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Do Writer's Make a Living?

Last week, I participated in a Webinar hosted by Terry Whalin in which the host interviewed Sally Stuart, author of the Christian Writer’s Market Guide. I asked the question, “Do writers really make any money today? How many books do you need to write to make a living?”  Her answer was, “A lot. It’s very difficult to make a living as a freelance writer.” She went on to say that she knows writers that have 8-10 to a dozen books in print and can’t make a living. She also said that most writers have to supplement their income by editing, tutoring, or teaching seminars and conferences.

As a self-published author, who is trying to break into the traditionally published market, this is a bit disconcerting! However, it also helped me decide to manage my time better. I don’t really want to publish my own fiction, but since it’s probably not going to be a big money maker, I will have to spend more time working on my nonfiction to keep the money rolling in.

Does anyone with experience in both self-publishing and traditional publishing have any suggestions for those of us who are thinking of going the traditional route?

iPhones

JUST OUT! The Spring 2010 issue of iPhone Life Magazine at your favorite bookstore. Read my selections for Best Apps Ever in this issue!

You can read my other iPhone app reviews on the iPhone Life Web site.

Macmillan raises royalty rates

Article on Author's Guild says that Macmillan is raising royalty rates on e-books to 25%.

The Silent Governess - 5 stars!

Julie Klassen has done it again – another wonderful adventure / romance set in nineteenth century England. The Silent Governess has everything I love in a story – mysterious places, scary villains, a handsome hero, and a heroine who is searching for answers.

It’s the kind of book you reach for when you just want to escape and do absolutely nothing but read. I started it in the morning and kept reading until I finished. I just couldn’t put it down.

The basic plot is about Olive Keene who thinks she may have murdered her abusive father. Consequently, she runs from home carrying a secret that she can only open upon the death of her mother. Her hope is to get a position with her mother’s former friends and wait out the news of what actually happened to her mother and father. In the process of running away, she gets involved in another mystery between Lord Bradley and his father. Because she overheard the secret, she is forced to remain at the Manor House as a governess to the children. She has also lost her voice, so she can’t talk. The mystery, adventure, and romance escalate from here.

The Silent Governess is listed as Christian fiction; however, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is just another cheesy Christian book. There’s no preaching; rather the characters model the Christian life in speech and action. It has well-developed characters, an exciting plot, and a satisfying ending. Definitely 5 stars!

Writer's Conference in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS 

SPRING CONFERENCE

MARCH 27, 2010, 9:00-5:00

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL

1815 SOUTH MERIDIAN, OKLAHOMA CITY

SPEAKERS: Amy Lennex, Editor Sleeping Bear Press; Kate Fletcher, Associate Editor Candlewick Press; Greg Ferguson, Editor Egmont USA; Stephen Fraser, agent, Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency; Art Director, Kerry Martin, Senior Designer, Clarion. 

See Web site for more information.

Learning to Be a Writer - Part 2

I've been busy this week rewriting my kids book for the Critique-a-thon on the 30th. I also signed up for the SCBWI Conference in March and a nonfiction children's book writers retreat in June. 


On Tuesday, I went to the Tulsa Night Writers meeting. The speaker was a western author, Dusty Richards, who's written almost 100 books. I joined this group, too. Eventually, I'll probably end up just participating in one or two groups, but right now I'm trying to find my fit.