Many aspiring writers assume that having a bestseller will make them rich, but the reality is that a successful writing career can produce a very modest income.
In a column penned for Slate, Patrick Wensink explained that despite spending a week on Amazon’s bestsellers list ahead of Hunger Games and Bossypants, his novel Broken Piano for President sold about 4,000 copies earning him about $12,000 in royalties.
While he points out how lucky he is, Wensink also highlights why writers also teach. Check it out:
You can do the math. I’m clearly not buying a mansion. Hell, my measly dreams of constructing a Roald Dahl-style writing cottage in the backyard are even shelved. Twelve-thousand bucks is amazing, but it’s not life-changing money. Unless, of course, I need one of those clearance sale $11,999 kidneys.