tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post2387521166703792490..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Ellery Adams Bares AllBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52820644065923881822012-01-09T13:42:23.321-05:002012-01-09T13:42:23.321-05:00Has to be for the love of writing. It's finan...Has to be for the love of writing. It's financially unrewarding for the most part. <br /><br />Side interest for me.Chris Beaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251024125518218874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-34644792760260375242011-07-14T21:18:38.928-04:002011-07-14T21:18:38.928-04:00Thank you so much for your generosity in posting t...Thank you so much for your generosity in posting this information. As a new author starting out (my first book is out in September), I'm trying to get a handle on what others in the industry are doing and what they are making. I really appreciate your willingness to put the numbers out there.A. Catherine Noonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01375569313449912140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6583528697591310532011-07-13T16:19:49.738-04:002011-07-13T16:19:49.738-04:00Fabulous, generous post. Thanks so much for being ...Fabulous, generous post. Thanks so much for being willing to "bare it all" for the good of the writing community. And, as someone else said, to show those family members and friends who really think published writers live on easy street.Deborahhttp://www.howtoimportwine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-62370298410786751232011-07-09T14:18:33.022-04:002011-07-09T14:18:33.022-04:00Great post AND comments. I'm surprised at the ...Great post AND comments. I'm surprised at the amount of interest in money aspects because unless someone becomes a best selling author it doesn't seem like there's a ton of money to be made. The highlights for me are the writing itself, and, as you've mentioned, the wonderful relationships that are made. The online community of writers is awesome.Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36729373399552278372011-07-06T12:30:37.777-04:002011-07-06T12:30:37.777-04:00What a fascinating breakdown, Ellery. Like many ot...What a fascinating breakdown, Ellery. Like many others, I'm surprised and somewhat appalled at the amount of money you need to spend on promotion. It's nice to see that you have a positive outlook on writing despite some of the minor setbacks. Thanks for giving us a peak at your writing world.<br />Eve :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16264437721162599552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-88330527390502992792011-07-03T18:46:15.759-04:002011-07-03T18:46:15.759-04:00Terrific post, Ellery, and brings home a few hard ...Terrific post, Ellery, and brings home a few hard truths--one being an author is not the "get rich quick" scheme that so many folks assume. <br /><br />But, like you, I can't imagine any career that would be more fulfilling. When you get up every morning excited about starting work, that's definitely something money can't buy.<br /><br />Congratulations on finding such a terrific agent, btw. :-)Kate Douglashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05486916548114546095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-26922742745110431752011-07-01T18:01:36.668-04:002011-07-01T18:01:36.668-04:00Great post! :-) Every aspiring writer needs to rea...Great post! :-) Every aspiring writer needs to read this!Debbie McCune *Notebook to Novel*https://www.blogger.com/profile/14683696656240483399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2065100680986028472011-07-01T16:21:13.321-04:002011-07-01T16:21:13.321-04:00In light of John Locke's book on how he sold a...In light of John Locke's book on how he sold a million eBooks in five months ("And So Can You" is what we authors supply in our heads) this is a reminder of what we do. Considering a number of your titles are out of print, if you haven't done so, put them on the Nook and Kindle--very easy to do. <br /><br />I realized my income from books particularly needs boosting this year because my accountant in March told me that it's hard for him to claim writing is my business when I'm spending more in business costs and promotion than I'm making. "After five years of doing that," he told me, "the IRS might look at it as a hobby." <br /><br />You can learn how I did such a thing in this article on how to go bankrupt thanks to really good reviews: http://www.redroom.com/blog/christopher-meeks/how-to-go-bankrupt-thanks-to-really-great-reviews<br /><br />If anything in all this, I've learned, "Don't spend more than you make." Luckily, I also teach, so that's helping.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07873176321671466213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-48626016376840037432011-07-01T06:12:34.427-04:002011-07-01T06:12:34.427-04:00I've been reviewing books for almost 10 years ...I've been reviewing books for almost 10 years now and I've talked to many authors regarding salaries, so I've known for some time that over all, authors generally only make 3 to 5 cents a word. If they can sell movie rights, the income increases.<br /><br />My understanding from a number of romance writers is that they earn average advances of $5,000 for 90 to 10k words.<br /><br />Archer Mayor went to my son's high school a year ago to talk about the realities of being a fiction writer. He's had a number of bestsellers and told them that despite that he only makes approximately $50,000 a year.