Royalty Information
Transparent and competitive royalty rates for all authors
Competitive Rates
Industry-leading royalty percentages
Regular Payments
Quarterly settlements on time
Detailed Reports
Transparent sales tracking
Performance Bonus
Higher rates for bestsellers
Royalty Calculator
Paperback
10-15%
- 10% for first 1,000 copies
- 12.5% for 1,001-5,000 copies
- 15% for over 5,000 copies
- Based on net selling price (after discounts)
Example Calculation:
Hardcover
12-18%
- 12% for first 1,000 copies
- 15% for 1,001-5,000 copies
- 18% for over 5,000 copies
- Premium rates for special editions
Example Calculation:
E-book
25-35%
- 25% standard rate
- 30% for exclusive digital rights
- 35% for bestselling authors
- Higher rates due to lower production costs
Example Calculation:
Audiobook
15-20%
- 15% for standard distribution
- 20% for exclusive platforms
- Additional rates for narration rights
- Separate payment for author narration
Example Calculation:
Foreign Rights
10-15%
- 10% of net receipts from foreign sales
- 15% for English language territories
- Translation rights negotiated separately
- Advance payments possible for popular titles
Example Calculation:
Bulk/Corporate
5-10%
- 5% for deep discount sales
- 7.5% for book club editions
- 10% for direct corporate sales
- Lower rates due to volume discounts
Example Calculation:
Payment Schedule
| Sales Period | Report Date | Payment Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan-Mar) | April 15 | April 30 | On Schedule |
| Q2 (Apr-Jun) | July 15 | July 30 | On Schedule |
| Q3 (Jul-Sep) | October 15 | October 30 | On Schedule |
| Q4 (Oct-Dec) | January 15 | January 30 | On Schedule |
Payment Information
Minimum payment threshold: ₹1,000. Amounts below this will roll over to the next quarter. Payments are made via bank transfer or cheque based on your preference.
Sales Channels & Net Rates
| Sales Channel | Channel Commission | Your Net Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Sales (Website) | 0% | 100% | Highest returns - no middleman |
| Amazon/Flipkart | 30-35% | 65-70% | Wide reach, moderate commission |
| Physical Bookstores | 40-50% | 50-60% | Traditional retail markup |
| Library Sales | 20-25% | 75-80% | Bulk orders, lower margins |
| International Sales | 50-60% | 40-50% | Additional distribution costs |
* Royalties are calculated on the net amount after channel commissions
Performance Incentives
Bestseller Bonus
Additional 2-5% for titles selling over 5,000 copies
Award Recognition
Bonus payments for literary awards and recognition
Series Incentive
Progressive rate increases for book series
Loyalty Rewards
Better rates for authors with multiple titles
Royalty Reports Include
Sales by Channel
Breakdown of sales across all platforms
Geographic Distribution
Sales data by region and country
Returns & Adjustments
Transparent reporting of all transactions
Performance Metrics
Trends and growth indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I start earning royalties?
You start earning royalties from the first copy sold. There are no thresholds to meet before you begin earning.
Can royalty rates be negotiated?
Yes, royalty rates can be negotiated based on factors like your publishing history, expected sales volume, and marketing platform. Established authors often receive higher rates.
How are returns handled?
Returns are deducted from your royalty calculations in the quarter they occur. We maintain a small reserve (typically 10-15%) for potential returns, which is adjusted in subsequent quarters.
Do I get royalties on promotional copies?
Review copies, promotional copies, and damaged copies are not subject to royalties. However, author copies purchased at discount do generate royalties at the standard rate.
How can I track my sales in real-time?
Authors have access to our online portal where they can view sales data updated weekly. Real-time data from some channels (like our website) is available immediately.
Tax Information
Important tax considerations for royalty income:
- • Royalties are subject to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) as per Indian tax laws
- • Current TDS rate is 10% for residents with PAN card
- • Form 16A will be provided quarterly for tax filing
- • GST is not applicable on royalty payments to authors
- • International authors subject to different withholding rates
Ready to Start Earning?
Join Vidha Publication and enjoy competitive royalty rates with transparent reporting
Have Questions About Royalties?
Our royalty team is here to help you understand your earnings and payment structure.