. Good luck with your project, it sounds really interesting.
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Lynn,
I came to this post via Dean Wesley Smith’s blog, and I must say, it’s an absolute eye-opener from the aspirant perspective.
Many, many thanks for putting this up for people to see. So much of the business aspect of novel publishing is shrouded for aspirants, and it helps enormously to have a professional put the facts out on the table. That way we know what we can (more or less) expect, and there are fewer surprises to go with fewer illusions.
Grazie!
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I’d rather deal in facts than illusions, Brad, and I do hope seeing the actual numbers helps writers who are pursuing publication. It’s not as pretty as the rumors and misconceptions, but people who are interested in making this a career really need to know what they’re getting into before they make a committment to it.
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I, too, have had several novels published, and I’ve done a fair amount of ghostwriting and works for hire. The money is all over the place, even for two books that, on the surface, seem to be doing about equal.
But what amazed me was when I worked as an editor for a time, and got to see royalty statements from many writers. There’s no rhyme or reason to it.
The top ten bestsellers usually make an inappropriate amount of money compared to those right below them, but what amazed me was how much difference there could be between two writers who hit, say, spot eighteen at different times of the year.
A writer who hit spot eighteen might make the same as you did, but another writer who hit the same spot six months later might make a bit less than you did, or might make two or three times as much. I never could quite figure out why, but I’m an editor, not an accountant.
I will say that I’ve always thought Penguin went way overboard in how much money they hold back against returns.
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I’ve heard the same, but my understanding was that it’s because NYT list doesn’t have any cut-off limit on how many books you must sell to reach #18 or anything like that. When your book’s competing against Stephen King, Nora Roberts, John Grisham, etc. you probably need to sell a lot more to hit the list v. when there aren’t that many people with big followings have new titles out.
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Thats a really interesting point, too.
I remember a few months back, rumor was that Wal-Mart stopped reporting their sales numbers for these Best seller lists, and authors that normally hit or were expected to hit,- didn’t. And just the opposite as well, with some authors who supposedly had very low sales hitting the list.
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I don’t mind a publisher holding back some reserves against returns, but what concerns me now is the time length they’re being held. When I started out, they were always released by the second royalty statement. That doesn’t happen anymore. I’m also not a fan of publishers doing second reserves on books that have already earned out and are chosen for a large reprint run, as the author is never included in that decision. While it’s always nice to be reprinted, it kills your royalties — one statement you’re finally making some money, the next your account is back to zero or in the red.
You also made a good point about ranking — I know a couple writers who have hit the same spot or better on the Times list who have gotten smaller print runs than mine, and many who have gotten much, much larger.
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Thanks so much for this information. Like Charlene said, it’s really harad to come by and there are just so very man myths floating around out there. It’s good to finally get the really skinny on things.
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Glad to be of help, Judith.
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Lynn: Thanks for stepping up and sharing so much. I just received a box of books back from my distributor that are only mildy damaged and have been wondering what in the heck to do with them. I love the idea of sending them to service persons stationed overseas. Do you have a contact or website for this? Thanks,
Sarie M.
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Brad’s link to the USO is one good place to get in touch with for book donations. I also recommend Books for Soldiers, which takes requests from soldiers serving overseas. You do need to fill out an application before you’re given access to the addresses and info, but it’s a wonderful project. In 2008 they shipped out $2.9 million in care packages to US troops serving overseas.
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Sarie,
Im in the Army Reserve and my first suggestion would be for you to contact the USO.
https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx
If they can’t help you, I am sure they know who can.
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Thank you Lynn and Brad — this is super. Take care,
Sarie
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Thank you so much. I love seeing the reality of the business and count me among the many that appreciate you for doing this.
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I wasn’t expecting as much support (or attention, for that matter) from the publishing community for my post, but it’s really great to see everyone reacting favorably to it. I hope it will convince more writers to share information about the reality of the biz.
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Thanks so much for this. I’m a published author and it’s pretty hard to convince the general public that we aren’t bringing home millions (just as we don’t have 1,000 copies in the garage to give away for free.) I love what I do — but it was time for the “naked” truth to come out.
Kudos!
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The first time someone accused me of making millions, I laughed myself silly. When I informed the reviewer that the average pro writer in the U.S. makes only about $6K a year, they were absolutely stunned. Which is why we need to educate the public as well as other writers. This is not something you do for the money.
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Seriously?! Then I am doing pretty well, and my book isn’t even out yet. (Self-published and financed almost entirely through reader contributions.)
