The transparency! This puts so much into perspective as well— mostly the gamble of it all for publishing advances. They put a lot on the line on a hope and a prayer that sales will reflect their faith. I wonder how many six figure deals ever earn out. You know my life I’ll probably be that lady on Titanic (since we’re in a ship) “It’s been 84 years…” lol Oy!
"It's been 84 years..." really made me laugh! I would LOVE to know how many six-figure deals earn out. I wish all of this was readily available so authors would know where they stand.
This was extremely helpful! I always get so much out of reading this newsletter and it really makes me feel more equipped to handle my own industry. Thank you!
How dare they return your book!! I’m going to go sign your name every time I see it so it can’t be returned, mwahah. … jk I won’t do that, don’t worry.
But this is awesome, thanks again for sharing! Seems like picture books are very slow to / rarely earn out
I can answer this as a mostly-picture-books author. Picture books are slow to earn out, which is interesting since the advances are usually much smaller than for novels. Maybe it's that more people buy novels in general, or that teen readers are buying their own novels? (As the parent of teen readers, this is not how it happens in my house, but who knows.)
Of my 8 picture books, 2 have earned out. An additional one earned out, but then returns put me back in the hole. (Mentally insert whatever emoji says "arghhhh" here.)
Julie! Thank you for this insight! I think you're right that it has something to do with the PB audience not buying the books for themselves? Who knows!
The transparency! This puts so much into perspective as well— mostly the gamble of it all for publishing advances. They put a lot on the line on a hope and a prayer that sales will reflect their faith. I wonder how many six figure deals ever earn out. You know my life I’ll probably be that lady on Titanic (since we’re in a ship) “It’s been 84 years…” lol Oy!
"It's been 84 years..." really made me laugh! I would LOVE to know how many six-figure deals earn out. I wish all of this was readily available so authors would know where they stand.
Thank you for sharing with us!! And happy one year anniversary of the Substack!
Thank you for being along on the journey, Mel!!
This was extremely helpful! I always get so much out of reading this newsletter and it really makes me feel more equipped to handle my own industry. Thank you!
That means a lot!! I’m so glad this info is helpful!!
THANK YOU for all of these numbers. It's so fascinating to see how it all shakes out for everyone.
You are so welcome! I'm fascinated by all this too!
How dare they return your book!! I’m going to go sign your name every time I see it so it can’t be returned, mwahah. … jk I won’t do that, don’t worry.
But this is awesome, thanks again for sharing! Seems like picture books are very slow to / rarely earn out
I can answer this as a mostly-picture-books author. Picture books are slow to earn out, which is interesting since the advances are usually much smaller than for novels. Maybe it's that more people buy novels in general, or that teen readers are buying their own novels? (As the parent of teen readers, this is not how it happens in my house, but who knows.)
Of my 8 picture books, 2 have earned out. An additional one earned out, but then returns put me back in the hole. (Mentally insert whatever emoji says "arghhhh" here.)
Julie! Thank you for this insight! I think you're right that it has something to do with the PB audience not buying the books for themselves? Who knows!
lol!! ❤️❤️ I’m not sure how other pbs fare, but I know mine are slow going!!