Writing a book is a labor of love, but it can also be a lucrative career. Many authors in the UK are able to make a living off of their writing, and the amount of money they make per book can vary greatly.
Traditionally, authors in the UK receive a royalty for each book they sell. This royalty is usually a percentage of the recommended retail price (RRP) of the book. For hardback books, the typical royalty is 10% of the RRP, while for paperbacks it is 7.5%. This means that for a hardback book with an RRP of £16.99, the author would receive around £1.70 for each copy sold, and for a paperback with an RRP of £8.99, the author would receive 67p for each copy sold.
In addition to the royalties, authors may also receive an advance payment from their publisher. This is a lump sum payment that is paid to the author before the book is published. The amount of the advance payment can vary greatly depending on the publisher and the book’s potential success. Generally, authors receive more money for a book with a higher potential to sell well.
Authors may also receive additional payments for their work. For example, they may receive additional royalties if their book is sold as an e-book, or if it is sold in a foreign country. They may also receive additional payments for speaking engagements, book signings, and other promotional activities.
In conclusion, the amount of money that authors make per book in the UK can vary greatly. Generally, authors receive a royalty of 10% of the RRP for hardback books and 7.5% for paperbacks. In addition, they may receive an advance payment from their publisher, as well as additional payments for e-books, foreign sales, and promotional activities.