What kind of advance can I expect?
No doubt you've read reports of enormous advances for first novels or non-fiction works. You've probably also read about people being struck by lightning or winning it big in the lottery.

A far more typical advance for a first book is five to ten thousand dollars. If your work sells well, future advances should rise accordingly.

How do royalties work?
Your book contract will specify your royalty percentage per copy sold. Once your book sells enough copies to earn out the advance, you will receive royalty checks. Most publishers account to authors every six months on a set schedule and pay royalties due at that time.

Royalty statements are notoriously obtuse. Typically, the publisher holds a reserve against possible future returns from booksellers. Nearly all writers would prefer an advance so large that waiting for royalties never becomes an issue.

What are subsidiary rights?
In addition to primary publication as a book, you or your agent can sell your work to the following markets:

Serialization - When a magazine or newspaper buys first or second serial rights, they purchase the right to run an excerpt or condensed portion of your work.

Audio - This gives an audio publisher the right to publish a taped version of your book.

Large Print - Libraries and book stores carry large print versions of popular titles for the visually impaired and physically handicapped.

Foreign - Translation rights may be sold through the publisher or reserved to be sold by you, depending on the agreement your agent negotiates.

Electronic - The internet and other electronic media have changed publishing substantially. It is likely that media now in development and other outlets yet to be conceived will continue to broaden and shift opportunities for writers. Be sure any contract you sign addresses the issue of these rights and retains everything possible for you.

Film and Video - Some books are optioned or purchased for adaptation as a TV or theatrical film. Make sure that your agent takes care not to give away interactive/multi-media rights which could prevent you from selling your work to film.

Book Club - Your work may be purchased for special editions sold through general or specialty book clubs. There are clubs for a variety of book categories, including cooking, history, mysteries, romance, and crafts.

If you have other questions or suggestions about the business side of being a writer, e-mail me at jkelman@jkelman.com.