The average book published by a mainstream press sells only 14,500 copies nationwide. Not a way to get rich, right? Many people who ask me to ghostwrite their books think that they have a blockbuster and movie deal on their hands. Regrettably, getting a book into print doesn't ensure fame or fortune. Most books no longer receive a great deal of promotional money from publishers, and titles sink to what publishing houses call the mid-list. It's for books that break even or make less than expected. Sometimes books lose money.
Only about five percent of all writers in the United States can make a living and pay their bills through the occupation of writing. I'm lucky to be in that small percentage. I write under my own name as well as ghostwrite fiction and nonfiction. I was a teacher for many years, and while it was a rewarding career, there came a point when it was time to move on. I have written full-time for fifteen years now.
It's not easy earning one's living as a writer. For me, it took many years to hone my skills, and I collected a lot of rejection slips. I eventually published short fiction and poetry in literary journals and then published novels with small and independent presses. I still do. I also ghostwrite and edit.
It keeps food on the table. I'm one of the lucky ones.
~ William Hammett
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