via laphamsquarterly.org

It’s become a cliché at the weekly “Future of Publishing” conferences we’re having now. At some point, a representative of the publishing industry advises knowingly, “You realize writers have never made money, don’t you?” This rings true to me (based on experience and a rudimentary understanding of the Lives of the Writers), but there’s always a voice in the back of my head, whispering, “That’s exactly what a capitalist who’s about to exploit me might say.” Right, Mr. Vanderbilt, and there isn’t any money in railroads, either.

So I’ve been hoping that somebody would do a serious survey to answer, once and for all, if writing has ever been a winning career choice. This isn’t that survey, but it’s a start. Glad to see I at least out earn Kafka, that goldbricker.