How to Make the BIG Bucks as an Author

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Күн бұрын

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Many aspiring authors dream of being able to support themselves doing what they love most: writing. But it can be challenging to achieve the level of success it takes to make a living off of your work. As a professional editor with a background in the traditional publishing industry, I’ve worked with a number of authors who landed big book deals and became bestselling authors - so I know what it takes to make the big bucks in publishing. In this video, I’m going to reveal five strategic tips you can use to bolster your own writing career and increase your earning potential as an author.
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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
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MORE WRITING AND PUBLISHING ADVICE:
They Almost Gave Up Writing…Then They Became #1 Bestsellers: • They Almost Gave Up Wr...
How to Become a Bestselling Author: • How to Become a Bestse...
The Secret Behind EVERY Bestselling Novel: • The Secret Behind EVER...
5 STEPS TO MAKE MONEY AS AN AUTHOR:
01:25 - Offer something special
03:10 - Know what your readers want
05:03 - Capitalize on other opportunities
06:14 - Sell subsidiary rights
07:56 - Never give up
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
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MUSIC:
Chilling by HoobeZa • [No Copyright] Chill L...
Charlie Brown by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com
Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT
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Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Пікірлер: 70

@samfowler2073 10 ай бұрын

I think it's important to remember with the GRRM example, how long his journey took. He spent five years writing the first Game of Thrones novel, it came out in 1996, that's a whole year before the first Harry Potter book. It would be another nine years (2006) before anyone in television land took notice of his series. Then from those meeting it would take another five years before the premier of the first episode. So from first pen to paper to screen took over twenty years.

@thehound9638 10 ай бұрын

It's been about twelve years waiting for the next book in the series as well!

@zeropaloobatheuber1572 10 ай бұрын

I self published and heard chirping crickets. It shook my belief in my book and I fell out of love. But I never forgot the feeling I got writing it. We reconnected and decided to work on what we had going. After many more revisions I’ve concluded that it was me, not my story. The book is so much stronger now than then and I’ve learnt so much more about writing by just not giving up.

@Klopp619 10 ай бұрын

I self published too and maybe three strangers on the planet read it, everyone else was friends or family. It isn't your book, it's more that self publishing is a very difficult field to have great success in. If you like your book, that's all that should REALLY matter. Have faith and keep writing my friend.

@susanmarie2231 10 ай бұрын

I wrote an unpublished memoir, inspired by my experiences as a self-employed Senior Caregiver in private homes. It’s filled with dry humor and pathos. Written in first person present tense. I want to be a voice for underrepresented and marginalized workers such as paid caregivers. As a professional actress, I am developing a one woman show based on the memoir. Hopefully, this will draw more attention to my work and possibilities for publishing. Thank you for your wonderful videos. At age 68, I am learning from you.

@dankaczor8965 10 ай бұрын

What’s also important to remember that GRRM also wrote other books and wrote screenplays before the ASOIAF series became a huge enterprise. I was thinking about it before writing something like that but more precise (I’m more of an architect than a gardener) but I want to get my name out before writing it as other authors did especially if it becomes a large series.

@maliacortez 10 ай бұрын

I've been working on a book series for the past 20 years. After taking a hiatus, I'm querying agents again for my 1st book in the series. 🙏🤞 I am super passionate about this story getting out there for various reasons and don't plan to give up! I hope it will be something that will provide a good income in the future! Thanks for this encouraging episode! ❤

@jetmeerkat5485 10 ай бұрын

I have written 6 books in a series. I only intended to write one book, but the story and the characters simply wouldn't let me draw the writing to a close! I've written about clan warfare, treachery and betrayal in the Scottish Highlands of the 1600's but agents tell me that this is too niche. So, I've now written a "prequel" about one of the significant characters, to draw people into the story. I queried 150 Agents for my main books and got 55 rejections and 95 non-replies. When I read some of the trash that gets published, these days, it makes me furious.

@maliacortez 10 ай бұрын

@@jetmeerkat5485 I totally hear you! It can be frustrating. My characters won't let me give up on the story, sounds like yours are the same! Good luck to you!

@writingdaydreams2reality 10 ай бұрын

Good luck!!!

@maliacortez 10 ай бұрын

@@writingdaydreams2reality Thank you!

