earn out

To make enough money from sales so that you pay back all of the money you were given upfront.

"Her debut novel sold well but didn't earn out until the paperback edition was released."

Hear it in context

Tie Xi Qu: West of the Tracks (2002) - Wang Bing [ENG SUB - BEST QUALITY]

Cred · 536:04

How much do you earn out there?

Why Paul Millerd REFUSED a $200K Book Deal (And Self-Published Instead)

Jay Clouse · 21:01

And maybe I'd earn out and earn royalties and I'd sell a lot more books.

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