The Royalty Statement

I received an interesting piece of mail the other day. Since it bore my publisher’s address, I was quite intrigued and couldn’t wait to get it home so I could open it. My hands trembled. I took in air with short, troubled gasps. What if my editor at Barbour changed her mind? What if Barbour didn’t want my book after all, and they were informing of their decision through a standardized form letter? Imagine my surprise when I pulled out a piece of paper with the words “Royalty Statement” emblazoned across the top! After all, my book isn’t even on the shelves yet.

Which I guess explains why the statement was blank. And why there was no check enclosed.

I got quite a chuckle out of this very first royalty statement, because although it was blank, and no fat check fell out of the envelope, it was a bit of confirmation for me, a proving almost, that I’m a working writer now, with real responsibilities.

So this is what it feels like, I pondered to myself. This is what my life will be like from now on. . .deadlines, royalty statements, book signings.

Well, except for the money ;-) I’d like to think that someday, I actually WILL have a check attached to my royalty statement. Until then, I think I’ll frame this one, sort of as a reminder to be humble, for no reward comes without hard work and sacrifice. Reminds me of a parable I heard once, about a servant with five talents. . .