For the vast majority of writers, writing is not their main household source of income. The average book is not profitable if you account for even minimum wage.

For the vast majority of writers, writing is not their main household source of income. The average book is not profitable if you account for even minimum wage. In the UK, the average full time writer earns less than they would at McDonalds, but their average household income is well above average. In other words: Most rely on a reasonably well earning partner. And full time writers are rare even among fairly successful writers published by big publishers.