It's true that authors don't make much. It's wrong, I think, to assume that we aren't capable of doing ANYTHING else and would continue writing and making our writings available without even the hope of compensation.
The hope of becoming read, of catching on, of becoming the next J. K. Rowling is highly motivating. If it became certain that there was no money to be had no matter how wonderful our works were, why wouldn't we switch to writing screenplays, song lyrics, or something else.
Like teenagers with their garage band, there's the joy in the process, but there's also the hope of catching that wonderful wave.
Then again, would J. K. Rowling have been able to complete the series if she'd had to spend her days at the welfare office? There's something to be said for compensating authors we love.
Rob Preece
Publisher,
www.BooksForABuck.com