Re: Re: consequences of shift to ebooks

On Jan 6, 2008, at 10:59 PM, auwg wrote:

> --- In [email protected], Mary E Tyler <dejahvu@...>  
> wrote:
>>> high? What are more realistic advances?
>>
>> I've personally known first time novelists with first-book advances
>> anywhere from $5K to $250K. Second book advances are more like $25K
>> (if the first book sells through)
>
> Okay, rephrase: What are AVERAGE realistic advances?
> I've heard between 3K and 15K for first-timers.

$5K.

> One of those who shared the info (copy of the check's on the wall
> behind her desk) said she lost about 20% of it to chargebacks and the
> like. All in all, she'd have received the same amount either way, with
> or without an advance.
>

Yes, but she would have had to wait six months to a year--or a year to  
eighteen months to get it. The time value of money says that if you  
are going to get the same amount it is ALWAYS better to have it today  
than to wait months or a year for it. At least you're the one earning  
interest on it.

I won't say that **no** author is going to go for no advance, but many  
simply will not. Why should I sell my novel on consignment, only  
getting paid when the publisher does? They should pay when they buy  
like I have to when I buy something at the store.

>>>> These days many small POD and epresses sell less than
>>>> 100 copies of a book in the first year.
>>>
>>> We aren't talking about POD or epresses.
>>> We're talking about simply skipping advances with the big presses  
>>> and
>>> relying on sales.
>>
>> Well, if you ever sell to a big press, you are free to do that.
>> Let us know how it goes.
>
> Will do.

At least you're willing to put your money where your mouth is.

> Among other things, I'd want:
> Guarantee that reasonably-priced POD editions would be available after
> print runs are finished.
> Guarantee that E-versions would remain available throughout print runs
> and afterward. Fact is, at this time I'd rather not let the big
> pubbers try to sell my E-versions. Maybe later, if they show some
> talent with their current holdings.

Better get a good agent.

dej

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