PBW is blowing percussion-grenade sized holes in myths about NYT bestseller stats. Take a look for an education on the numbers. There are so many persistant myths and misconceptions about writers. The idea that NYT bestsellers all make a million dollars (or at least six figures) is among them. The reality is a bit different. Of course, beyond that is the myth that ALL published authors are NYT bestsellers and making a million dollars, hahahaha.
The truth is you can make a steady income at this gig if you work hard and are prolific, but many working authors aren’t big names, aren’t on the NYT list, and have long ago learned that even if they DO get a six figure deal, it’ll be paid out over the course of two years or more and half of it will go to taxes, agent fees and business expenses. What you end up getting to live on is why so many don’t quit their day jobs.
The other myth is that Real Writers live in NY. Ha. If you want to write, find the place with the lowest cost of living that you can and move there. (Hint: not NY)
There are many reasons to write besides the pursuit of fabulous wealth, though, starting with the pursuit of a pretty fabulous life. Yes, I worked Easter weekend and I’m working this weekend. I also have the flexibility to be a very involved mom, work from home instead of sitting in a cubicle for eight hours after a two hour commute, and work with some of the best people on the planet. People who go into the book busines are amazing people. Creative, smart, dedicated, passionate, generous, insightful.
This is a great job. It’s the only job I want, the only one I ever wanted. It’s not likely to ever make me fabulously wealthy, but wealth is more than a bank account. There’s a wealth of experience to be lived, a wealth of satisfaction in doing something you love and find meaningful.
Although I have few illusions left about the publishing business, I’m always glad when people share information like this. It can be such a tight-lipped field sometimes, and if you’re not in that particular loop you might never know any better.
It’s a good thing so many of us write for the love of it. 😉
I’m so far out of the loop, I’m not even up on what the latest misconceptions are. 🙂
Lowest cost of living? Don’t come here either, housing costs are still high (but getting better).
Raine, it is hard to get real data so this is incredibly useful. And yes, you do have to write for the love of it. Seriously, no amount of money is enough to keep you going through the long slog of a novel. You have to have a really good reason to park yourself in the chair and turn your brains into oatmeal. *g*
Ann, the misconceptions are many. And contradictory. Like, all writers are millionaires/don’t become a writer because you’ll starve in a garret.
And low cost of living is your friend, especially if you don’t have to live in a particular area for your job.
There are too many misconceptions to even talk about. LOL You’re a writer because you love it, otherwise you’ll burn out fast. You work long hours for most times little pay. But there are benefits. I can take a day off whenever I want. I can go to afternoon movies. I can work in my pajamas. But there is no job security, no steady paycheck.
I love my job and, as long as my books continue to sell, I’ll make a living as a writer. If the day comes when that changes, I’ll get a day job again and be thankful I had these wonderful years as a full-time writer.
Great perspective, NJ.