So you’ve sold a book. It’s all champagne, roses, and good times, right? Soon the money will start to roll in, and life will be one big fabulous party as you step onto the sidewalk of fame. If you’ve actually been published–whether in an epub or NY–you know the reality.
Getting your name and book out there takes time, and it takes money. That’s right, you may think it’ll just be incoming cash after you sell, but be prepared to dig into the wallet. Maybe you’ll sell to NY and get a nice advance, but guess where a good amount of that advance is going to go? Well, here’s a few…
Website: Unless you can build your own, you’re likely going to pay someone who can build one and you may need to pay for updates. Plus you’ll have the monthly/yearly fee of buying your domain, and whoever you have hosting the site. This can range from $150-2000, depends on who you hire. And if you’re really serious about getting published, and you think you’re career is on the brink of taking off, you may want to have the site up and running before you even sell.
Promotion: You want people to read your book, right? So how do you get the word out? Well, you can obsessively blog and blog hop like me, but that only goes so far. You’ll want to pay to have your banner on reviews sites, which is the cheaper form of advertising at usually $25 a month or so. But you may want to have your book advertised in magazines like RT and RWR, which is not cheap. We’re talking hundreds to thousands for one ad. You may want promo with items like pens, or magnets, bookmarks, also not cheap. You can spend anywhere from around $25 and up from there.
Copy Edits: I haven’t had to do this yet, since I’ve only worked with epubs and we do all editing online. But I heard when you publish with NY they send you your copy edits, and then you have to send them back to them. Fedex or UPS. I was talking to a friend about hers, and she just paid $40 to send her book back to her publisher.
Anyway, I’m sure there’s a bunch of expenses I didn’t touch on. The point is iif you want to see your career take off after the book is sold, it’s going to take some money. Sure, you can indulge in champagne and roses after the first call/letter comes in. But then you may want to be prepared to switch to koolaid and dandelions for bit. That is until all the money you invest comes back.
What about you? How has selling affected your life financially? Are you spending more than you expected? Or have you found a way to get off easy.
October 17th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
WEll, I haven’t received my first royalty check yet but I can tell you I’ve spent a lot of money so far. Its all part of the process.
October 17th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
I still have the cheapie website…you forgot to include my expenses, which have kept me from turning a profit…I crashed my laptop (and wore out the power cord and monitor light) getting my 1st manuscript out. There went my first advance…the next full burned out my printer. Advance number two paid for that, and finally paid HubbaBubba back for all the postage he’s fronted me. So…next sale I MIGHT make some money to promo with…as long as nothing else breaks!!
October 17th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
I went in prepared to spend. It helped that I’m going to be able to write off some of my expenses.
October 17th, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Wow Jenna! Yeah I forgot the laptops and computers! And ink cartridges! Yikes, there’s a lot I’m missing
October 17th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Yep, all very true, even if it is depressing. Don’t give up the day job - the money comes in handy
October 17th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
I’ve spent more than I’ve made so far, but I figure it’s worth it. Luckily enough hubby fronts me the money for most things, otherwise I’d have to go get a job to support my writing career! LOLOL
But to get my name out and generate a fan base - priceless.
October 17th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Like Karen, I know I’ve spent more than I’ve made. But it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make right now. Thank goodness I have a hubby too who’s willing to overlook that. LOL A little bit.
October 18th, 2006 at 1:00 am
Shelli, Your post is exactly right on what I was posting about in Romance Divas just now. I’m new and expect to pay something to promote. My biggest issue is knowing what in the world to do. I feel lost in this online jungle, trying to learn the ropes. I did plug your blog site over there because I think you girls are great. Thanks so much for the info.
October 18th, 2006 at 1:07 am
I think I’m actually gonna break even this year (not counting the new computer but I needed it regardless). Y’all cross your fingers for me lol! Mostly, I’m thinking that’s cause almost all my subs this year have been electronic. No postage. Woohoo!
October 19th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Very true on the expenses. It’s not a fast road to riches by any means. J.K. Rowley was a fluke.
So the rest of us hump the bank to get it all done. I’ve been gradually building up on presence and promotions. And yes, it does cost. There’s no denying it. But DH does agree it’s still WAYYYYYY cheaper than the crafting business I had for more than two years. *wink*