A Dose of Hard Reality

Time for some numbers. Why? Because like a lot of writers, I want to be able to make a living from my novel writing. So what’s it gonna take?

Here are the numbers. A single sale on Bookhabit nets me about $1. If I sold my books through Parus Press, at $15 per hard copy, I would retain about 7% from each sale – or $1.05.

In other words, I get about a buck from every book. That’s a real easy number to remember.

But if I want to make a living doing this… yeah, that’s a lot of books to sell. Per year.

I can try to write one bestseller, or I can try to write many books that might do okay. If I can sell better than 10K per book per year, then I have a shot at making a living this way. Otherwise, it just won’t happen.

Of course I’m going for it! What kind of question is that? I just want to be upfront about what it will take. I have so many stinkin’ novels in me I have to write them, and the more I’m able to write and put out there, the greater chance I have of selling more of all of it. But that’s what it will take.

Yeah, there are a lot of easier ways to make a buck. That’s not why I’m doing this. I’m doing it because I love writing – and who wouldn’t want to get paid for doing what they love?

2 thoughts on “A Dose of Hard Reality”

  1. Hi Michael, yep, we’ve gotta do it ‘cos we love it. I’ve been a full-time writer for eight years now and earn less than my neighbour who is a shelf packer at a local supermarket. My money does not come from one source – I tutor, I edit, I write and I earn a little bit through my website. My earnings have doubled in the last year though, and that gives me hope that I will not die a pauper. But even if I do, the riches of living a life true to my gifting and the riches of the life to come, make it all worthwhile. Thanks for your encouraging comments over on Christian Writer.Fiona (aka Fevsmith)

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  2. You’re welcome, Fiona (aka Fevsmith). I’m glad to have some forums to express/vent/whine/exhort, etc. besides the blog. Or the pulpit.I suppose I’ll be content to get something from my writing, but will continue to make a living in other ways. I’m still hopeful for the church plant, but it’ll be awhile before the church is able to pay me a salary. Sigh.Still don’t want to pack shelves, though. Thanks for the encouragement!

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