I'm writing a book and...?

Question

I'm still on the beginning of my story. I've only got about 5,000 words written. I'm not sure if I should go on with my writing because I've heard writers don't make any money.I'm not even sure if I'm a good enough writer to actually get published.I'm just not sure if I should even bother taking my time to write this story, if I am only setting myself up for disappointment. Does anyone know of the salary of a first book writer?

Answer 1

Even JK Rowling was a first time writer once, but bear in mind this is the exception and not the norm. A lot of writers make a decent living but they treat it as a 9-5 and sometimes have to supplement it with another job in dry spells. One of my teachers at school was a published author with more than 1 book but was acting as a teacher as writing did not give regular money.

If you enjoy writing then do it in your spare time, if you get published then great, this is extra money for holidays, rainy days and anything else you may want/need (or to purchase a better computer for the next novel) but unless you are prolific or well-received you'll never really make a great living as a writer.

Answer 2

Like actors, only about 5% actually earn a living writing. If your first book is published by a small publishing house, count on making practically nothing. For short stories in anthologies, figure anywhere from a penny a word, 10 dollars a story, tops maybe ten cents a word. Not easy to make a living writing. But that doesnt mean you shouldnt do it. I dont know how old you are, but I recommend a creative writing class and purchasing Writers Market to start learning about the business.

Answer 3

If you are writing solely for fame and fortune, then you shouldn't be writing. You will likely garner neither. Very few make enough money to support themselves and even fewer become famous and rich.

The average advance for a first novel is around $5,000. If you think that's a lot, that's what you're paid after spending a year writing and editing it and submitting it to editors and agents and receiving repeated rejections before, if you're lucky, it sells. And then it takes At least another year before it's published and hits the stores and royalties trickle in.

Most writers have regular jobs and write in their free time and they write because they are passionate about it. If you love to write and you are compelled to release stories that are within your mind and heart, you're a true writer. If you are sitting down and pounding out as many words as you can until you reach novel-length in hopes of selling it and making money, you're in for a major disappointment.

Answer 4

Writing is not about money. It is about the art or the story. If you have a good story to tell and you are passionate about it then keep writing. If you don't care, well stop now. To be a writer you have to be willing to get those rejection notices....it's a large part of the process of becoming a better writer. Take a class, go to a seminar....decide if it something you really want to do. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you've got a story to tell, it's always worth it even if only you, family, and friends are going to read it. Be sure to get it critiqued by someone who's not afraid to be honest with you. Once you've gotten something you're happy with, submit it to publishers. Remember, you have nothing to lose. Generally, you'll get an advance on royalties. The average advance is about $6000 but that's only an average. You might get more; you might get less. And then, if the publisher sells enough copies of your books to cover the advance, you'll get a percentage (usually 10%) of everything that sells after that. Good luck and happy writing!

Answer 6

Okay, the first mistake you made is thinking of the rewards first. Bad Idea! Writing tends to be more of a hobby to begin with, something that you love to do, you need enjoy it.
And yes, it is true, writers (to begin with) don't make much money, in fact most writers struggle financially to begin with.
We don't all start off like Stephen King, getting a million of every book. That wont happen untill you get royalties.
So, if you write thinking of the rewards, forget it. Write because you want to.

Answer 7

Many writers write because they feel they have to write. Most don't make enough money to write for a living. So, if you are doing it for the money, I'd suggest you try something else. As to whether you are good enough, writing is like many other skills--you get better at the more you practice.

Answer 8

It all depends on the publisher that accepts your manuscript for publication. Remember, YOU are in control. If you do not like what Publisher A is offering, move along until you find a deal you're happy with. Keep writing; if nothing else, you'll have something you can you accomplished.

Answer 9

If you're writing with money in mind, you probably aren't a writer.

Answer 10

i'm a writter too. it's hard to get started! some tips imagine yourself as the character for one day, it's helpful. be creative.
i draw out my settings it's much easier to describe the setting that way. the salary isn't alot. but if it's really good and gets good ratings that's were you start bringing the dough!
Good Luck