 | 1 Feb 07 |
I originally was going to blog about POV today, and have a nice partial post written about how and why I changed the POV of the first chapter of my paranormal novella. But that can wait until next week.
In the last twelve hours, two of my online communities have suddenly started talking about making a living writing–print runs, advances, etc. The overall tone turned negative and fatalistic–how can anyone make a living doing this? I’ve heard statistics thrown around (with no back-up) that only 200 writers “make a living” as writers, or 5% of published authors, or whatever.
I want the methodology. Are we talking ALL currently publishing authors? Fiction and nonfiction? Are we including debut authors, or authors who have been publishing for five years? Give me some statistics, don’t just throw out dismal numbers and say “no one can do this.”
Making a Living
“Making a living” means different things to different people depending on their individual circumstances. “Making a living” for a single person is much different than “making a living” to a mom of five little kids. “Making a living” means something completely different in Bozeman, Montana than New York City.
I know writers who still have their day job, even though they are making “a living wage” writing, because they are uncomfortable with the uncertainty of the business. I know other writers who quit their day job at the first available opportunity and are using their time to build their writing career, knowing that they’ll be having a few lean years but willing to make the sacrifice.
Most debut authors can’t quit their day job, but does that mean anything? Really, when we all started our first career, we weren’t making the big bucks. I couldn’t have supported my family on what I was earning back in 1992 working for the legislature, but by the time I quit I was making nearly three times the money. Why? Because I worked hard, proved myself, earned raises and promotions. I also got screwed over through no fault of my own a couple of times, I had pitfalls in that road.
What’s the difference with being a published author? You work hard, prove yourself, earn “raises” in subsequent contracts, and sometimes you get screwed through no fault of your own. A book bombs for unknown reasons. Your editor leaves and your new editor hates your voice. I’ve heard many stories of authors who have reinvented themselves after just those things happen.
The creative arts is notoriously “poor”–most writers may “make a living” but not be able to take vacations or spend lavishly or buy that new car. And what’s the difference in the “real world” where many people who work 9-to-5 can’t comfortably survive without a second income, a working spouse, or financial sacrifices?
I suggest that writers look at everything before making a decision to quit after a sale. It may be the “three year plan” or the “five book plan” or “when I get a contract for 150% of my current salary” or whatever YOU feel comfortable with. And stick to it. It can be done. Many writers do it. They aren’t in it to get rich. They’re in it to have a job they love and be able to pay the bills. If they can’t pay the bills writing, then they’ll keep the day job . . . but they still write. Writing is in your blood. It is part of what makes you unique.
I quit my day job, but I had a lot of other factors that went into that decision. The size of my initial advance didn’t warrant it because I didn’t know if I would get another contract. BUT I had already made huge sacrifices to get published in the first place. I stopped bringing work home with me so that I could write at night rather that do extra in order to be promoted or get a raise. I effectively cut off all hope of advancement in my position because I went from a career employee to a nine-to-fiver when I made the decision to focus on my writing–two years before I sold.
My husband has full medical benefits. If I were single, this wouldn’t matter as much to me, but with five kids I couldn’t sacrifice their health care for my dreams. I always made more money than my husband, so his salary wasn’t as large a factor, BUT I also knew that if my books bombed, we could pay the mortgage, utilities and buy food with his income. The bare necessities until I got another job. So it WAS a sacrifice to quit, but I also planned for contigencies. I paid myself a “salary” so that the advance lasted longer. We didn’t buy anything extravagent. I needed a new car, but I didn’t buy it until my second contract because I didn’t want to take on another debt, or spend all my advance on one high-ticket item.
But if I hadn’t quit my job, I wouldn’t have been able to accept my second contract to write three books in 11 months. So I was also investing in my career, in myself, when I made the informed decision to quit.
Advances
Because RWA is fairly free with sharing information, we have a lot of information about advances. Some is more accurate than others. All I can say about this is that I know people who made $2K on their debut novel, and others who made $100K. The decisions on advances are based on what house, the genre, the writing, the commercial hook, the editor, how well that genre has done for the house in the past, anticipated print run based on the genre/past sales (that have nothing to do with you), the marketing department, the agent, and a variety of other things that we can’t really quantify or know. Such as, how many new authors has this house signed? Do they know if one of their big authors are leaving? Did they get stuck/find success in this genre?
You can’t stress about this. It’s really out of your control. The only thing YOU can do is write the best damn book you have in you, find a business savvy agent (having an agent WILL get you more money) and be happy with what you get. Work hard for the house, meet your deadlines, become a partner with your agent and editor, and WRITE ANOTHER BOOK.