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You’re a saint for posting this. I’ve read agent/editor blogs that talk about royalties and advances and earning out, etc., but it’s difficult to really understand it without seeing the statement. Very interesting stuff.
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I’m a learn-by-example person, so I’ve always liked seeing the real thing versus being told about it. The math can be pretty wonking, too, so it’s good to have a look at the actual accounting practices.
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Lynn, you are a goddess among authors for sharing this info.
A big heartfelt thank you for always being candid!!
Vivi
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Thanks, Vivi. I’m going to quote you to the next author who e-mails me with a How Could You? rant.
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Lynn, I want to add my thanks. As a new author (first book will publish with Five Star in March 2010) this information is invaluable. I believe in going in with EYES WIDE OPEN. Thanks for helping with that. ~Drue
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I wish I’d known before my first book came out.
Good luck with the debut, Drue.
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You know, it’s a sign of how good a job you and others trying to educate on the reality have done that this doesn’t surprise me at all. But really? I could make a heck of a lot if I went out and got another Systems job. But the stories call me more
.
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I turned down a job offer a couple of years ago that would have paid me about twice what I make as an author. I could make more money doing something else, but I wouldn’t love the job as much as writing. I’ve reached that point in life where I’d rather be happy than rich, I guess.
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Thank you for your willingness to put yourself out there for the benefit of other writers, Lynn! I’m a huge believe in knowledge being power for writers, and we tend to have so little of either (and I’m sure the publishers prefer it that way). I also wish more authors were willing to share hard data publicly. I honestly believe it would benefit all of us in the long run.
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It’s really tough for authors to come forward, Brenda, and I totally understand that (believe me, I spent hald the night last night answering distressed and disgruntled e-mails from colleagues who thought I went too far.) At the same time, I’m with you, I wish we were given more real data to work with. I know publishers think they’re protecting their business concerns by keeping everything shrouded in mystery, but when authors are expected to perform profitably — as we all are — it would help to know what constitutes a profitable book.
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Lynn, you’re a Goddess. Thank you for debunking so many myths. You’ve been a great help to all of us. I’ll kneel at that shrine someone was erecting to you. As for keeping our books in the warehouse, I thought I heard, or read, at some point that publishers are taxed on the books they keep in the warehouse. (Warning: this could be another myth.) At any rate, I write for Penguin, too, and my first witch, THE KITCHEN WITCH, is in its 7th printing, which tells me that they’d rather go back to print with them than store them. Again, thanks and kudos.
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As far as I know (and with changes in tax law I could be wrong about this) Publishers are hit with taxes on warehoused books. They used to reduce the amount they paid the IRS by what they called “writedown” — claiming the stocked books are worth less so they don’t have to pay as much tax on them. The Supreme Court killed that practice in the late seventies, though.
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Thanks so much for the info. I suspected it was something like that since i have so many friends who write and publish and still have to work a full time job. This actually makes my little royalty checks look okay LOL
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A little royalty is better than no royalty.
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Thank you very much for telling us the truth! We are all aware that the JK Rowlings and Stephanie Meyers are very rare but its great to know what other authors should expect. Thanks again and good luck!
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I don’t want anyone to think they can’t be the next J.K. or Stephenie — in this biz, you just never know — but it’s better to know the rest of us don’t have the same income as the superstars of Publishing.
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Thank you, Lyn, for sharing this information.
The main message that I take away is that it was your readers that put you on the top 20 in the first place. All the publicity in the world won’t help if readers don’t love your book.
Warmly,
Lisabet
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I have the best readership in the business, Lisabet. They’ve been the driving force of my career since I started out, and they’ve always rallied around me no matter what. I know it sounds corny, but I am truly blessed by the readers who support my work.
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Thanks, Lynn, for posting this information. I’ve spent a ton on promo and feel it has done little good. Keeping touch with readers is the best way to promote books and most fun.
I wish you continuted success in your career.
Hugs, Dianne
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I did the same thing with traditional forms of promo during the first three years of my career, Dianne, and while it was a good learning experience, it didn’t really do anything for my books. I’ve found free and low-cost forms of online promotion, like my author blog, my book giveaways and posting free e-books on Scribd, have worked best for me.
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Thank you very much for posting this, Lynn, and also for making the “Share” functions available.
Congratulations on bestsellerdom.
All the best,
Rowena Cherry
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Passing around the info is important, and I appreciate everyone who is helping to spread the word.
