I got a royalty statement today for a Complete Idiot's Guide I did several years ago. In the last 6 months I made $3.37 and still "owe" them something over $16,000 for the advance before I start making money. I was also told by the local librarian that someone stole this book off the shelves and try as they might, they couldn't find a way to replace it. In other words, it's not available anymore so no further chance to make $. (They should try an amazon seller, I'm sure there are copies of the darn thing around.)
This may be a system that works for multinational conglomerate publishers but it obviously does not work for me. I can envision a time when many writers will feel like Joe and say no thanks to tradpub in order to have more control of their career, their work and won't have to deal with insane demands and expectations from editors.
Maybe Nora Roberts and Stephen King can churn out a couple extra books a year to cover for the writers staying away in droves.
Robin