The Average Salaries of Childrens' Book Authors
Most often, love of reading develops in childhood. Perhaps a rhyming Dr. Seuss book delighted and entertained you. Maybe "Goodnight Moon" was one of your favorites. If you have a talent for creating books that children will love, writing childrens' books can be profitable. You need not be an illustrator to become a success in this field. Hiring a talented artist to create drawings is always an option.
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Annual Compensation
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The average annual salary for an author of childrens' books varies considerably, based on a number of factors. According to Simply Hired, a job and career website, the average salary is $30,000. Compensation for an author whose books hit the bestseller list can earn in the six-figure range, depending upon the number of books published and sold during a 12-month period. Authors have the option of contracting with a willing publisher, or self-publishing.
Payment Options
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Authors who write childrens' books receive compensation in one of two ways. Writers may opt to take royalties, which means they receive a percentage of the book's retail price. A second method is a one-time flat fee rate. It's common in the industry to pay authors an advance, based on future expected royalties. Often, the writer gets half of the advance upon executing the contract. The remaining 50 percent goes to the author when the manuscript is finalized and submitted. Most publishers base the royalty calculation on an estimate of the book's first printing. If an author is collaborating with an illustrator, the royalty advance is a 50/50 split between the two creators.
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Self-Publishing
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Getting a publisher to handle your book is not quick, or easy. Because of that, some authors decide to self-publish. There are some advantages to taking this approach. Self-publishing allows you full control and you retain complete rights, which isn't the case when working with a publishing house. It may also be possible to realize a larger financial gain, because you don't have to split profits with a second party.
Indirect Compensation
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Notable reviews, or landing on a recommended reading list, can bolster an author's earnings. The Newbery Medal, considered the most prestigious award in childrens' literature, goes to a selected author each January. This type of notoriety can make sales soar, and unknown books can skyrocket up to the bestseller list. In 2009, Spike Jonze directed a movie based on the Maurice Sendak's book, "Where the Wild Things Are." A classic in childrens' literature, this book won a number of awards, including the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Authors who also illustrate their books are eligible for the Caldecott Medal, an award given annually by the American Library Association for the best picture book.
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References
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- Photo Credit little boy reading a book image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