@andyclark3530 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the always solid advice. To steal from a far more talented writer: we shall write on the seas and oceans, we shall write with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall create our Islands, whatever the cost may be, we shall write on the beaches, we shall write on the landing grounds, we shall write in the fields and in the streets, we shall write in the hills; And we shall never, ever give up.

@snowyfictions 10 ай бұрын

There's a reason Churchill won the Nobel Prize for literature!

@christrites4251 10 ай бұрын

Your title intrigued me and made me chuckle. We all know that making BIG bucks in writing today is akin to winning the lottery. I read recently something that stuck with me. I can't remember who wrote it, but basically, the person said, A successful Canadian author today is an author who breaks even. I am extremely fortunate that I don't rely on writing to survive. I personally don't know any authors who earn enough to quit their day jobs, but again, I know they're out there somewhere. Good video. Thank you for your hard work making these.

@writingdaydreams2reality 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for this! When I graduated from college 4 years ago, I started my own business writing fiction commissions as well as working as a freelance editor and writing coach. It took two years of balancing that workload with part time jobs to make ends meet but it's been two years since I've switched to running my business full time.

@MKSholundauthor 10 ай бұрын

I agree with these tips! As an author (unpublished yet about to start querying lit agents in October for my debut magical realism novel), I have already set my self up for success by joining and then becoming a chapter president of my states writing association which has led me to speaking engagements on the topic of flash fiction (and looking forward to do more speaking engagements), and churn out more novels (two ideas I am currently researching and aim to start writing one come January 2024). The dream is to make money off of sub rights. The potential is there but it takes a lot of time.

@flergum 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the insight. Your making me a better writer.

@soccerguy325 10 ай бұрын

I've honestly never even considered making "the big bucks" as an author. I've never imagined making money off of it. I wrote a book because I had an idea and want to share it with the world (and because people say I'm a good writer). Becoming a GRRM-style rich author is a nice fantasy, but that's probably all it will ever be. And I'm okay with that. Simply having a book published would be a dream come true.

@snowyfictions 10 ай бұрын

I really liked the tip about finding your strengths as a writer (and what you are offering).

@waynegathers587 10 ай бұрын

Thank you Alyissa for the tips regarding the opportunities for first time writers who are thinking about turning this into a full-time occupation. My genre is YA Sci-Fy adventure, suspence and drama. I am off to a good start. Your channel inspires me to keep writing. I am determined to finish my first novel. In the meantime, I'll keep tuning in to your Channel for some more tips. Thank you kindly.

@Klopp619 10 ай бұрын

Publishing is an interesting world. Whenever I go to a bookstore and look at the opening pages for "New Fiction," it's amazing how many big publishers publish Patterson style ripoffs with opening sentences like "The third time I died it was on a Sunday jog" Then the following pages are milquetoast and I wonder what they are really looking for? Alyssa gives insight into that, and I find her page to be very helpful.

@arxsyn 9 ай бұрын

There's also a trend and appetite for celebrity tell-alls and biographies. A CBC News feature noted that readers buy these books expecting salacious details the public doesn't already know...

@Alkemisti 10 ай бұрын

I know that I will write books until I die, and I will keep querying until I manage to get an agent. There is no chance that I would quit . . . _but,_ I am deeply worried that I would not get an agent until I am already old and one foot in the grave. I would consider my life a miserable failure if it took that long---even if I got all the awards and praises posthumously. I do want my books to outlive me, but I also want to have fair chance to see some of that.

@christygoerzen8935 10 ай бұрын

You are so wonderful. Thank you for your meaningful insights into the world of writing/publishing!

@AlyssaMatesic 10 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! So glad you find my content helpful :)

@chatetmoineau9490 10 ай бұрын

I started making the "big bucks" (at least by my standards, which is a solid multi-six figure annual income) when I stopped pursuing trad and starting pubbing genre fiction on my own. It takes grit, talent, and some luck, but it's possible even without an agent.

@YvesThePoet 3 ай бұрын

Love these tips, thanks

@chike1866 3 ай бұрын

I have had over sixteen years thinking & developing a story, i believe it will be the biggest and most successful fiction novel in this world when its done. I just started writing it this year.

