[Christopher Smith]

Absolutely.  And with the new thriller, "Running of the Bulls," going live next week, I expect it to do well because of how I've positioned it, marketed it, and the fan base that came with Fifth Avenue who will be interested in it.  The following week I'll publish the completion of my young adult series.  Then, a few months later, I'll package that series as one book.  I was able to quit a significant job because of one book and the first two editions of one series.  I'm lucky, but I also work really, really hard.  It's funny.  The harder we all work, the luckier we all get.  So, it's all about the work.  Three other projects will finish the year for me.  This is the gold rush and I'm going for it along with everyone else.  Let's kick some New York ass.

 

[BrianKittrell]

Truthfully, you have a better chance of winning the lottery unless you write about vampires, werewolves, zombies and have them all having lots of sex with each other.

What's wrong with vampires, werewolves, and zombies having sex with each other? Well, the zombies thing could be a little disturbing...

As to the OP, yes. I make about $1,000 per month writing my casual zombie stories. I answer specifically with amounts because, despite the naysayers or hushers about money, I think it's an important factor to consider for people getting into the arena.

 

[mmgurung]

"Well, the zombies (sex) thing could be a little disturbing..."

Sorry, this reminds me of a joke I once heard. (I keep company with many sorts of people. And sometimes I AM the other sort of people.) It wasn't about zombies, but instead about a leper, but the punchline would still work.

A zombie has relations with a....lady of the night. Afterwards, he pays her and tells her she can keep the tip.

And btw to keep this on-topic. I'm still working on my first for-publication novel. I'll let you know how it goes in a year or two. )

- Michelle

 

[Stagewalker]

I don't make a lot of money from my writing, but I don't spend a lot of money or time on marketing either.

I assume that if I spent more effort trying to get my books reviewed, I would sell more copies, but there are limited avenues for reviews of a book that is only available electronically.

In the meantime. the fact that I make any money gives me a few points with the family.

Bob Cherny
Author of "Swamp Witch"
http://clublighthousepublishing.com/productpage.asp?bNumb=221

 

[Remi Michaud]

unless you write about vampires, werewolves, zombies and have them all having lots of sex with each other.

Hmmm. Is that how I'll make some money at this?

*begins writing furiously*

 

[daringnovelist]

The only time I was ever tempted to write a zombie story, OR a paranormal romance, it was a zombie romance.  It did not involve sex, however.  More of a tragic romance wrapped up in a buddy story, as a female zombie cop and FBI forensics expert team up to foil a zombie master.

Camille

 

[J. Carson Black]

As a midlist writer, my career went like this: Tiny little book deal and small advance. Don't make back the advance. Get kicked off the carousel. Work hard on my writing as the years go by. Get another book deal. Smaller advance. Don't make that one back. Get kicked off... er, see above. More years go by. Write the best book of my life. Get a DECENT deal! Wow! I've made it! Squeeeee! Look out Edgars, you've got my name on a statuette! ... Don't make back the advance. Get kicked off. Change my name because nobody will buy someone with my numbers. Find a great agent. Get turned down by 28 of the best editors in the business. Didn't even get on the carousel this time.

My husband bought back the rights to a few of my books. He put them up. I said, "This is ridiculous! We're not going to make any money."

I owe him a huge apology.

Now I'm making a living. IF it continues, it will be a darn good living. Making a living as a writer---what a concept! For the first time in 25 years.

What I love about this? I'm my own best client. I love my client and my client loves me. My husband and I make every decision, not to please some marketing flak talking through her hat, and no one else decides what the title is or what the cover will look like. And it turns out that all along we knew better about my own books. That maybe, just maybe, the author isn't the lowliest cog in the publishing wheel.
I hope it continues, because I have 25 years of making virtually nothing to make up for.

 

[mathewferguson]

I've been making a living since 2003 in the writing/editing area.

Since the end of 2005 I've made almost all my money from words in the right order.

This isn't novel writing though (although some of the money is from ghost-writing business non-fiction). My children's stuff makes chump change but even that chump change is more than they were making sitting in my digital drawer doing nada.

