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One of the biggest stigmas in writing is the belief you have to make money to be a real "writer." Contrary to popular belief, writing is far from a proverbial "gold mine." Fewer than 30% of all writers living in America live solely from money earned by writing. This is does not mean you will never make money, only that you should approach the profession with realistic expectations. Frustration, even over a lack of profit, can diminish the grandest desire to write. The journey to a career in novel-length fiction often tempts a writer to work in the short-length market. Some writers aspire to only write short material. This is certainly a plus in writing, you gain experience and a knowledge of how the publishing industry works. Shorter material can be much better for a newer writer. The pressure is off to present a publishable novel-length manuscript. An article or short story will take less time to write and often less time to find an interested publisher. The need for an agent is removed with short material, an author can work directly with an editor. This provides a writer with experience that is appreciated among all professionals. It proves you’ve worked with editors, you are accustomed to editing, and, if you’re interested in fiction, shows you can produce a variety of material. This article is to assist writers in evaluating their own writing. One of the biggest questions among writers is what is their worth? What can they charge per word to make a profit?
Short Material: This section will cover articles and short stories. Non-Fiction: Non-fiction is the most lucrative genre of short material. Fiction may provide more in the long run, however it can take years to find an agent/publisher and possibly a year or more longer to anticipate royalty checks. Non-fiction speeds up the process to a point. This is not a quick fix to money woes, sometimes it can take six months or longer to locate a publication that will accept your non-fiction piece. When you do find a publisher, you’re then faced with the question, "What do I charge?" It is best if you have a good idea of what you can make. Sometimes a publisher will give more than you ask, however you should have set fee just in case they try to give you less than you are worth. These are summaries of general writers’ pay. There will always be exceptions, however speaking in general terms, this should help you see your worth. First-Time Writers- If you are just starting a career in non-fiction, you should submit a few works to small publications. You may need to write with no pay when you are at this level. It may seem unattractive, but will show future editors you have experience and have worked with professionals. A credit in writing can be as good as a paycheck on future assignments. First-Paid Writers- When you anticipate your very first paycheck, anticipate wisely. Most publications will pay between .10-.15 per word to new writers. It may seem lacking, however your experience and publisher interest will dictate your pay. Four-Year Writers- This term generally regards writers with 3-5 years experience under their literary belt. When you are at this level and have worked with various publications, your pay will jump. The jump you make depends upon your credits, experience, syndication, and reader appreciation. For the average four-year writer, you can expect .35-.50 per word. Sometimes you may even need to test your skill at negotiation. As important as a pay check is, you must also remember the credit worth. If it is a notable publication that is genuinely respected and esteemed for content quality and interest, it would pay you to take a cut. Seasoned Writers- This is the most lucrative spot for a non-fiction writer. These knowledgeable and experienced writers can make .75-1.00 per word and more. It takes much work and dedication to bring your writing worth to this level. Writers on this level do not worry about what to charge, they charge what they feel is worthy and it is up to the publisher to meet these fees. Fiction: While as enjoyable as non-fiction, the market for short fiction works is not profitable. It is better for fiction-minded writers, but does not pay half as much as non-fiction. In spite of general presumption, many magazines do not accept fiction submissions. The market for publication submissions often runs ¾ non-fiction and ¼ fiction. The charge runs the same in the fiction market for new and mid-level writers. Generally you can expect about .03-.08 per word. Get It In Writing! It is the best situation when you get offers for future work in writing. Now, you need a contract. You can make your own contracts or request that the publisher do so. It sounds intimidating, however many writers prefer to design and create their own. A contract for future work is nothing more than a written statement signed by both you and your editor. It states the project or assignment, the word requirement, the time the project is due, and your fee. This will be much more convenient to both you and the publisher than attempting to keep track of all details without documentation. There are many resources available to writers interested in learning about contracts, contract law, and how to apply it to their own situation. Novels And Books There are two ways authors receive money from novels and books, depending upon publisher. Advances: An advance is usually only given by larger publishers. Smaller, independent, and epublishers will most likely not offer advances. Some writers believe this system works best, there is never any concern with the publisher making the advance back and authors receive royalties as soon as the book is released. Contrary to popular belief, an advance is not "free" money. When you receive an advance from a publisher, you will not receive royalties until the advance is returned to the company through book sales. Often, this doesn’t present a problem unless an author’s books don’t achieve desired reader interest. It may seem that it wouldn’t matter if the publisher makes their money back, but it can affect an author. Some contracts have a clause requiring that you submit your next piece to the same publisher for potential acceptance. It seems this would be completely positive, you’ve made it into a publisher. However, take this formula into account: Book One of your series receives an advance of 10,000.00. Due to lack of reader interest you only make 3,000.00 of your advance back for the publisher. You next book in the series is accepted by them, again you get a 10,000.00 advance. Your advance will be 3,000.00 once they deduct the losses from your last book. It may seem unfair, but is just business in writing. If an author approaches their career with openness to market and promote their writing, this usually will not happen. Royalties: Publishers pay authors in "royalties." This is dictated by the number of books sold. Generally, royalties will be .75-1.50 per book. The amount of author royalties depends on publisher. Authors receive their paychecks twice a year from the average publisher. Few larger publishers can pay as often as once a month, however it is rare. Some publishers will pay authors quarterly, or every three to four months. As a rule, you should anticipate your check twice a year. Agent’s Fee: Publishers issue your advance check to your agent, if you have one. When you retain an agent, they are your legal representation to publishers. This is when the agent is paid for his/her representation. They will have their normal charge, typically 15% of the advance. The agent will deduct only their representation fee and some may ask extra to cover office expenses, those will be paid from this amount. Nothing should surprise you, everything they deduct should be in your contract when you sign with them. After all the deductions are made, the agency will issue the author the remainder of the money.
©2003, Laura Wright. All rights reserved.
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