Get Rich writing a book! The real truth.

So how much do authors make? Everyone seems to want to know.

Maybe since an amazing 81% of Americans want to write a book?

Here the real story:
The average books sells 500 copies period.
Mine will sell much more, many thousands, maybe a very few tens of thousands (very decent for a business book).

So, how much money is the book making me?

Chickenfeed! Probably around minimum wage if you figure in all the hours researching, writing, editing, and promoting.

What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting is netting me less than 5 figures - i.e. $10K.
Shel and I each got a little more for Blogging for Business.

But what about royalties? Forget it. Royalties are SUBTRACTED from the upfront money. You typically make zero additional money? (we're talking commercially published book here, self publishing is a valid option for many  with its own pluses and minuses).

So why write a book? Two reasons:

1) Some times you just gotta do it. Fulfill a dream. Yes, I've long wanted to write a book, and even passed up several projects I felt weren't "quite right."

2) It proves you're an expert. Not only "it is written" but you did the writing.

How about financial justification?

• People pay me to speak on blogging, podcasting and other new media more often.
• A lot more people hire me as a consultant or coach - my coaching program is actually currently full.
• I'm developing additional products like audio CDs, ebooks, a tips booklet -stay tuned for more info.

So What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting is rolling out now.
Can I relax and sit back?

Comments

[Robert Porter]

No! You may not sit back and relax! Nows the time to write #3 and begin thinking about #4!

I like reading what you write, and I think you have a lot more to say.

Please, keep writing! (And save me a glass of that wine, I am hoping to get up to New England early next year.)

Bob

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

No third book for a while. The dirty secret about books is after you write them, you need to PROMOTE them. It's the author's job.The publisher does very little.

I'll write about it now :)
And definitely come visit!

[Joe]

Self-publishing is a wonderful path to take, Ted. My 9th book just came out and each one has been a profitable venture. I consistently hear colleagues complain about their publishers while I sell thousands of books directly to my clients.

Additionally, I can get a book to market within six weeks, while the trade publishers typically take up to 18 months.

Joe

[storyteller]

I do not know as on the account to grow rich a writing of books, but is still pair ideas how to earn...

http://newrates.org/

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

Joe,
Certainly considering self publishing in the future. Actually I was reading Dan Poynter's book on self publishing last night!

[Kian Ann]

Hey Ted,

First of all, thanks for the link on the post on the 27th Oct! :)

Secondly, I want to say I've not read your books but "Blogging for Business" is probably flying across the middle east now, on its way to my place... heh. Its taking years to come from Amazon. Really looking forward to it.

Now for the real comment: Yeah from what I heard from other authors, a book doesn't give you money, it gives the publisher money. But the book gives you superb credibility, especially a trainer! You go in with a book that YOU WROTE, and its a different story. Heh.

I remember Robert Kiyosaki once said that his book is not his money spinner. It is his "brochure", his marketing material! How true can that be!

All the best for your upcoming books! I want to write a book too, and I've started on it already (3 pages!) hahaha... Can I approach you if I need someone to write a forward? :)

*giving myself some stress to make sure I continue writing*

Kian Ann

[Ted Demopoulos, Blogging for Business]

Kian Ann,

Sure - happy to write a forward.

Interesting (and true) what you say about training. I'm teaching a Info Security Bootcamp in NY City this week. Had I written a security book (I considered it), it would be great on the credibility front.

And thanks for buying my book!