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540976998596606553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-3456345318907942532011-06-29T22:35:52.742-04:002011-06-29T22:35:52.742-04:00Thanks for the incite. It's comforting to kno...Thanks for the incite. It's comforting to know authors are willing to share their knowledge. Thakns!Kristinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-55411820270489122642011-06-29T12:21:53.557-04:002011-06-29T12:21:53.557-04:00Thanks for sharing. Can I print this out? I want t...Thanks for sharing. Can I print this out? I want to show it to people who think that you get rich from "just sitting at a computer and writing" - honestly I've had that comment a few times.Joellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05813055817755602200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-21235311190911375272011-06-29T07:28:55.549-04:002011-06-29T07:28:55.549-04:00Beth,
It's hard to carry on after any rejecti...Beth,<br /><br />It's hard to carry on after any rejection. It's tough when the book you worked so hard on goes out to the world and doesn't make a splash, but it's also hard when no one bites at your query letter.<br /><br />I got bites from my first round of 25 letters. If you don't, I most gently suggest that your query letter's opening is not engaging enough or if it is, it loses steam or is unclear as it progresses. If you've crafted the best letter you possibly can, you should get a response, any response, from at least one agent out of 25. <br /><br />If the responses are all rejections, go back, polish the letter, and send it to a new batch of 25 agents. I know those rejections can wear you down, but you'll get published by refusing to give up. For every 100 writers who throw in the towel, there's one like you who refuses to. In the end, you'll get there.Ellery Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02693809310927333177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-21638565001771173522011-06-28T21:45:29.015-04:002011-06-28T21:45:29.015-04:00Ellery,
Thanks for being so straightforward with y...Ellery,<br />Thanks for being so straightforward with your statistics. Your information is quite refreshing and helps tremendously to set realistic expectations about getting published. <br /><br />I'm so glad you didn't stop writing when your two series were cancelled, but that had to be devastating after so much effort.<br /><br />Do you keep track of how many of your queries are rejected? How do you carry on after that happens multiple times? It's hard to not take them personally, even knowing that most writers seem to run into it, especially until they become known.<br /><br />This blog continues to help educate all of us writers, which is greatly appreciated.Beth (Elizabeth) LaMiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09526119783012440523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-83833247546170643502011-06-28T21:15:29.049-04:002011-06-28T21:15:29.049-04:00Ellen, Thanks for your informative and candide pos...Ellen, Thanks for your informative and candide post. I wonder if you can put all your energy and talent for writing and focus on writing just one amazing very commercial book that will be very finnacially rewarding. A book that is outside of what you usually write with one goal in mind. In any case, best wishes to you and your family, and I'll read you blog and website.Giorahttp://giora-china.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-76083676736399035372011-06-28T20:24:40.107-04:002011-06-28T20:24:40.107-04:00Hi Carol! It's great to run into you on this, ...Hi Carol! It's great to run into you on this, the most wonderful literary agency blog in existence. Hope you're doing well!Ellery Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02693809310927333177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36829065603590196842011-06-28T20:23:49.011-04:002011-06-28T20:23:49.011-04:00Anni T,
I was so dazzled by the realization that ...Anni T,<br /><br />I was so dazzled by the realization that I was to be published that I dreamed of checks for thousands of dollars, movie deals, and that being a successful writer would suddenly make me a size 8. Sadly, none of those things happened and I was unprepared from a promotional standpoint. I told family and friends my release date and sat back and waited for hordes of people to buy my book. <br /><br />Mistake. I was naive about promotion and since then, do a hell of a lot more legwork up to six months prior to a release. I've tried several things, including a flash radio campaign, Facebook ads, Author Buzz, and ads in conference programs. The thing about promotion is you're never really sure what works. You'll get a bump in sales for a few hours or days after radio or TV gigs, but are they worth the money? <br /><br />These days, I focus more on the free stuff. Blog tours, social media like Facebook and Twitter, and supplement with Facebook ads and conference program ads. Oh, and bookmarks, Lots of bookmarks. I also tried a Kindle giveaway for my last release. All of that adds up to my current promotion budget, but as you might guess, time becomes the most valuable commodity. I never have enough either.