However, royalty arrangements may vary between publishers and authors. Average sales of books are about 5,000 copies, although best-sellers may sell millions. The career outlook for this field is average. Employment of authors and writers is expected to be about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. This field is very competitive due to the widespread attraction of many talented people, making it difficult to find salaried positions.
Turnover is relatively high.
Most of these workers begin as freelance writers and authors who prepare articles, stories, or manuscripts for sale to interested newspapers, magazines, book publishers, or radio and television stations.