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Just putting in my two cents as well. The dream is always to have our novels become best-sellers. Everyone thinks well-known writers are striking it rich. For most of us, who aren’t the superstars of the publishing world, this is simply not the case.
Jacqueline Seewald
new release: THE DROWNING POOL, Five Star/Gale
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I wouldn’t mind being rich — I think I’d make a pretty cool publishing mogul
— but the privilege of reaching as many readers as I can makes up for my lack of outrageous wealth. I think we also appreciate our lot more if we don’t make a lot of money, weird as that sounds. I’ve met a number of superstars now, and most of them seem to be pretty unhappy people,
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Lynn, thanks a million for posting this reality check. It confirmed a lot of things I’ve always suspected. I know many authors who would give their right arm to make the list and they think the secret is hitting Amazon, Borders, and B&N lists. Perhaps there’s something behind it–I don’t know. But when it comes down to making a living from your writing, which is the bottom line for a many writers, even if you hit the NYT, it doesn’t mean you should quit your day job.
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In this month’s issue of Poets & Writers, agent Peter Steinberg said there are probably only a hundred writers in the U.S. making a living off novel writing. But he’s probably not familiar with many genre writers. I think the number is closer to about 1000, and maybe 5000 if the writer has a spouse or partner who works and contributes to the household (I’m one of the latter; my guy and I get by on our combined income.)
Still, even with me inflating the numbers, that’s not a lot of writers making it on the income alone.
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Lynn,
Thank you. Thank you for telling it like it is. It makes getting into this business so much easier…and for those who thought there were big $$$ in the future…now they know…a writer is in this business because they love to write, not because of the $$.
It would be nice if we could make more for the long and hard work we put in each day and the scarifices we have to make in our lives to be writers…and one day we may. But until then…it’s nice to know the real facts of the business.
Again, thank you for telling it like it is.
Hawk
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My pleasure, Hawk. I sometimes wish publishers would have to pay us hourly minimum wage — that would certainly make most advances healthier — or that they had to live off what they pay us. I wonder how many editors would stay in the biz if they were only paid once or twice a year, depending on how well the books they edit perform.
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Sorry, typo on sacrifices — I’ve been working since 4 a.m. on my book…and it’s line by line edits…
Hawk
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I’d never been to your blog before, but I’m so glad to have found it now. This is wonderful information for us who are considering the move from e-publishing to print. Now I see that print isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I suppose it’s the glory of seeing one’s book in physical form that is such an allure at this point. The money definitely isn’t the motivating factor for me now.
I truly appreciate your honesty.
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There are some advantages to making the move to print; none so powerful as the ability to hold a physical paper copy of your book in your hands.
But I believe e-books are greatly underestimated and undervalued by Publishing. Electronic format is the book of the future, I firmly believe that.
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Thank you for your informative and eye-opening post, Lynn. You’ve gained a new fan in so many ways.
Best–Adele Dubois
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Thanks for the kind words, Adele.
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Your post underscored what I’ve suspected all along–that spending thousands to attend and promote oneself at conferences and conventions offers little return on the hard-earned dollar.
My fifth e-book will be released this summer from Ellora’s Cave, and my first print book this fall. Up until now I’ve spent most of my time and budget promoting my books online. Thanks for helping me see that I’m on the right track.
Best wishes for your continued success.
Adele Dubois
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In case anyone else is interested, I took Lynn’s royalty statement and boosted the contrast on it to make it suitable for printing. It’s up on my website at:
http://www.planetpeschel.com/tfroyaltystatement.jpg
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Bless you, Bill. Photobucket has a limit on image size so I know the resolution of the copies I posted weren’t ideal. Thanks for doing this — I owe you one.
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Thank you, Lynn, for a very truthful version of being published and making the best seller’s list. The NY or USA lists are always a goal for the majority of writers.
Being published by an independent publisher, my goal is to just get my books into the hands of readers for the pleasure of the read. Making money is great, but writing is my lifestyle now. I don’t actually consider it a job but an enjoyment. If the money comes in, so be it.
Your article is a fantastic insight as to what actually takes place from the advances we receive, to our royalty statements, and exactly what we as writers make.
Many do not even consider all the little expenses of supplies, postage, gas, mileage, lunches, etc. These little things eat into your profits quickly if they aren’t under control.
Ah, the life of a millionaire writer, money just tumbling in. What a dream!
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I appreciate the kind words, Gwyn, and I admire your work ethic. To me you’re the ideal writer.
