Royalty Statements

I just received my first royalty statement and have been carrying it around for a week. It's kind of fascinating. Most of it is pretty self explanatory. But I did have a couple of questions:

I'm sure these are different from publisher to publisher, but does anyone know what "sales level" means? It's expressed in XX,000.

Also, I haven't sold through my advance yet, but for an unknown, first time author of a short story collection I don't think the numbers are too bad. I'm sure this is also something that is all over the place, but is there a a general rule as to how long it takes (let's say) a first time author to sell through? This may be impossible to answer given different sized advances and all. But let's just pretend I happen to earn out my advance in a year, will my publisher be happy or like "well, that took long enough."?

terrie

Icerose and Arya, thanks for the replies. I was suspecting that. It's such an apples and oranges deal. I'll keep reading around the 'net. Thanks again.

t

Medievalist, I think I'll do that. I need to shoot him off a synopsis anyway. He's seen enough of these things to know what it all means. Thanks and why didn't I think of that?

t

Oh, James, I think I love that answer best. I've been Googling my little brain out and am surprised at how little information there is. I think it's time to start working on my next book and stop worrying about numbers.

terrie

Lee, Valid excuse to e-mail the Man? I think SO!

Medievalist, wow. That is exactly how I felt, scratching my head at these Google searches. I commend you for trying to put together a How To Read Royalty Statements tutorial. A lot of work, but maybe it could be a book. I've seen How to Find and Agent, How to Get Published, How to Promote Yourself, you might have found a great niche. I'll buy a copy!

And if math is involved, arcane or not, I'm a goner.