Make It Count
Author's Guide
Make It Count
Make It Count
Written gives you a direct path to earn from your writing—no middlemen, no waiting for approval, no giving up control.
1
Where the Money Comes From
Where the Money Comes From
You earn on Written in two main ways:
Primary Sales
When a reader buys a book directly from you, you keep 90% of the sale price.
Secondary Sales
Resale: when a limited edition is resold, you automatically earn a percentage you set (0-40%).
Imagine you price your book at $10.
On Written, if someone buys it directly from you, you keep $9—that's 90% in your pocket.
Now let's say you've made it a limited edition with only 100 copies. One of your early fans sells their copy later for $20. If you've set a 30% resale royalty, you automatically earn $6 from that resale—without lifting a finger.
That means your book isn't just a one-time sale.It's something that can continue to earn for you, especially if it becomes collectible, rare, or gains a following.
On most traditional or self-publishing platforms, you'd be lucky to earn $1–$3 per sale after fees—and you get nothing when your book changes hands later.
With Written, your stories aren't just content—they're creative assets.
Sell them once, or build long-term value. Your wallet tracks both sources, and you can withdraw at any time. (Note: network fees may apply depending on your method.)
Primary sales build momentum. Resale builds longevity. A strong launch earns upfront, but resale keeps money trickling in long after—especially as your books become collectibles. You decide if resale is part of your strategy.
That's the point: you're in control.
2
Pricing Strategy:
More Than Just Numbers
Pricing Strategy:
More Than Just Numbers
Price isn't just a number—it's a signal to readers about what to expect and how exclusive your work is.
Unlimited Editions
These are non-resellable and great for accessibility, discovery, or ongoing sales. Most authors price short reads and fan on-ramps between €1–5, but you're free to go higher for full-length novels or special projects—€10, €15, or even €25—if that fits your audience and intent. Think about what the price says: is this a casual read or a premium experience?
Limited Editions
These unlock resale, scarcity, and collectibility. Here's rough guidance:
€2–8
Short story
€4–12
Novella
€8–20
Novel
€15–25
Special edition: bonus content, custom cover, or signed certificate
€20+
Collector's edition: signed certificate and exclusive extras
€30+
Ultra-rare: fewer than 50 copies, personal touches, unique artwork
There's no fixed formula. Want to sell a 100-copy edition at €5? Go for it. Want to launch a single-copy edition at €100 with a secret ending and a voice note from you? Also valid. Your pricing is your narrative.
Tips and Tactics
- Charm pricing: Ending in .95 or .99 (e.g., €4.99) can make prices feel more familiar or accessible.
- Teaser drops: Start with a 10-copy mini-release to test demand before a larger edition.
- Bundles: Cross-promote editions inside descriptions or offer package deals.
- Clarity is key: Always state what makes an edition special in the description.
3
Reselling:
Your Hidden Superpower
Reselling:
Your Hidden Superpower
One of Written's unique advantages is allowing readers to resell limited editions—and you earn a percentage every time.
So why enable resale for limited editions?
- It creates a collector economy: scarcity + resale potential = higher perceived value.
- It extends your reach: every resale acts as free marketing to new readers.
- It rewards fans: buyers can become traders, creating a community around your work.
Choose your royalty depending on your goals:
0–10%
To encourage fast flipping and visibility
15–25%
For balanced income
30–40%
For high-value, prestige works you expect to appreciate significantly
You can disable resale entirely if you want full control over distribution—but you'll miss out on the ongoing income stream.
4
Building a Sustainable Revenue Stream
Building a Sustainable Revenue Stream
The most successful authors on Written don't rely on a single hit. They publish intentionally, iterate often, and think like creators and publishers.
You choose how many copies to release. Want to test the waters? Drop 50 or go for an unlimited edition at lower price. Want to sell a thousand? You can. Want to release one ultra-rare single-copy work? That's possible too. 100 000? Go for it. Limited editions introduce scarcity, collectibility, and fan status, whatever the number of copies is. You're absolutely free to use Written's features intentionally to make your edition stand out—and maybe even become a future collector's item.
Current tag options that appear automatically as soon as you publish with us:
As Written grows, we'll likely introduce new tags and edition types to support more creative formats and publishing styles.
But from day one, you can publish a limited edition with any number of copies you choose. Think of it like a traditional print run—just like a publisher might send a set number of books to bookstores, you decide how many copies go out into the world.
Leverage seasonal releases such as quarterly collections or themed drops, build series that encourage readers to come back for the next installment, and collaborate with other authors to share audiences. Over time, this approach nurtures recurring buying habits—your readers will anticipate new limited drops and thematic events, creating a predictable rhythm for your income.
5
Treating Fans Like Patrons, Not Just Customers
Treating Fans Like Patrons, Not Just Customers
Most readers want more than a transaction—they want to feel connected to the stories and authors they support.
Ways to involve and reward your readers:
- Shout out buyers or resellers in your author updates.
- Share behind-the-scenes glimpses: cover sketches, writing process, inspiration sources.
- Let fans vote on title options or character names for upcoming works.
- Offer early access to new works or previews to previous buyers.
- Surprise longtime supporters with hidden content or bonus materials.
These touches build loyalty. People who feel seen and valued become repeat buyers, advocates, and collectors—not just one-time customers.