From Manuscripts to Motors: Husband’s Unexpected Ultimatum After Wife’s Book Win

A Reddit user shares that she landed a deal to publish her book series. However, her husband now wants her to buy him an “expensive new car” because he’s supported her all these years.

She’s Worked On A Series Of Books During Her Spare Time

The original poster (OP) dropped out of college to care for her kids. Her husband is the breadwinner of their household, giving her a limited budget for household expenses.

For a couple of years, OP has been working on a series of books during her spare time at home. But, she didn’t share her efforts with her husband because he always considered it a “waste of time.”

You Might Also Like: How Self-Publishing Can Help You Create a Passive Income Stream

She Received a Monetary Advance Over Five Digits

Once OP finished her series, she worked hard to get an agent. And with the agent’s help, she was able to land a deal to publish her book series. 

She almost fainted when she heard how much of a money advance the publisher wanted to give her. The amount was over five digits, which was way more than she expected for her first deal.

However, she didn’t initially tell her husband. Ideally, OP wanted to save money for an emergency fund or her kid’s future. But she would also like to have some spending money without asking her husband.

You Might Also Like: Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Funds and Cash Reserves

Her Husband Found Her Contract

OP’s husband found her contract and now demands she buys him a new car. And, the car he wants would cost most of OP’s advance. She refused and tried arguing with him that he didn’t need a car that expensive and would prefer to save up the amount. 

Also, OP was concerned that her book deal could flop and that the advance could be the only money she should ever receive. So, she didn’t want to spend all of it immediately.

But OP’s husband still demanded a new expensive car. He said he supported her for all those years and now owes him. He adds that “without him and his money, [she] wouldn’t be where [she] is now.”

And her husband said that if OP isn’t willing to buy him a new car, then she would have to start paying for half of the household expenses.

You Might Also Like: Drive Your Car Payment Down: 6 Expert Tips for Saving Money

The Reddit Community Weighs In

Many Reddit users say OP’s husband is controlling and entitled. And her husband doesn’t respect her life goals or even her wishes. They add that they wouldn’t buy him a car or do not owe him a thing.

Another Reddit user was a published author for over ten years and shared their experience regarding advances. For instance, a percentage goes toward the agent, taxes, medicare, and social security. So, OP wouldn’t receive 100% of the advance. 

Additionally, depending on the contract, the advance gets paid in installments versus in one lump sum. So, although OP’s husband would like a brand-new car, it’s not as clear-cut as it seems.

Is OP wrong for not wanting to spend most of her advance on a new expensive car? Is OP’s husband entitled to her monetary advance?