How much did Margaret Atwood get paid for "Handmaid's Tale"?

Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale was published in 1985 and has been an hugely influential work of speculative fiction and feminist literature. While literary renown does not always translate directly into monetary compensation, some details on Atwood's earnings for The Handmaid's Tale are available, providing insight into the financial dimensions of publishing a critically successful novel.

The Initial Investment - Atwood's Advance for The Handmaid's Tale

According to Atwood's own accounts, she received a $5,000 advance from publisher McClelland and Stewart to write The Handmaid's Tale, which took her approximately 6 months. This was Atwood's typical advance for novels around that time in her career. Adjusted for inflation, this advance equates to approximately $12,000 today.

Beyond the Advance - The Financial Trajectory of The Handmaid's Tale

The Handmaid's Tale has sold millions of copies worldwide since its release, but Atwood's royalty rate is not publicly known. Her earnings have come mainly through book sales rather than adaptation rights. While financially successful, the slow burn of The Handmaid's Tale's rise limits estimates of Atwood's precise earnings.

The Long-Term Impact - The Enduring Financial and Artistic Value

Regardless of exact dollar figures, The Handmaid's Tale has provided Atwood with steady income via book sales for over 30 years, affording her economic security to focus on writing full-time. Her primary motivation remains storytelling rather than profit. The novel's risks were well rewarded by its eventual seminal status more so than immediate remuneration.

Conclusion

While specific financial details are uncertain, The Handmaid's Tale has undoubtedly provided Margaret Atwood with meaningful career earnings in alignment with the novel's enormous literary significance. The monetary and artistic value run deeply and continue evolving.