<br /><br />And there is a huge range when you're talking advances. I believe romance writers, depending on their publishers, can start much lower or much higher than we mid-list mystery authors. I'd tell you more if I could, but if you want to see real $, check out the deals section of Publisher's Weekly. They will be more specific about numbers.Ellery Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02693809310927333177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-65358019919198462432011-06-28T20:16:57.324-04:002011-06-28T20:16:57.324-04:00Wry Writer, I enjoyed your post, thanks! I can tel...Wry Writer, I enjoyed your post, thanks! I can tell you definitely have a clear voice. :)Ellery Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02693809310927333177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-68442468111510740272011-06-28T19:53:23.343-04:002011-06-28T19:53:23.343-04:00Very interesting information; thanks for sharing. ...Very interesting information; thanks for sharing. I do love your books I've read so far, and look forward to getting to all the others, which are on my shelves,just waiting! Keep up the good work!Carol Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-65454652075298505422011-06-28T18:47:01.425-04:002011-06-28T18:47:01.425-04:00What a fantastic post! So few authors, agents, or ...What a fantastic post! So few authors, agents, or publishers are willing to talk real numbers. I think this close-mouthed attitude has created a lot of misunderstanding among aspiring writers and non-writers alike. Especially since what most people hear about are those six-figure deals that make news headlines.<br /><br />In my (fairly extensive) attempts at research, I heard that a $5000 advance is tiny unless you're talking about a small press, and that $20,000 to $25,000 is a quite nice advance. Presumably this reference was either wrong or talking about a very well-established author. Without even general guidelines, it's so difficult for aspiring writers to know what to expect.<br /><br />I would love to see a post from BookEnds that gives general advance ranges for different kinds of books (with, of course, a disclaimer that every book and every sale is different).<br /><br />Ellery, I have a few more questions to add to the pile.<br /><br />Did your first book meet, exceed, or fall short of your expectations when it came to money?<br /><br />Where or on what, generally speaking, do you spend that 25% you set aside for promotion?<br /><br />Lastly, beyond the advance, how much do you make from royalties on an average novel in a year?<br /><br />Thanks for the great post!Anni Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-51295493586596957462011-06-28T18:37:33.211-04:002011-06-28T18:37:33.211-04:00Hey, I want to get in this too.
Number of books a...Hey, I want to get in this too.<br /><br />Number of books accepted by a publisher as of June, 2011 - 1<br /><br />Average advance paid by publisher -$500.<br /><br />Number of years since book was accepted by publisher - ugh - 40 freakin’ years<br /><br />Number of books actually published - 0<br /><br />Number of times I kicked myself in the ass for not realizing at the time how wonderful the opportunity was, which was given to me through no effort of my own - 1,000,001.<br /><br />Number of times I cried myself to sleep and wished and prayed for a do-over - 1<br /><br />Without my stupidity I would not have my family and be where I am today, which is exactly where I should be...writing everyday, learning, dreaming, working hard and loving what I do. <br /><br />Regrets - 0<br />Effort - countlessCarolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-23603901757681771192011-06-28T18:12:15.252-04:002011-06-28T18:12:15.252-04:00Ellery, thank you for your honest information. So ...Ellery, thank you for your honest information. So few authors reveal that much. As a small press author, I do have to tell you that you simply *MUST* get more of your books out in e-book formats. You would be shocked at how much income you could make when you have a body of work for happy readers to follow. With your series work, I would think you'd be ripe for a lot of backlist sales.<br /><br />Good luck with all your writing. Sounds like you work hard, and you deserve tons of success!<br /><br />Lori L. LakeLori L. Lakehttp://www.lorillake.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-52555732344596622682011-06-28T15:48:03.940-04:002011-06-28T15:48:03.940-04:00Ellery,
Thanks so much for taking the time to ans...Ellery,<br /><br />Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate your time and value your experience. :o)<br /><br />Wishing you the best!Scribbling Scarlethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14014828055977050503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-44310227636876694652011-06-28T15:29:52.668-04:002011-06-28T15:29:52.668-04:00Thank you so much for this awesome post! Your open...Thank you so much for this awesome post! Your openness is so refreshing and so helpful. Thanks again for baring it all. I love your spirited energy! :)Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14315988741446180628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-3425111000596029452011-06-28T15:29:21.831-04:002011-06-28T15:29:21.831-04:00Thanks for sharing the info.Thanks for sharing the info.Stacy S. Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09646270238659432058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-36992836532068819572011-06-28T15:28:45.328-04:002011-06-28T15:28:45.328-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02218833273807053939noreply@blogger.com