Published Author: The Dirty Secrets No One Tells You
As bloggers, many of us aspire to be published authors. However, don’t expect to make much more than you do now. According to a new report, by Digital Book World most authors make less than $1,000 annually. Yes, you read that right, less than $1,000. Further, the study showed, that only 10 percent of traditionally published authors made more than $20,000 a year and 5 percent of self-published authors made more than $20,000 a year.
I’m not trying to discourage you from becoming an author, food critic or paid writer by any means. I love the respect that comes with being a published author. But you may be in for a surprise. What I never was told before I published my book, is that most publishing companies don’t help you promote your book one bit.
When I published my book, I did all the marketing for my book. I had to come up with a list of contacts to send it to for review. I had to schedule ALL of my book signings. One store was even so insulting as to tell me they would only pay for how many books sold. So, I’d have to bring them and see how I did.
My publisher did zilch to help me. Truth is, most publishing companies only promote their big name authors like Stephen King and JK Rowling.
Here’s something to give you laugh:
I make better money as a freelance writer. This is recurring, long-term income. If you can get contracts for monthly writing for a couple gigs, you could be making $1,000 – 2,000 extra per month. My advice is to pick topics you like to write about. I write about food (surprise, surprise), DIY and Kitchen ware. They are all things I feel passionate about.
Of course, you can always go the self-publishing route. Up until recently this was frowned upon. The myth that somehow having a big publishing house was much more credible. Perhaps, but why get paid in paltry royalties when you can self-publish and keep the full amount for your hard work? After all, you will have to market your book no matter which you choose.
With print on demand, e-readers and the ease of which it is to upload your book to a site like Amazon and social media promotion, it’s almost a no-brainer to go the self-publishing route. Here’s to your writing success!