What are book royalties and how do they work?

What are book royalties and how do they work?

Book royalties are payments authors receive from publishers based on book sales. They typically range from 5% to 15% of the book's retail price.

How are royalties calculated for different formats like eBooks and audiobooks?

Royalties for eBooks are often higher, around 25% of the net sales, while audiobooks can vary but usually fall between 10% to 25%.

Do authors receive advances on royalties?

Yes, many authors receive an advance against future royalties, which is a lump sum paid upfront before the book is published.

What happens if a book doesn't sell well?

If a book doesn't sell well, the author may not earn enough royalties to cover the advance, and they won't owe money back to the publisher.

Can royalties differ between traditional and self-publishing?

Yes, traditional publishing usually offers lower royalty percentages, while self-publishing can provide higher rates, often up to 70%.