Book Advances — How Much Money Do Writers Make?

A $100,000 book advance sounds nice, doesn’t it?

That sounds like enough money to quit your day job, spend a few hours writing each day, and then using the remainder of your time talking about creative things — with creative friends — over coffee or tea the rest of the day.

Right?

Wrong…

I recently read an article in the New York Times about book advances. In the article, it mentions that Dave Eggers received a $100,000 advance that put just $39,567.68 in his pocket.

If it takes several years to write and sell your own work of staggering genius, when you break that sum down over three years, it’s a nice supplemental income, but not enough to support most people.

The average book advance is much less than $100,000, leaving most writers with enough money for Web hosting and supplies, maybe attending a writer’s conference, and a nice, celebratory meal.

Most writers have a day job for a reason.

The trick is to find happiness and order in juggling your day job with writing regularly and enjoying life.

Odds are the $100,000 advance will never come your way.

But if you’re realistic about it from the start and find a good balance along the way, you’re more likely to write on a regular basis and increase your chances of finally making it.