This Author Got Very Honest About How Much They've Made On Their Bestselling Book
www.buzzfeed.com
"It's important for readers to know just how much their favorite authors are struggling."

Some summary:

  • Author got $20,000/- from publisher. $10,000 on sign up, and $10,000/- after delivering the final manuscript. After 10% cut of agent, author was left with $18,000/- for two years of writing and editing.
  • They say it's good money (for independent press), their previous 3 books got them 4 digit advance (so, less than 10K).
  • They sold 650 books to end up number 85 on USA bestsellers list.
  • About 5000 books are also ordered by bookshops / sellers, so they are half out of 10,000 copies first print.
  • Bookshops can return the books if not sold.
  • Authors don't get any royalties until they have paid off the advance they get in the beginning. So in this case, until they have paid off the initial $20K, they won't get any money from the book.