3. J. K. Rowling Hit The Jackpot, You Probably Will Not
tumblrFirst of all, J. K. Rowling used a literary agent and was published under a big name publisher. If you are going the independent route, you cannot expect to ask for insane amounts of money up front no matter how good your book is those types of contracts do not exist. Secondly, Rowling made history with her signing bonus for a childrens book and even she was rejected numerous times before a publisher decided to work with her. The biggest thing to remember if you actually do end up getting a publishing contract put in front of you is to be grateful but not ripped off. Take the time to read it and do some research online to find out what is a comfortable amount to accept. If you are looking at making big money then you have to consider getting legal help.
2. The Majority Of Début Novels Sell Less Than 100 Copies
wikiThis is a scary truth for potential authors. Even once your book makes it through the publication process and you have signed a lovely book contract, dont rush out and buy your first boat. Even with marketing and backing from a publisher, it is very hard to generate interest in a novelist who has no previous experience. Use the outlets on the internet and social media sites to promote yourself as well as your work. If you can get past the first novel and sell more than the average you become a much more attractive candidate for future publications with other publishers. Experience is the key.
1. Breaking Out Of Your Circle Of Friends And Family Is Nearly Impossible
You may start out selling books at a comfortable rate, but getting past the initial spell of family and friends buying your book and telling their friends at work is very difficult. When signing the contract for a book deal, make sure to look at the help you will receive after the book is ready rather than just looking at the amount of money that you will receive up front. You are much more likely to be successful as an author if you have the backing of a company to promote your work rather than just doing it on your own.
There Is Still Hope! Play The Numbers Game
Even if all of the above points are true with regards to writing a novel and seeing it through to publication, there are several things to cling to that make the process worthwhile. You have to play the numbers game with regards to submissions. The average independent publisher will receive approximately 10000 novel submissions per year and will publish around 10-20 novels. If you assume that they will publish 15 to make it easy then you are looking at around a 1 in 666 chance of being published which seems like terrible odds. However, most publishers will attest to the fact that 90 percent of what comes through their mailbox or via email is absolutely awful. If you are confident that your book falls in the last 10 percent, the odds are a little better. What is more, if you submit at the right time during the year, to the appropriate publisher for your style of writing and your content (do the research before submitting) you are giving yourself a leg up over the competition. It can certainly be done so dont let the numbers get the better of you. Frame your first rejection letter so that when the first acceptance letter comes in you can put them side by side.