The UK is home to some of the world’s most talented authors, and it is no surprise that the amount they get paid for their work varies greatly. According to a survey of 50,000 writers conducted by the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) in 2018, the average author earns £21,495 per year, with a median of £3,720.
The largest source of income for authors in the UK is from publishers, accounting for 73% of total earnings. This is followed by income from lectures, which make up 9% of total earnings, and self-publication, which makes up 9%. Creative writing classes account for 4% of total earnings, while other sources make up the remaining 5%.
It is important to note that the figures presented in the survey are only averages, and that individual authors’ earnings can vary significantly. For example, some authors may earn much more than the average from their publishers, while others may make more from lectures or self-publication.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of a diverse and vibrant UK authoring industry, with authors of all levels of experience and skill earning a variety of incomes. It is clear that authors in the UK are able to make a living from their work, and that the industry is thriving.