A touch of reality for self-published authors

[Shelagh Watkins]

I started this discussion on PublishedAuthors and thought authors here might be interested in reading this article:

In the world of self-publishing, authors tend to have unrealistic expectations so it comes as a refreshing change to read about the financial difficulties facing self-published authors written by someone with experience in banking.

I found this "Handling Your Finances – Lessons from an Author in Transition by Lynnette Khalfani" very informative and helpful:

http://reviews.aalbc.com/handling_your_finances.htm

If you ever thought that receiving an advance for a three book deal would solve all your financial problems -- think again!

[Londa B.]

Amen to that! I have authors asking me al the time..."Can you give me an advance?" I mean really...what would that solve? Most of the times in those contracts, they limit the author, the hold the rights to th book, and etc. I would never take an advancement deal, unless it would truly benefit myself. I'd rather keep doing what I'm doing (self-published/publisher) than selling out to the big dogs. They will take you for more than a walk in the park! LOL!

[Fabiola Sully aka mysticpoet]

thanks for the link to the book. this would be helpful to me.

[Nelson Pahl]

The article was very informative. Yes, everything is true as to how hard it is to get published and be available to reader.

[Pam Osbey]

oh boy...i'll read that. plus knowing how your royalties are divided between the pub house, distributor and the author is very helpful.