Aspiring authors often wonder how much they can expect to make from their books. While there is no definitive answer, there are a few key factors that can help determine how much a beginner novelist might make.
For authors who have a traditional publishing deal, the amount of money they can expect to make depends on the size of their advance. A first-time author with a traditional publishing deal might expect an advance of $1,000-$10,000. This advance is paid out before the book is published and is meant to cover the author’s expenses while they are writing the book. Once the author has “earned out” their advance, they will then receive royalties of 5-18% of the book’s sales.
Self-published authors do not receive advances, but their royalties can reach up to 70% for ebook editions. This is because self-published authors do not have to pay for the costs associated with traditional publishing, such as editing, printing, and distribution. However, self-published authors must also cover their own marketing costs, which can be expensive.
It is important to note that the amount of money a beginner novelist makes depends on a variety of factors, such as the genre of the book, the quality of the writing, and the author’s ability to market their book. Additionally, the amount of money an author makes can vary greatly from book to book. For example, a successful debut novel might earn the author a large advance and high royalties, while a follow-up book might not be as successful and earn the author less money.
Ultimately, how much a beginner novelist makes depends on a variety of factors. For authors with a traditional publishing deal, the amount of money they can expect to make depends on the size of their advance and the royalties they receive once they “earn out” their advance. Self-published authors can expect to make higher royalties, but they must also cover their own marketing costs. Regardless of the publishing route an author takes, the amount of money they make will depend on the quality of their writing, the genre of their book, and their ability to market their book.