At this point in my life writing isn't a job it's more of a hobby. When I subtract what I've spent on editors, cover art, and various other things, writing has cost me a good chunk.
But how do we (as authors) measure our success? Some might measure it with money, and with my opening statement one would think that's me, but it's not. That said, if I'm being honest with myself and my readers, I don't know how I measure my success as an author.
I want to say when I hear feedback or reach a NY Time best-selling status, but those don't seem genuine to me. While I would like the money, the feedback, and the NY Times, I can't say I need them.
So I can't say at this point, how I measure my success. Right now, I've spent most of my time learning the craft and mastering my skill. And maybe that's my success, my growth.