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This is great stuff. As another working writer, thanks for the concrete details and the perspective.
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Happy to be of help, sir.
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This is such a generous and wonderful post. As an agent I would never be able to share this type of information since it’s proprietary to my authors, but I think you’ve done wonders by making this available.
Jessica Faust
BookEnds
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Thanks, Jessica. I hope the info does prove to be educational, especially for the next generation of writers coming into the biz now. If their expectations are more realistic, they’ll have a better time of it, I think.
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If I told you how much I adored you before, I would look a little weird, and this post makes me on the plus side of fnnggrrl. So I’ll just say that you are made of win.
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You’re a peach, Eva.
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Thank you, Lynn!
You have my sincere respect and appreciation. Totally. I’d say you have no idea to what this means (but you obviously do).
Thank you again!
Jackie
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We’re all in this together, that’s how I see it — and thanks, Jackie.
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Fascinating, got me to wondering how many hours you put in on the book, promotion etc. What’s your hourly rate?
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I work about 50-60 hours a week on writing, editing, blogging and promotion, sometimes more, but not all of that time is for paying work. Last year my hourly rate based on billable hours to my net was $8.11/hr.
I could make more (i.e., if I sold my articles about writing to the trades instead of posting them for free online; charged for some of the copywriting, editing and other things I do gratis for writer friends, hired myself out to teach writing instead of donating my time at public schools etc.) but I think it’s important to have a writing life be about more than the Almighty Buck. Money is very nice, but this isn’t just a nine-to-five job to me.
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A friend of mine who has had a number of books published by a big NY house has given up moaning about the royalties held against returns. It’s a bit depressing. Then when someone like me is published by a smaller independent publisher and sees my books up for free on various pirate-sites I get even more frustrated. Thanks for sharing this.
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Sorry to hear about the piracy, Susan. Just last week I had to have a file-sharing site take down bootlegs of my entire Darkyn print series, and among them was one of my free e-books, which I found rather ironic. As much of my work as I give away to readers every year, you’d think they’d feel a little shame.
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Dear Lynn,
As a published author (but not a NY Times bestseller), I read this blog with great interest. You are a very gutsy lady to post these figures and I truly appreciate it. I agree with you that information is power and authors need all of both that they can get. Thank you very much for being so forthright!
Warm regards,
Nancy
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Thanks, Nancy. If I can help even one writer with this, it was worth it.
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Dear Lynn,
It so wonderful when you find out you can be a fan of a series of books *and* a fan of the author as well.
As one of those readers who have helped you get on the NYT BSL – many congratulations… it is WELL deserved. Your Darkyn novels are exceptional.
As a fellow writer, thank you for reminding me of several things. One, building a strong income from my writing will take time. Two, I had better keep doing this for love, because this is going to take time. And three, always keep your promises and be as honest as you can.
You’re a treasure, Lynn. I wish you all the best.
Warmly,
Rachel Kenley
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I will try to live up to your generous words, Rachel. I think once you have your priorities straight that the business is a lot easier to handle — and yours sound like they will definitely keep you on the right track.
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Thanks for the info and congrats!
CC
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Thanks, Christie.
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Lynn:
I can’t tell you how thankful and happy that I am that someone, someone–an author, no doubt–has shown the strength to give it to us like it truly is.
Writing, publishing, they are businesses. And businesses do not turn a profit overnight. If they do, the crash is quick to follow as we are seeing now with the mess on Wall Street. This is not to say that publishers are the most honest of business people.
But as you have so graciously pointed out, they, like all other persons running a business paint large images of grandeur that we as writers, fueled by our desire to see our words in print, help publishers sustain. Yet the truth is publishers are no quicker to release money owed to us than anyone else. In fact, if one is eager to make a lot of money, writing and the areas of publishing is not the place to try to achieve this.
I could belabor the point you have so eloquent made in your full-fledged honesty, but that would be rude.
As much as I love to write and support those in the field of fiction-writing who are kind and humble enough to tell the truth, I will stop.
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Thank you for the kind words, Anjuelle. You made me think of something I read once about hope — it’s the one thing no one can take from us, only we can throw it away.
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Just one more note, and then I’ll bother you no more.
The reason it’s so difficult to get good, solid, truthful information on money is primarily because no matter what you’re told, it’s likely to be wrong for you. Each case is different, each writer is different, each season is different, so no one set of numbers will apply to anyone except the writer in question. Publishers want to be honest and open, I think, but with each case being different, it’s tough.
