What can new fiction author earn in one year at 10% royalties for a well written paperback novel?

Answer 1

If you're serious about getting published, you can make it happen. It takes time, patience and a lot of luck. As a note of reality, of all the fiction books published in a given year, only about 13% ever sell more than 1,000 copies. Most (75%) sell fewer than 500.

Contrary to popular belief, most authors don't get rich--especially new ones. Many don't even make enough to file their taxes as self employed. If you have a good job, keep it and write when time permits. Don't count on making a living at it.

Jon Baxley, author, editor, proofreader and ghostwriter

THE SCYTHIAN STONE (a medieval fantasy eBook)
THE BLACKGLOOM BOUNTY (a medieval fantasy epic in hard cover from Thomson Gale)

Answer 2

Sadly, Thin Kaboudit is correct -- as a new writer (I'm going to assume you're talking first novel here), you're 1) probably not going to sell very well because nobody except your coworkers, close friends and your mother will buy the book, because no one knows you yet, 2) probably NOT going to get 10% royalties in any contract, because you're an unknown and a publisher isn't going to risk that much on you, and 3) unless the book is stunningly well-written and becomes the sleeper hit of the year, it probably won't do well until a few years down the line when you establish more of a reputation, because... well, because people just don't like to think that much, and well-written books are challenging. If you want to establish yourself with a publisher, I'd write some real potboilers under a pseudonym, then tell them you've got this really well written book that you'd like to have published under your real name. That way, they (and the agent I'm SURE you've already got for yourself, right? RIGHT?) know that you have the chops to write a book and will take you more seriously (and you've already made them some money, so they'll be more likely to look at something you shove under their noses)

Answer 3

You probably won't earn that much.

A royalty fee that high generally goes to well known authors such as Stephen King and Anne McCaffery. A first time author, who is only publishing their first book is generally also going to go unnoticed for awhile in the book market. Yes, there are people who enjoy trying new authors, but the majority of people aren't going to read it unless it's been on a major bestseller list or 'Oprah'.

Answer 4

Most fiction writers make a large loss for the first few years as "professional" authors. Worse still, "Well written" novels don't generally sell very well! If it's money you want, you should teach yourself to write "bodice-rippers"!

Answer 5

It's a very fickle market-one book can reach Harry Potter can't-keep-them-on-the-shelves level and another similar one is almost completely ignored. Any experienced author would tell you not to quit your day job.