Sometimes a writer’s work is too challenging for its time. Melville was a success from a cosmic perspective; he fulfilled his spiritual purpose with his masterpieces which were permanent gifts to humanity. From a larger perspective, the money he didn’t make is not important. And the money the makers of Star Trek made is no indication of its quality compared to Melville’s genius. And sometimes a great writer grows rich from his efforts. Shakespeare is an example. There is no consistent pattern.