It’s also different for each list. Eighteen on mass market paperback does not pay the same as eighteen on teh hardcover list, which does not pay the same as eighteen on the children’s list, etc.
And from my experience, the big money comes from being prolific and having a fairly large number of books in print at the same time. When back titles continue to sell, even at a modest rate, and you’re producing new titles on a regular basis, the money can add up nicely.
As an editor, I learned that part of the secret of keeping back titles in print is keeping new titles coming out.
If you really want to earn a consistent, reasonable living as a writer, you have to be a consistent, reasonably prolific writer. Writing, for most of us who want to earn a living at it, can’t be a now and then, write when you feel like it proposition.
Then again, I just saw income stas for 2009, and the median single family income in the United States is now around 40K. If you can come anywhere close to this with writing, it’s hard to complain.
From my point of view, better 30K from writing that 50K from working a nine to five job I hate.
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You make some very good points, James. As you pointed out, every author whose book makes a bestseller list will likely have different numbers, and it’s impossible to define them all with one royalty statement.
That said, I think it helps to see real numbers, especially for writers who are laboring under misconceptions about making the lists that are a lot of nonsense, such as extraordinary print run minimums or unreasonably high sell-throughs. It helps readers, too, as many of them do believe a Times bestseller at any spot on the list is making millions. I’m not afraid to say “Here I am, and my book made it, and I’m not a millionaire.” It’s the truth, and I really think this needs to be said, and shown, and proven.
No one should read my royalty statement and think it’s a one-size-fits-all accounting sheet for any author on the bestseller list. It’s a single example of one bestseller by one author. But it’s not anonymous, or made-up, or artificially inflated, and in this industry that’s generally all we get.
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This is a great post. There’s so much mystery surrounding the NYT bestseller list, it’s great to get information from someone who actually knows what the deal is with it. And your insights on the need to do book signings and attend conferences to sell your books–priceless. Something for all us writers to keep in mind as we try to figure out the way the smartest way to spread the word about our books. Thanks so much for sharing this information.
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Debbi, I’d like to see publishers make public all the numbers for all the books that hit the bestseller lists — not that I think that will ever happen.
I think the key to self-promotion is to do what you’re comfortable with, and what you can afford to do. But that’s another post.
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Everyone has already said such great things. All I can say is: WOW. You’re a great lady, Lynn, for opening our eyes wider to the industry’s workings. I salute you. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks, Delta. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to leave comments, but if you guys praise me much more I’m going to hide under the bed for a couple weeks. Then Sasha will probably kick me off the blog.
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Hi Lynn,
I teach an occasional three-hour course on publishing/self-publishing, and on several occasions I’ve had students complain that I’m too negative. I reply that publishing is a business, and a very tough one, and that I wouldn’t be doing them a favor if I acted the “you-can-do-it” cheerleader instead of giving them an accurate picture of the lay-of-the-land. Once they have that, they can make an informed decision about how, or whether, to negotiate it.
I hate this American tribal myth that “if you want it bad enough and work hard enough, you can do it.” Wanting it badly and working hard gives you a chance – that’s it.
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I agree with you on the myths, Dennis. I know writers who have pursued publication for years, worked at the craft endlessly and tried every approach there is — and remain unpublished. Sometimes when I teach at the public schools I bring in the boxes of rejection letters I received over the ten years I spent pursuing my first contract, and pass them around to the kids. I like to read the really nasty ones out loud, because they should know what they’re getting into, and how brutal the biz can be.
As far as aspirations go, I take more of a “if you really want it, don’t ever give up” approach. I don’t lie to them and tell them they will be published if they keep trying, I just point out that this is an endurance game, and dropping out means you definitely don’t get published. Some of my kids think I’m harsh at times, but kids are accustomed to being praised for pretty much any effort they make. Telling them the truth may not make you much-loved, but you’re really giving them their first taste of what the business is like.
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Thanks Lynn for sharing.
Just proves that you write because you have to. The money theory is the wrong one in this biz.
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I know many people try their hand at writing because they believe 1) it’s an easy job, 2) you don’t have to do anything but write a book, and 3) publishers pay all writers huge amounts of money. These folks generally don’t last very long, or if for some reason they keep at it they’re doomed to be perpetually disappointed and frustrated.
Everyone has their reasons for choosing writing as a profession. For me it means doing what I love for a living. Having a chance to earn some income from it is a privilege, and any money we earn helps, but I don’t think it can be just about the earnings.
