I actually agree with everything you say, I know that most of the writers don't get a lot of money for their first book.
But I can't understand why, I mean - if your book is special, different, interesting, and thousands or even millions of people read him, why you can't make a large payment for it?
And I'm not talking about crazy stories like J.K and the other big names, I'm talking about those who sold a lot of copies but they're not so famous or billionaires....
I'll tell you the truth, right now I'm writing a science fiction book with a really sophisticated and interesting concept .
I spend a lot of efforts and hours in a day, and again, I know it's very difficult to succeed, but I really belive the book is awesome, the thinking of publishing this book and not get enough money for it is driving me crazy!
and I won't lie, I love to write, but everytime I see book writers don't get money like they should get it makes me feel sad and angry.
sorry for my bad english BTW, I'm not from USA or England :]