Authors of education books earn a fortune! That’s what I’ve been told, anyway — by someone who doesn’t write, has never been published, and yet thinks that anyone who earns a royalty from book sales must be rolling in it.

The reality, of course, is that many educational publishers now offer a flat fee rather than a royalty, and in any case the royalties are typically not wonderful. If you are really lucky you might secure 10%. Think of how many books you would need to sell to live comfortably off the royalties, assuming the book sells for between £10 and £20.

I feel quite strongly about things like this, that is getting decent deals from publishers. Also, retaining copyright, keeping public libraries open, and other things. Therefore I’ve decided to put myself forward for election to the management committee of the UK’s Society of Authors. You can read my personal statement on my writing website. If you’re a member of the Society of Authors, you might find it worth reading. Thanks.