Valuing our words and creativity
A look back at six months on Substack, and my first paid subscription offer
I’ve been writing on Substack for six months! When I first started, I knew nothing about the platform or whether I could keep up with regular posting, only that I was keen to write more across topics such as writing, publishing, language, and culture. I also wanted to use this space to support those trying to make a living through their writing and creativity, as I know it can be a difficult and lonely road, but it’s an incredibly fulfilling career too. I’ve loved every moment of compiling these short essays, and I continue to be fascinated by the challenges and rewards of our complex creative lives. Every week I spend a lot of time thinking about what I’m going to write next, and I now have a Substack spreadsheet with well over 150 topic ideas, and more clogging up my phone notes, so I don’t think I’ll be running out any time soon.
I’ve seen a lot of writers migrate to Substack as their primary forum for communicating with readers, which is no surprise, because it allows us to focus on finessing our written words and ideas. Substack’s newsletter format also means that we can connect with our readers directly via email, without being subject to the vagaries of social media algorithms. Sometimes when Substack rolls out a new feature (DMs being the most recent example) I feel sad rather than energised, as I don’t want this to turn into another convoluted social media site, but I guess all things have to evolve and I still feel like this is a great sandbox to play in right now.
Substack also offers writers the chance to turn on paid subscriptions, so that readers can support our work. This is an incredible asset for those of us looking to make a living from our writing, but I decided to spend the first six months on Substack without turning this feature on – not only to learn the ropes, but so I could really reflect on what it means to ask someone to value my work enough to pay for it. I’ve seen some writers say that they ‘deserve to be paid’ for their work – but I don’t think that’s entirely the right way to look at it. We can all write things down for others to read, but it doesn’t mean we’re automatically owed some money! It is a privilege to write for others, but if we want to make a living from our words, we must always look at how we can add maximum value to the lives of our readers.
There are many ways that writers add value to the world and to the inner lives of individuals: we can provide information, insight, escapism, creativity, connectivity, solidarity and authenticity. However, whichever way we choose to reach out to readers, and whatever we are offering, we must work incredibly hard to make our words meaningful. The most successful writers I know are the ones who work doggedly at their craft and their careers, because make no mistake, this is a challenging occupation. Those of us who live and breathe writing must pace ourselves as we balance business with creativity, while trying to keep our work fresh and interesting. And we have to make sure we don’t get burnt out by our passion or the expectations and uncertainty that constantly surrounds creative careers.
I sincerely hope my posts are offering you value, and I appreciate each and every one of you for allowing me into your inboxes, and for taking a few minutes out of your day to read my words. Nothing much will change for current subscribers, as you’ll still receive my weekly posts, but today I’m offering some extras for those who would like to take up a paid subscription and support my work. So if you’re a free subscriber and would like to turn on paid, I’d love to welcome you into the ‘backstage pass’ area of my community! I’m extremely grateful to those who have already pledged their support.
Here are my offers (please click on the blue button below to upgrade your subscription or to subscribe for free if you’re a new reader):
ALL SUBSCRIBERS:
One post a week: either a short essay on a topic around writing, publishing, creativity and culture; or my monthly Author Notes, where I highlight all sorts of interesting things happening in the publishing industry.
PAID SUBSCRIBERS ($5 MONTHLY):
All the benefits of being a free subscriber, plus two extra posts a month, written exclusively for paid subscribers. You’ll also get the chance to influence what I write about, and 15% off any of my future courses, events and consultation fees.*
PAID SUBSCRIBERS ($50 YEARLY):
All the benefits of being a free and paid subscriber, plus first look at my new writing, including proof copies in advance of publication where possible. You’ll also get 25% off any of my future courses, events and consultation fees.*
FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS ($100 OR PLEDGE AN AMOUNT YEARLY):
All the benefits offered to free, paid and yearly subscribers, plus a signed copy of The Hush and 50% per cent off any of my future courses, events and consultation fees.*
*I can only offer these discounts for events that I run myself, not for those offered by third parties where I am their guest speaker, but I will also look to negotiate discounts for those events too.
A huge THANK YOU to all of you for reading Novel Thoughts and Wild Ideas! Today I’m proud to celebrate reaching this milestone and all the posts I’ve written so far, and I’m excited to continue writing for you all. There is much, much more to come, and I am ever grateful for your support!