It is a serious dream of mine to one day become a published author, InshaAllah. I've done research on the publishing process, and have learned that it is a common misconception that authors are rich from making millions off of their books.
Perhaps the author was already leading a well-to-do lifestyle before writing a book. And don't get me wrong, several authors have made it BIG such as the author of the Kite Runner, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter). BUT **that is only if your novel/book is a **HUGE success. Many authors actually work 2 jobs just to earn a sufficient living.
In fact, unless your book is an UNBELIEVABLY HUGE success, many authors make not much over a 1000 from their book. They might make more depending on how many books are sold. The publishing company and literary agent and illustrator also get a huge chunk of the profits when the book sells, leaving the author with not much. Typically authors only receive 10% of what their book sells for in the store. If you are writing a children's book.....you will only receive 5% because the other half goes to the illustrator.
And here's some interesting info. Many rich and famous authors such as Stephen King, J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), and Dr. Seuss were rejected NUMEROUS times before someone saw potential in their work. Getting published is a long road of heartache and rejection.
Also, a huge share of the writer's market is monopolized by celebrities, companies like Disney, and already established authors. That means that these three groups of people are given FIRST PRIORITY at getting their story accepted.......instead of a newcomer. Celebrities (actors, musicians, politicians, wives of politicians, the politician's secretary, etc) will find it easier to publish a book (even a really BORING ONE) because of their position in society and the money that they will bring to the publishing company when the book sells.
Sorry, if this was too serious of a post. Just wanted to share a little bit about the publishing process.