What are the economics of book publishing, and how much does the author get usually?

Question

I am working on a book concept that I would like to get published in September ish in the UK but also in the US, and I am wondering how much does the author usually gets in absolute terms per copy sold? I would also love to hear from an actual publisher interested in a coffee table book on entrepreneurship....

Answer 1

The typical royalty agreement, unless you have what is considered a potential bestseller, will offer you an advance of up to about $5,000. You would then normally earn royalties of about 10% of the net sales. Net sales are defined as those books that are sold to bookstores and not returned. Bookstores often return as much as 40% of the books they order.

However, on the flip side, remember that a traditional publishing contract requires no money from the author. The publisher handles all marketing, editing, and distribution.

Answer 2

Oli:
Check The net for publishers, They will tell you what they handle.
It is not easy to find one. I wrote two books and after many manuscripts sent out I only recieved three answers and all to the negitive. One came back to me with an answer three years later. I went the self publish route then and it is a hard row to hoe. I did okay only because i am retired and had time to do many book signings. They will tell you how they want the manuscript sent to them. If by chance they except your work, they will give you an upfront $ amount and as a new writer you will recieve a small percentage per book sold. Maybe say 15%. The best sellers authors can demand up to 80 -90 %?? Hope this helps. Oh! best go to (Warnings and Cautions for Writers) There are bad guys out there trying to take advantage of you for your $$.
Wayne Russell. The Vagabond Writer

Answer 3

very little