For most aspiring novelists, the career trajectory of Andrea Bartz looks like the ultimate finish line. She has published five novels, hit the New York Times bestseller list, and had her work championed by one of the most powerful tastemakers in the industry: Reese Witherspoon.
But in the opacity of the publishing industry, “bestseller” status is often confused with “permanent financial security.” We assume that once an author hits the list, the struggle is over. The advances stay high, the royalties pour in forever, and the Hollywood checks clear annually.
In an interview with How I Make Money Writing, Andrea pulls back the curtain on the actual economics of a high-profile thriller career. She reveals a six-figure income that is resilient and impressive, but one that is also subject to the brutal laws of market correction. Here is a look at the financial realities behind the bestsellers, and why even top-tier authors keep their side hustles.
The “Reese’s Bump” and the Advance Rollercoaster
Every author dreams of the “lightning strike”—that one external event that catapults a book into the stratosphere. For Andrea, that moment came with her breakout hit, We Were Never Here.
The novel, which follows two backpackers whose trip turns deadly, was selected as a Reese’s Book Club pick. The effect on her career was immediate and quantifiable. In her interview, Andrea explains that the success of that single title gave her literary agent massive leverage.
“My literary agent had leverage to negotiate a significantly bigger deal for my next book than previous ones (about three times as large),” Andrea reveals.
This is the “tier-jump” writers work toward. However, Andrea offers a sobering and rare admission about what happened next. In an industry that usually only publicizes the wins, she is honest about the fact that advances are not a one-way ratchet. They fluctuate based on the cold hard data of your most recent sales.
“After my following books fell below expectations, though, my book advances are now back in the range of my pre-Reese deals,” she says.
It is a crucial lesson for working writers: a massive advance is a bet on future sales. If the sales don’t materialize to justify that jump, the market corrects itself. Longevity in this business isn’t about hitting a home run every time; it’s about staying in the game even when the numbers normalize.
Demystifying the Netflix Option Deal
Alongside the bestseller lists, Andrea’s resume includes option deals with heavy hitters like Netflix and Mila Kunis. For uninitiated writers, “optioned for TV” sounds like retirement money.
Andrea is quick to clarify the difference between selling an option (renting the rights) and a project going into production (cameras rolling). While the headlines are flashy, the money is often modest relative to the cost of living.
“I’ve never had a project go into production, which would trigger a payment of the larger purchase price,” Andrea says. “Instead, I’ve been paid for options and shopping agreements. These have ranged from $2,500 to $50,000.”
While a $50,000 check is significant, many deals sit at the lower end of that spectrum. Andrea notes that most options are not renewed, making Hollywood income a welcome bonus—a “windfall”—rather than a reliable salary.
The 75/25 Split: Why Bestsellers Still Freelance
Perhaps the most actionable takeaway from Andrea’s financial breakdown is her income diversity. Despite being a full-time writer for over a decade, she does not rely 100% on her fiction.
Her income split is roughly:
- 75%: Book advances, royalties, and film/TV options.
- 25%: Freelance journalism, consulting, speaking fees, and retreats.
This isn’t an accident. Andrea spent years as a magazine editor at Glamour and Self before transitioning to fiction, and she has kept those skills sharp. Today, she uses that experience to mentor other authors and publicists, creating a financial anchor that helps bridge the gap between book payments.
In a “feast or famine” industry, that 25% wedge is what provides stability during the lean months between book launches.
The “Boring” Advice That Saves Thousands
When asked for the one piece of advice she wishes she had known when she sold her debut novel, Andrea didn’t talk about craft, networking, or social media. She talked about taxes.
“Find an excellent accountant who specializes in your field—they’ll save you thousands,” she advises. “There were so many writing-related expenses I didn’t realize I could write off.”
It’s the kind of unsexy, practical advice that separates the hobbyist from the professional. Writing is a business, and managing the outflow is just as important as maximizing the inflow.
Read the Full Breakdown
This is just a glimpse into the financial life of a modern thriller writer. In the full interview, Andrea digs deeper into the mechanics of her career, discussing everything from her transition from journalism to fiction, to how she navigates the emotional highs and lows of reviews. To see the full picture of how a New York Times bestseller actually pays the bills, read the original interview at How I Make Money Writing.
No Comments