Check it out at
http://whatever.scalzi.com/2009/11/09/writers-and-financial-woes-whats-going-on/
I have to say I hear a lot of writers who are shocked at the costs associated with the job. I guess most people dream of having a book published, and a part of that fantasy is a windfall like Stephenie Meyer or J. K. Rawling enjoy. Frankly, you’re more likely to get hit by lightning than to hit the jackpot as they did.
Instead, it’s much more realistic to view writing as a sort of entrepreneurship. We are small business owners. The start up costs include bookmarks, conferences, association memberships, setting up websites and travel expenses–just for starters. And the money takes a while to find its way to our doors because royalty statements come after publication and publishers subtract returned books.
So if you want to make this your career, be a smart cookie. Do your due diligence. Know what the costs are and how you’ll be paid.