Not everyone is interested in making money from their books. Some people produce a book in order to help a favorite charity. Why give away money that could be yours? There are a variety of reasons that people do this.
For some, it is a matter of priorities. They strongly believe in a cause and publish a book in order to support it. Some just don’t want to mess with the finances involved in selling books, so they turn it over to a charity. Some feel blessed in life and just want to give back. There are also authors who, perhaps, feel awkward about having written on a certain topic and choose to give away any monies coming from it as a way of distancing themselves from it. Still others donate a portion of their sales or profits just to look good and, in some cases, in order to generate more sales. A pitch that includes, “…and if you buy this book, you will be supporting such-and-such charity,” may convince a hesitant consumer to purchase your book. Others are after the tax deductions. If this is you, be sure to check with your tax advisor to find out how to best handle the details of your project.
Some authors embed their causes within their books—promote their favorite charity or cause within the pages of their books. There’s even a site being constructed as we speak designed to help authors give back through their books. I’ll keep you posted as it develops.
It might be that the best way to handle a charitable book is to donate the book to the charity and let them promote it. Another method, which most of my clients pursue, is to sell the books, collect the money and send the charity a check every quarter or so. However, in most of these instances, the amount going to charity is minimal and does not actually continue for long. The author tires of promoting the book—it can be time-consuming and costly—and the book is put to death.
Do good things come to good people who donate the proceeds from their books? Occasionally. Benevolent authors are sometimes rewarded. But I believe this is true only for those whose generosity is sincere—who are truly giving from the heart. And, certainly, not everyone who gives or claims to give a portion of their book’s proceeds is doing so with a pure heart.
Many authors donate books to some of their favorite causes and/or give a percentage of their earnings during fundraising drives, etc. I think most authors do this on occasion. I’ve certainly given my share of books for charity auctions, raffles, etc. And I’ve offered a percentage of sales at events to benefit various organizations. Proceeds from my book of cat stories, for example, have helped local cat rescue groups. And I have certainly had people purchase my book expressly to support that charity.
It appears through research, however, that these people are not in the majority. Most consumers polled said they would not buy a book simply because it is linked to a charity.
Did you write a book strictly for charity? Do you donate heavily through your book—giving copies of your book or a percentage of sales, for example? Or are you in the business of selling books and you donate only on occasion? Do you think it helps sales to link your book to a charity? Chime in right here by using the “comment” button.
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I just wrote a book about a young lion that doesn’t know he is a lion and is basically an orphan. I grew up like the character in my story and want to donate to orphans, because many time i was abandoned in my life. I am still healing from the wounds inflicted by my past and I want orphans to know there is light at the end of the path.
Hi, I think it is great that the answers I was looking for are all here.
I came up with an idea to write a book, (all money for charity to p.d.s.a leic.)
I have never done this before, and wonderd if I would need to have money at the back of me, government funding or something like this.
this task is based on just an idea from myself and mother, and will include the events of a comical, and loving 16yr old cat of mine. His antics over the years, we can sure write a book for children, who will love getting to know what capers he has got himself into over the years. He is the most comical Cat I’ve ever seen. Never a dull moment. I feel confident that it would sell, and want to give the p.d.s.a the help they gave me for my beloved pet.
I am unemployed, and so all money would need to go to charity, as I would not be allowed to earn anything from it, and most of all, would not wish to.
Do you have any tips for me as a starting point on what to do next please?
Many thanks!