@Ruylopez778 10 ай бұрын

I think the difference between "successful" artists making the big bucks and the wannabes (and I include myself in the latter) is that the artists who make a name for themselves *do the work* instead of just talking about it. They don't make excuses, and they don't get discouraged. They don't procrastinate. They just keep creating and learning. They create the trends that become popular, by having the craft and savvy to back up their unique 'voice'. But there are also prolific artists that don't even try to earn money off their work. They simply do it for the love of it. Attaching outcome or validation to creative work is a mistake, because it will only lead to disappointment or fear. A real artist will just keep creating and learning, focused on process.

@arxsyn 9 ай бұрын

Yes, yes it my dream too... To be able to travel, to go travel anywhere. It's a unique profession that you write where and there are many tools and ways to practice the craft.

@adelaideelfie4922 10 ай бұрын

Yeah~!!!! Never give up!! Love today's talk Alyssa! I am going to watch this again. You are so spot on, there needs to be something special. Something that halts you and says woah. Whether the prose, or the idea, some burning question that must be answered that is beyond all of what has been done before... there needs to be something that grips in some form or another. I love videos like this! My thoughts and ideas literally start to ricochet and explode upon one another!

@AlyssaMatesic 10 ай бұрын

Yes! So glad this video resonated with you and got the ideas flowing. Thanks for commenting!

@xelakram 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for all the wonderful tips. They are very helpful, They are also very much appreciated.

@AlyssaMatesic 2 ай бұрын

So glad you find my tips helpful - thanks for commenting!

@xelakram 2 ай бұрын

@@AlyssaMatesic 👍🏻 It is my pleasure to comment. You're most welcome.

@user-jz2kx6ss5f 8 ай бұрын

This may just be a coincidence but in all your videos I’m always, and a I kid you not, the 960th thumbs up.

@philiphennings5167 10 ай бұрын

I'm someone who's working on getting a final edit from a professional editor. I finished my first draft of my first novel in about 9 months since I started writing it. I'm looking to start with Amazon e-books as a publishing platform. I work full-time in another career so I'm in absolutely no rush or desire to get massive fame, wealth, etc. I do believe in my stories and the potential they have for ANY reader. I'm looking forward to putting it out there soon.

@ducktube451 10 ай бұрын

Everyone mentions how long GRRM was writing BEFORE GoT. You're not wrong. I believe the real lesson is follow your passion. Don't worry about the money, it's a distraction. Nothing will kill your love for something faster than by judging its value on its perceived cash value. If you love writing then write, the rest will follow. If you just want to make money, there are far better/easier/quicker routes. That's not to be discouraging, I've been doing both for 30 years now, the point is, whatever your passion may be, just do it!

@tonystales4724 10 ай бұрын

Saw the thumbnail, and I thought well now you're talking sister.

@kirtiomart 10 ай бұрын

Thanks

@PEGGLORE 4 ай бұрын

My story revolves around an event in the lottery that's never happened to anybody else in the world before, and the spiralling misfortune after it.. Never happened before, or again. My story is ultra complex and interesting. Greatest true story ever. I am influenced by no other authors either. Should make some big bucks then. Who wants to publish me?

@Eaz9950 10 ай бұрын

Excellent video. I am querying for my novel at the moment. Several beta readers have told me it would be a great movie. Thanks for all your info. You have a wonderful way of describing things.

@AlyssaMatesic 10 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for commenting!

@jimgilbert9984 10 ай бұрын

Several years ago, a list of the wealthiest celebrities was released. J. K. Rowling scored higher than the Rolling Stones. It wasn't just from international books sales or the movies. It was also merchandising. In fact, if I remember correctly, it was mostly from merchandising. My ultimate dream as an author is to not only make enough money to support myself with my writing, but I also want to be able to buy a few acres and build a nice house on there (including an office) as a writer's retreat.

@Ruylopez778 10 ай бұрын

It's also worth noting that a studio might purchase the option to make a tv show/movie based on an author's work (or screenplay) and just never put it into production for a variety of reasons. Screenwriters and authors can still make considerable sums of money even if the option lapses and nothing gets made.

@rowan7929 10 ай бұрын

I have been told that my characters and their magic is very different and refreshing than the typical ones such as fire or lightning. For my self published ones anyway. So I know people like it. Just getting these sales for the self published ones has sadly been an utter failure. Now there is hoping an agent will see the same for the books I haven't published. So no, I'm not giving up in hope on getting an agent that my unpublished books see the day of light in stores.

