What do writers really earn?

by Gary Smailes

in Proactive Writer

In 2008 the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society in the UK commisioned a survery to examine author’s earnings.

Here’s what they found:

  • The average (mean) annual earnings of a writer: £16,531
  • The typical (median) earnings of a writer: £4,000
  • 60% of people who saw themselves as ‘professional authors’ required a second source of income
  • The average (mean) annual earnings of a writer (25-34): £14,564
  • The typical (median) earnings of a writer (25-34): £5,000
  • The average (mean) annual earnings of a writer (35-44): £24,533
  • The typical (median) earnings of a writer (35-44): £18,000
  • The average (mean) annual earnings of a writer (45-54): £35,958
  • The typical (median) earnings of a writer (45-54): £14,250
  • The genres that earned the most money (highest to lowest): TV writing, Theatre/film writing, Audio, internet and other, Books – fiction, Books – academic/educational, Books – children’s fiction, Newspapers/magazines and Books – non-fiction.

Source: What are Words Worth? The ALCS commissioned research carried out by Bournemouth University.

  • http://howpublishingreallyworks.blogspot.com Jane Smith

    I’ve blogged about earlier research into authors’ earnings: a survey was carried by the Society of Authors in 2000, I think, and another by ALCS in 2005. The later figures showed a slight downward trend. I’ve not compared them to this report yet, but I shall.

    And to think that so many people assume that writers are well-off! If only that were true.

  • Gary Smailes

    I suspect the downward shift is due to a reduction in advances being paid and a move by some publishers to contracts such as profit share. This means that income will be spread over time rather than in one lump some. In theory writers should get larger royalty payments over the coming years. However, the report reflects 2007 income.

    My main worry with the report was the sample size, which was small. The report offers no detail of what is classed as ‘earnings’. If I remember correctly there is no reference to it be gross or net. In addition, the figures are skewed by the fact that a very small percentage of writers earn a disproportionally high income from writing. This all said I think it is a pretty fair reflection.

    Oh yeah, all writers should be registered with the ALCS there year cheque is always warmly received!

  • http://stwem.com Andrew Spong

    Thanks, Gary. All of the above points to the fact that writing is more of a vocation than a profession. Like all vocations, it has non-monetary benefits. Also like all vocations, you’re unlikely to become a bloated plutocrat if this is your career path of choice.

  • Gary Smailes

    Wise words from a man who knows…

  • Steve

    I notice there is no mention of game writing at the end.

  • garysmailes

    Do you have any links to earnings for game writers?

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