Several authors have said that you need five books before you’re established at the rate of at least one book a year. Sue Grafton was quoted in a writers book (can’t remember the title now) that an author really hasn’t found her voice or depth of talent until her fifth book. Whether this is true or not, I don’t know, but I sold my fifth completed book, and I think my fifth published book is the best I’d written to date. I HAVE gotten better with each book. (Some might dispute this, but that’s okay. It’s subjective.)
What you really want is your advances to go up with each contract. That is forward progress. Yes, some authors breakout with their first book. Many more authors breakout with their fifth or sixth or tenth book. Tami Hoag, Janet Evanovich, Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, Nora Roberts, Tess Gerritsen and many others all wrote category romances, established a fan base, learned the craft and discovered their voice . . . then broke out big time. There is nothing wrong with building a career book by book. In fact, that’s probably the single BEST way to “make a living” in this business.
What It Takes
Okay, you can probably tell I’m a little perturbed. What irritates me whenever these discussions comes up are the naysayers. Those who say you “can’t” do something or there is “no hope.”
Sherrilyn Kenyon spoke to my RWA chapter last weekend. She was beyond fabulous. I went out on Tuesday and bought her entire Dark Hunter backlist because she deserves every cent in royalties. She said (and I’m paraphrasing, I’m sure she said it better) that the only way you fail is if you quit. As long as you’re writing, you’re trying, not failing. No matter how many rejections, how many career setbacks–and she had a couple doozies!–as long as you are writing you are NOT a failure.
I love children’s books. I have more children’s books than adult books (and that’s saying something!) Of course, I have five kids so that has something to do with it 
. Children’s books are filled with hope, love, laughter and joy. They teach children to dream. Everything is possible. When I was complaining in the car that I didn’t know how in the world I was going to write a short story of less than 5,000 words, I caught myself. I told my kids, “Well, if I can write a 100,000 word book in six weeks, certainly I can write a 5,000 word story in six weeks. I just have to get in the mindset. I can do anything I set my mind to.”
My oldest daughter said, “You can’t fly.”
“I can get my pilot’s license if I wanted to.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I can learn how to hang glide.” (snort. right. after I learn to bungie jump.)
“That’s cheating.”
“No, that’s finding a way to live your dream. Birds aren’t the only ones who fly anymore.”
Remember the little engine: “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Put THAT on your computer screen and start typing.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author Allison Brennan has published fourteen romantic thrillers with Ballantine, plus a novella and four short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews said, “A master of suspense, Brennan does another outstanding job uniting horrifying action, procedural drama and the birth of a romance — a prime example of why she’s tops in the genre.” For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, playing video games, and—of course–reading. Her most recent release is CARNAL SIN, the second book in the Seven Deadly Sins supernatural romantic suspense series. Her Lucy Kincaid series will launch in January, 2011 with LOVE ME TO DEATH.
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[...] Original post by Murder She Writes and software by Elliott Back [...]
by Car - Uttaruk.com » Murder She Writes February 1st, 2007 at 10:34 amSTANDING AND CLAPPING!!! Bravo!!
As someone who has spent almost their whole adult life working in the arts (although some would say TV isn’t an art–I’d say it *can* be), I say you just have to be persistent and keep your eyes on the prize whatever that prize is for you. Setbacks will occur, but if you anticipate them not only can they be worse, but you can also create them instead of what it is you want to be creating.
by Gina Black February 1st, 2007 at 10:34 amThanks Gina. You’re so right about anticipating setbacks. I think we should all go in smart, but optimistic. Then again, I’m a naturally optimistic person. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I learn from them and try not to dwell on them. Living in the past can only lead to depression and heartache.
Hmmm. Most of my characters live in the past. I’ll bet a shrink would have a lot of fun with me! LOL
by Allison February 1st, 2007 at 10:42 amAllison, this is a GREAT blog! You go!
And as far as a shrink having fun with you, considering you write about psychopaths, I agree.
by Edie Ramer February 1st, 2007 at 12:02 pmWell, someone has their dander up this morning!
by Karin February 1st, 2007 at 12:52 pmWrite on.
Great, great post. I don’t understand the negativity out there as well. All careers are tough at times, I’m not sure why people assume writing would be different.
by Sinead February 1st, 2007 at 12:54 pmGreat post, Allison.
Personally, I think all those naysayers are the ones who will not get far in this business. Those who think positively and keep plugging away are the ones who will have successful careers. I’ve also found that sometimes the negative people are jealous of other writers and don’t want anyone to be successful except themselves. I never understood that.
By the way, my local Wal-Mart had SPEAK NO EVIL prominently displayed in their book section!
by Joyce Tremel February 1st, 2007 at 1:08 pmLOL, they say that about music all the time. They say the job security thing about the arts all the time, too. Truth is, there’s not all that much job security anywhere, unless you work for yourself. I’ve done my fair share of complaining about self-employment. The taxes are awful and the insecurity can be stressful.