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What a marvelous post, Lynn. Thank you SO much for sharing! As a writer on the cusp of publication (first one out this year), I have been more than a little curious about the actual numbers involved in this profession…I always suspected I wasn’t in this for the money!
And I fully agree with you about removing the mystery surrounding the industry…we should all be going in with eyes wide open.
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Congratulations on the debut, Linda. May it sell like hotcakes at the VFW on a Sunday.
I know I’m probably repeating myself by now, but whenever we share real information with each other, we make our community stronger. Well-informed writers make well-informed decisions.
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Marvelous post. There is so much mis-information out there. But I AM surprised that you made the list with the print run you had. Good for you! My 1996 women’s fiction novel, A PLACE TO CALL HOME, made the list but it had 300 k to 400 k print run in paperback. I was told at the time that it took at least 250 k print run in MMP to have a chance.
Making the list did not change my life, guarantee me a great career, or play any noticeable role in my next advance. My next book sold modestly and I’ve never come close to scoring another NYT bestseller. I played no part in the promotions that led to the bestseller; it was simply a matter of the book catching a lot of people’s attention and being pushed by a lot of booksellers. Catching lightning in a bottle.
Re: how many authors make a living from their work. Yes, there are many, many genre authors making decent money. Romance, mystery, fantasy, etc. Solid careers if you can write “in the groove” of certain genre expectations and produce books on a quick, regular schedule. But it’s a grind and it’s often not about creative artistry but about creating the same amusement park thrill ride over and over.
For the past nine years I’ve worked as both an author (now self-publishing) and a small press publisher. I advise authors to have low sales expectations, (at least at first,) to ignore the distractions of most promotional nonsense, to write quickly and produce as many good books as possible: because each new book builds your readership far better than all the promo gadgets in the universe. Most of all, write or the right reason: because you enjoy the process. That’s really the only payback you’re absolutely guaranteed.
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I think these days having a strong, suppoprtive readership can be as valuable as co-op or big print runs, and may be the reason series authors like me and Carrie are making it onto the lists when ten years ago we’d have never even gotten close.
One question authors have been asking me since last summer when I hit the top twenty is “how did your novel make it to the list when it was sixth in a series?” I really believe it made it because of all the people who bought the first five books and wanted to read more. That kind of readership takes time to build, but they’re loyal as hell, and they stay with you.
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Thank you so very much for this post. I have few illusions about the writer’s life. I’ve been a professional non-fiction writer for print, TV, radio and the web for 30+ years; I know about the beancounters.
But now that I’m pursuing a fiction career I’m hearing all this nonsense–not about the wads of money I’ll make, but about how I won’t make anything at all unless I do it “their” way. Now more than ever I feel like I’m on the right track. If I’m not going to make any money anyway, I may as well not make it my way!
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I know those people. They told me if I mailed out ten thousand postcards and bugged booksellers and sugned all the books in stores and commissioned a book trailer and danced naked on Hudson Street (okay, maybe that last one was that drunk agent’s private fantasy) and mortgaged my house to pay for it all I’d be a bestseller in no time.
I’d like someone in this biz to come up to me just once and say, “Do this, which will cost you nothing, will not inconvenience you, and will be lots of fun, and you’ll be a bestseller in no time.” Just once.
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Thank you for sharing the truth. I believe if more writers told the truth, more new writers wouldn’t come into the business with stars in their eyes. I’d rather be informed of what to expect than to go in with blinder on my eyes and not having a clue. This is a business and it takes work to succeed in it.
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I think you should have a couple stars hidden under your lashes where no one can see them.
I’d just like to see new writers have their checkbooks taken away from them for the first year. And maybe have them guarded by large, surly bodyguards with attack dogs on thin leashes. Wouldn’t that be cool at conferences?
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Ack, way too many comments for me to find my original one. But you’re welcome, Lynn. =)
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There are plenty of them to be had.
I just saw our visitor stats today and I almost blew out an aorta.
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Thanks for sharing with us, Lynn. Even though the truth is pretty harsh, I’ll keep dreaming big, because I want to hold my own book in my hands one day.
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That was #1 on my list, Jennifer. And there’s nothing like it. Nothing in the world.
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Excellent article. Thanks much for sharing it. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve posted a link to this on my blog. If that’s an issue just let me know and I’ll take it down.
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No problem, and I appreciate the link, Isaac.
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Lynn…ditto for me. Thanks for all the valuable info and your willingness to pass it on. Much appreciated.
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My pleasure, Donna.