Dollars and Cents

Well, Hugh Howey’s at it again. He’s advocating for writers – talking about ways authors could get paid more – and his post has made me realize there’s something I can do.

I can tell you what I earn.

Because it’s a reality of my day-to-day life, I assume you already know. But, just as most readers probably don’t know who published the book they’re reading, I think many of you also don’t know what the author got paid.

So I’m going to tell you my numbers. These aren’t everyone’s numbers, and these numbers can change depending on certain contractual circumstances, etc., but they’ll give you a rough idea of what an author makes every time you read a book that entertains you. These are all approximations, and are for specific markets, but I’ve chosen the main markets where I sell books, since they’re the most relevant to my income:

1) Objects in Mirror – Print: List price is $12.95, and I earn just under $1.30.

2) Objects in Mirror - eBook: List price is $12.99, and I earn $3.25.

3) Appaloosa Summer – Print: List price is $9.99, and I earn $2.22.

4) Appaloosa Summer - eBook: List price is $2.99, and I earn $2.09.

These numbers say something to me. These numbers, of course, factored into my decisions about the future of my writing career.

But I’m not really interested in what these numbers mean to me – I already know that – what do these numbers say to you, as readers? Do you have questions / thoughts / comments?

If so, I’d love to hear them, and I’ll do my best to give you an intelligent response.