From advances to leaves of absence from the day job, writers’ income is anything but straightforward
Many writers will be involved in other lines of work to make ends meet. Photo: Getty.
There’s a scenario most aspiring writers are likely to have fantasised about. They submit a stellar idea to a literary agent, who in turn contacts one of the ‘big four’ publishing houses. Everyone loves it and, after a bidding war, one lucky publisher immediately offers the plucky debut writer a six-figure sum on the spot.
But it’s only ever a fantasy because it’s based on a common misconception: that writers, especially those writing their first book, can make a lot of money with ease.