Most publishers don’t pay a set amount for a book, but instead pay royalties based on book sales. Does that mean I won’t receive any money for my book until it’s published and in bookstores?
You’ll probably be paid an advance against royalties. Half of the advance is usually paid when you sign the publishing contract, and the other half when you deliver the completed manuscript to the publisher. The amount of the advance will depend on how the publisher feels about the book’s market potential. When your book hits the bookstores and begins to earn royalties for you, the publisher will withhold royalty payments until the amount of royalties you’ve earned exceeds the advance you were paid. Then you’ll get royalty statements and checks every six months.