Not too long ago, books were written by professional writers who signed traditional publishing contracts and were paid advances against royalties for their work. (buildbookbuzz.com)
There are variations of this model, such as advance against royalties or royalty - only, but the principle remains the same: the money flows toward the author. (alysonmiers.com)
Also, self - publishing doesn't guarantee you any up - front advance against royalties. (bidinotto.com)