I'm treating my current WIP as a freelance writing project and yes, while I'm in love with the words, I do think about money as well. I do expect that once I've published this work that I will make much more than any of my other books.

But the bell curve and standard distribution and pareto principle still apply. 20% of the people make 80% of the money.

 

[mathewferguson]

What I love about this? I'm my own best client. I love my client and my client loves me.

Ha ha

I'm the same way. I have a great boss!

"3000 words written - what now boss?"

"How about go for a swim, come back and make yourself a delicious omelette, read a bit of Storm of Swords and then perhaps a bit of PS3?"

"Sure thing boss!"

Although, sometimes I've had to give myself a bit of a talking to about slacking off. In one performance appraisal some harsh things were said and I gave myself the silent treatment for the rest of the day.

;-)

 

[Sandra Edwards]

Well, I'm not going to be a happy camper when tax time rolls around.

 

[MattLaube]

I make just enough money to cover a lawn service.  So yes, I write to avoid yard work.  And I intend to keep avoiding yard work for many more years. 

 

[HelenHanson]

My sister has had 17 christian books published.

Francine?

 

[HelenHanson]

I owe him a huge apology.

*sigh* I spend a lot of time here.

Congrats, though. I appreciate your candor and am happy for your success. d*mn those torpedoes!

 

[Carolyn J. Rose Mystery Writer]

The bonus for me is in knowing people are reading my work. The money is in second place. So far (and I've only be at this Indie stuff for about 10 months) I'm making enough to pay for haircuts for me and Max the Maltese, and a really nice dinner out every few weeks.
But I just put another book up on my own and I have three more in the chute. Who knows, someday I'll cover the power bill.

 

[28612]

David Wisehart wrote:

Lots of writers are making lots of money.

Even more writers are making even less money.

Almost all writers who publish-whether traditional or indie-are making some money.

I'd change the 1st line to "A few writers", but otherwise that about covers it, David!

J. Carson Black wrote:

Now I'm making a living. IF it continues, it will be a darn good living.

Ah, there's the question I keep asking -- will it continue? I infer a level of reliability in "making a living." Can what's come in for the past few months be projected for a full year? ... Mostly the answer I hear back from inside my head is "Who the heck knows!"

 

[StormWorldSeriesGuy]

So this is where all my money's gone! If you throw my collective Amazon rankings in there and change those ones to twenties or higher, you'd have it just about right!

Yeah, I'm flushed.

 

[daringnovelist]

Ah, there's the question I keep asking -- will it continue? I infer a level of reliability in "making a living." Can what's come in for the past few months be projected for a full year? ... Mostly the answer I hear back from inside my head is "Who the heck knows!"

I think that's where the key of diversifying is. How do you expand your income streams? The people who survive in small business (which is what we're doing) tend to have multiple income streams. Starting with money management -- when there's a boom, and they have extra cash, they may put some back in the business, but they also invest so they have a buffer income stream. Regular savings is important.

Next you look for finding multiple income streams within what you do. It really helps to not only have a large number of books, but a range -- maybe some non-fiction, some works that appeal to different audiences if possible. Then you need to look at your venues: how many different places are you making your work available? Not just Kindle, B&N and Smashwords, but paper and audio book, and on your own website, and in traditional venues like magazines. Those gift cards DWS has been talking about lately. Selling at specialty events related to your subject and fleamarkets.

Have you monetized your blog (either with advertising or subscriptions)? Do you do speaking engagements?

The way you stabilize your income is you diversify - which you can do slowly and over time - and you build multiple streams of income, so that if any one of them takes a hit, you've got others.

Camille

 

[CaedemMarquez]

A zombie has relations with a....lady of the night. Afterwards, he pays her and tells her she can keep the tip.

Haha. I love it.

Caedem - http://CaedemMarquez.com

 

[Sarah Woodbury]

Given the Lady Gaga fiasco and the 'Also bought' hiccup earlier this month, it's become even clearer to me that diversifying is crucial.  It does take time, however, and an eye on the long game.  I'm making a living on Amazon.  I'm working on it with the other venues, but they're getting better (slowly).

 

[JRTomlin]

So far my income from other venues is laughable. There's no denying that Amazon has most of the market, but hopefully that will change.