Q&A: What would make more money for a charity?Writer’s profits from publishing or puttingit onto a blog+asking 4 $?
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Q&A: What would make more money for a charity?Writer’s profits from publishing or puttingit onto a blog+asking 4 $?
I recently finished a novel that I wrote in order to help people in Africa via the funds that were going to go into my pocket from the publisher. On second thought, I’ve considered posting my novel up onto a blog and offering it to the public for free along with my mission statement and a link to a place to where they can donate money (i.e worldvision). Using the blog would get me to a wider audience faster. but I fear that not as much money will be generated to complete my goals. What do you think is better?
ANSWER:
Answer by Elissa
You will get results faster with the blog–though you’ll have to do some serious marketing.
Getting a book published takes a long time–close to two years from acceptance by a publisher to books in stores. This does not take into account the amount of time it takes to find a publisher (and this can take a very long time).
You may well raise more money through the blog, as well, even if not very many people find it and then donate. Here’s why: If I click through to donate to an organization (like World Vision or Heifer or some other), I’m more likely to give at least , probably more like , if it’s a cause I believe in.
But an author is paid very little per book sold. Suppose your book sells for , and you get 7.5% royalities (this all depends on your book, of course). This means that you’d get 75 cents per book sold. It would take 27 people buying your book to equal my contribution to your chosen charity.
The blog/donation thing will be faster and easier, but will require a lot of promotion by you to lead people to your web site. You’ll raise more money per book, but will probably reach fewer people.
The publishing thing is far from a sure thing and will take a lot of time and patience on your part, but could conceivably reach a lot more people with your message (if there’s something in your book about your mission).
There’s no clear winner–in part, it depends on what you’re willing and able to do, what your priorities are, and so forth. It also depends on, to be blunt, whether your book is any good. Have someone you trust, who will tell you the flat out truth about it, before you make up your mind.
I admire your goal, the work you’ve already put into it, and your sacrifice. Good luck to you, no matter which way you go!
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