But I love being responsible for myself and my destiny. I love that my output directly connects to making money (rather than punching a time clock and face time making money). I love the creativity needed to think outside the box and make my business work. I love that I set my hours, my vacation.
What I’ve learned? Spend time using your creativity to ‘grow’ your business and dream up ways to make more money, and get your fingers in more pots. The more pots you’re in, the less it hurts when one empties. And I wish I would’ve listened to my professor when he told me that if you want to prevent burnout, keep variety–rather than security–in your life. Lots and lots of variety. (I don’t know if any of the above applies to writing, but I suspect it does!)
by spyscribbler February 1st, 2007 at 1:15 pmExcellent post Allison. Ha Ha, I didn’t realise your “dander” was up until you commented about it. You post definately crosses careers. I worked three jobs until my position in radio was cemented (in adobe, because we all know radio is shaky ground) and I could support my daughter by myself on what I made. I see writing the same way, you do what you have to do, to be able to do what you love.
by Cele February 1st, 2007 at 1:39 pmNaysayers bring others down to make themselves feel better. Run fast and far from them
by Jen February 1st, 2007 at 1:46 pmThank you so much for this post!
by Louise Ahern February 1st, 2007 at 3:36 pmAllison, EXCELLENT POST. Wow. And so, so true. I’m sure most of us dreamed of the life of the “published author” but most of also were quickly disabused of that notion. It takes TIME to build a career. Right now I am in a hard spot with back-to-back deadlines, but not major advances, but I know if I can just hang in there, I WILL be making a living. Someday….
You go girl!
by Natalie February 1st, 2007 at 6:16 pmOh this was JUST what I needed today. Perfect.
I just posted on my blog about my plague of Self-Doubt Demons. Truly, how can a writer have enough confidence to get the job done when you have negative thoughts pummelling you both inside and out? This business is tough. Without hope and dreams it just gets tougher.
by Wendy Roberts February 1st, 2007 at 6:20 pmSo I’m currently in a position where I could make a living… in West Virginia. It will take a big bump in advances for me to even pay my property taxes. Luckily, I have a husband whose job pays the bills! But seriously, I think we all (or at least I) forget that writing is a very long career. And for every author who hit it big right out of the gate, there are other huge authors who took many years and many books before they made it. But what did they do? Like Allison said, they kept writing. They got to be better writers, and perhaps savvier about writing to the market (there’s a reason lots of historical authors have moved to contemporary, and it’s not just because they wanted to stretch their creative muscles). So yeah, maybe the idea of supporting myself in a year is unrealistic, but in 5, 10, 15? It’s not out of the question, especially if that’s a priority for me, and I do my best to plan and pursue my career accordingly. And If I move someplace with a significantly lower cost of living than the San Francisco Bay Area!
by Jami Alden February 1st, 2007 at 8:07 pmWOW, Allison, I love the analogy you told your daughter–it is so true. I’ve missed seeing your posts on the RWA loops and am so glad to find you again through Karin’s blog. As much as I would love to blog surf all day–I’ll never get that fifth book finished!
by Margaret A. Golla February 2nd, 2007 at 7:26 amThanks for sharing this, Allison. It’s a perfect way to start my day.
by Meretta ~ American Title Finalist February 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 amGreat post, Allison. From the attitude of some wirters out there, it’s like they thought if they wrote a book, riches would automatically pour down from above, and when it doesn’t happen that way, they cook up all these conspiracy theories, or the-world’s-against-me theories, to explain why.
Like any career, building a writing career takes time and hard work. Even writers who get that huge first advance still have to build. In fact, it could arguably be harder in those cases because it can be harder to get a “raise” when you’re already at a very high “base salary” and you have higher expectations to meet.
Few things in life are easy and all we can do is keep trying, keep improving, keep learning.
by Maureen McGowan February 2nd, 2007 at 12:41 pmMaureen, you hit it–some people need to blame someone or something if things don’t work exactly how they envisioned.
Wendy, those doubt demons are evil, and they try to effect everyone. They get me sometimes, and most other writers as well. We just have to be stronger.
Hi Margaret–I still post, but just not as often as I used to. I usually only read email in the early morning (sometimes at night) because I need to be more disciplined
Jami, SF doesn’t count . . . that’s like living in NYC.
And thanks Joyce for letting me know SPEAK NO EVIL is out there! It’s still weird for me to see my books on the shelf . . . I went to lunch with Karin today and it was at Longs. Just . . . weird. And totally cool. But still weird
by Allison February 2nd, 2007 at 10:57 pmGod, you’re good!
by Misa February 4th, 2007 at 8:23 am