TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Royalties for technical editing From:Elna Tymes <etymes -at- LTS -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 22 Jan 1999 15:02:09 -0800
Howard Kaikow wrote:
> Any recommendations for books that discusss the pros/cons of doing
> technical editing for, say, an up front advance plus some percentage of the
> books receipts?
As the author of many published books, I can tell you that the amount of time
spent editing a technical book is generally less than 5% of the time spent
writing it.
In addition, I should point out that most technical books commissioned by major
publishers are not earning out large advances. In fact, a lot aren't even
earning out what I consider modest advances. The publishers are managing to
stay even on the coattails of the few books that sell big - and your chances of
getting on board one of those depends on how many previous blockbusters you've
managed to get yourself associated with. So if you want to reduce the amount
of money up front in favor of a small chance of participating in royalties, be
aware that your chances of getting *anything* after the book is released are
quite small.
