Why Publishers Pay Advances

When I introduce my clients to literary agents, there’s always one question on their mind.

How much of an advance do you think I can get? 

It’s an important question, and not just for bragging rights. 

The advance — the amount of money a traditional publisher pays authors in advance of publication as their share of future profits — is a key difference between getting a book deal and every other type of publishing. 

But here’s the truth. 

The advance isn’t meant for you, the author, to pocket or to buy a new house with. 

Instead, as one literary agent said in a meeting with my client — 

“Publishers are actually paying the advance so you can write the book.” 

That includes paying for help with the manuscript, recouping what you paid to put together the proposal, and maybe promoting the book upon publication.

The advance isn’t a paycheck for a job well done. Nor is it free money.

Instead, it’s more like an advance from your credit card — a little cash prior to the book being published — and sold — to help you out. 

But in order to get that advance, you need to invest first. 

In your results and methodology.

In your author platform and audience.

And in your book proposal. 

Because no one will invest more in your book than you do.