In this space, you will find answers to questions about w...

In this space, you will find answers to questions about what it really takes to become a published author with one of the “big houses”. Got a question? Email pamdwrites@gmail.com and I’ll answer it here in a future post.

First up: Did You Know writers have to “earn out” their advance before they are paid any additional royalties?

Yes. True.

For example, if you are offered an advance of, say, $1000.00 dollars, you will be paid that amount (minus your agent’s commission, if you have one). And unless your book earns back that amount, you won’t see another dime from the work. Again, that is correct. If your book doesn’t have a good “sell through”, chances are you won’t see another contract, either.

Don’t believe me? Well, here’s the scoop. All 4 books I wrote for Penguin/NAL never came close to earning out the advance. I never collected a cent past the advance for the 7 years they held the rights on each book. As I was paid a decent amount of pocket change, I accepted it for what it was and went on down the road. Once I received my rights, I re-edited and republished the books myself. Now, everything they earn is mine, minus Amazon’s cut, that is.

But wait. How do pubs make their money if books don’t earn back their advance? Believe it or not, they usually do. 

For a better breakdown of how that happens, read The Myth of the Unearned Advance