This is a very commonly asked question. And there is not really one simple answer - everything depends on how good the author is, how readable the book is, royalties etc etc...
Mathematics, as always, comes in and plays a big part on determining how much you can expect to earn as an author. It is definately a good idea to keep up a regular job and write in your free time, eventually publishing, but do not give up that job in the early years - like all career games, getting into writing (and to the big bucks) can take a while. The truth, however, is that you won't make a lot.
For 6 months of solid writing, you can get $500 a year if that was your first book, and wasn't very good. Also, authors usually only get 7-25% of the cover price, so if you sell a book for $10, you may only get $1.
Writings, scraps and teasers from WitchyKristi, a.k.a MrsTrancy!
