76
Brandon Sanderson / Re: Authors, Monetary Success and Brandon
« on: October 04, 2010, 10:11:29 PM »I mean he's definitely not paid $1.7 million. And if he were that would be too high. I do know the rough numbers, but if Brandon wants to talk about them on his blog (some authors do) that's up to him. There was a press release back when the deal was signed, but all it said was each of the four books has a significant six-figure advance and when combined with 'performance-based bonuses,' the possible total advances on the deal "could exceed $2.5 million."
Anyone who wants to buy a copy of the book to give to someone else is certainly welcome to, but what Brandon really cares about is the book getting read.
Reaching #7 on the New York Times best seller list for the first book in a new series is very good( Peter-- I know you realize this. this is for other people). Most series take several books to really take off. I don't think The Eye of the World had many hard cover prints at all. GRRM said his series took off only because of the Robert Jordan quote. I don't think he hit #1 until his 3rd book. Series take time to build anticipation. I have not read Brent Weeks books yet, but haven't they had increased sales as more have come out? I don't think Patrick Rothfuss got anywhere near the top 10 with his first book. I think he built steam over time through reviews, word of mouth, his blog, and his personality.
John Scalzi has blog posts about how much money he makes. He is doing very well. Probably not nearly as well as Brandon. I think he does it as a warning to want to be authors who think they can get rich quick. I don't think he does it to show off. Alot of people on here like Stephen Erickson. I like Stephen Baxter. Both appear to be mid-listers. There lowers sales do not have an affect on my opinion of their work.