@wilshade 10 ай бұрын

Hello. I am about 20K words into my first novel. It's historical fiction and has potential as a series and,/or film/TV. Lots of work ahead.

@ephanieblue 10 ай бұрын

I’m in my first query round. So far 2 months all negative, but received one detailed no. I would like to work full time writing.

@ArtStuff729 10 ай бұрын

Can I reach out to publishers after my book is self published on Amazon kdp?

@DannyBoy443 10 ай бұрын

I was going to say, the only issue (which isn't really a "problem") is that most if not all outright story ideas are pretty much told already in a movie, book etc.

@PsychoAuthorIX 10 ай бұрын

I love your hair!

@mrceo1871 3 ай бұрын

if you sign with publishing house do you no longer have any rights to your book?

@user-gw1ky2dy6s 10 ай бұрын

👍

@adelaideelfie4922 10 ай бұрын

Question: Do you think there will be a way to differentiate books written with AI and those without? My brain tends to wander, and I can see down the line a division of readers, those that have a bias towards AI written books, and those written solely by writers without any use of AI, perhaps even seeking out books that have only been written without chat gpt technology. I kind of think I better get my book written, before people think that it was written with AI. Not that books being written with AI is a bad thing, but for me, my ideas and coming up with them is what I am so passionate about, and I worry that everyone will eventually think "no way they could have thought of that, probably used AI," despite AI being predicated on inputs from works already written (thus something new would have to be non-AI generated), but unless there is a way to prove it, some would still believe it because not everyone has read everything ever written. I hope this makes sense! I wonder if one day we will have a program where you can input something and have it run through a database or whatnot and to see what % of a chance AI was used to write it. Ah what a muddle of a mess this could be, or am I overthinking?

@johnglynhughes4239 5 ай бұрын

There's no money in it folks, only love.

@deezed6478 10 ай бұрын

Just wondering, are you Croatian/Serbian?

@stebbigunn7690 5 ай бұрын

Wondering, I am not a native english speaker, but i write everything in english. Is it even passable to get oublished in america for me unless I have a master degree in the language? Also, if one is to try to get published, how does one go about to contact an agent or a publisher company without being able to go directly to their office? (Know most of you will say email, I havent gotten a single reply over the past 2 months, and I sent over 50 emails. Not a single replay)

@AlyssaMatesic 5 ай бұрын

Hi there - I have a video about international publishing that you might find helpful: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gZiFZq53vbrPdp8.html I will also say that email is definitely the preferred way to contact agents and publishers - it can just take a while to hear back from them. I touch on this in another video as well: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o6xzdddmzcuzqZs.html I hope that helps!

@ninjawithramen 10 ай бұрын

I finished my book-it’s an epic novel of about 255,000 words In query hunting and trying to just… simply have it published … help.

@lukesmith1818 10 ай бұрын

Is it at all possible to serialize the story?

@ninjawithramen 10 ай бұрын

@@lukesmith1818 Eh?

@lukesmith1818 10 ай бұрын

Most debut authors won't see their work accepted unless its 70,000 words or less

@LegitRespect 10 ай бұрын

First!

@DreamingTruth.author 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing ❤

@grimmdanny 10 ай бұрын

Before anyone makes any deals for sub-rights, make sure that the other side doesn't have any rights to change characters, their traits especially, and parts of the story to include characters that shouldn't be long in it. There's a significant chance DEI will be forced into it, destroying the series entirely, even down to the original source material. It is a fact that there is no such thing as a "modern audience," as evident in the *billions of dollars* lost due to forced DEI.

@thatguyfromcetialphaV 10 ай бұрын

The thing to bear in mind is 90% of authors have a day job and will never make the megabucks. It is possible, but mostly it's a hobby.

@mattdelaney5810 10 ай бұрын

A lot of your video titles are pretty click-baity. Luck and talent have a lot more to do with being a successful writer than you seem to mention. Most people just aren’t talented, and even more are unlucky.

@gregorwalton 10 ай бұрын

Well, this aged badly. AI will be doing all the money-making writing from now on. They'll also produce all the CGI for the movie versions. Humans will be reduced to giving away the stories they are compelled to write in seedy VR taverns

@cyres0520 5 ай бұрын

This is a very strange comment.