Interesting question posed here, Amanda. I call it the jungle of literature. See, I took the route to Self-publishing because I felt that the cost fees for traditional publishing are way out of numbers for starters and those who write for the love of it. Why is it we only hear the stories of those who received recognition for their work before public scrutiny more than others? Or is it literary capitalism as you put it? Or just that the world will always reward and recognize idols.
Thanks Marcus. I've done both. I guess it depends on how you self-publish and what kind of promotion, if any, you do, but in my experience, a good quality self-published book, with an editor and then promotion through social media, web sites, arranging author signings and readings etc...all that takes a lot of time and money too.
I can freely admit that I have a day job that is not in any way related to my writing pursuits. I tried the freelance gigs for some time and burned out. Now I’ve come back around to just writing for me because I love writing. Whatever happens, happens. But I will not accept a writing a gig for “exposure” in the future.
i was really fortunate for years, able to write and volunteer my time full-time. but due to financial setbacks, i have to make money. while i'm waiting for rejections from job applications, i continue to use my time and experience as a writer, editor and publisher to make money. $50 gets a full week of dinners for my husband and me. I started an editing service. I offer workshops. I write reviews (mostly for the free books), but i've placed a few at $100 per review. And I monetized my Substack and have some really great supporters. At 60, the likelihood of my getting a full-time job as a secretary or some other position that i'm not really qualified for is really remote. So all I can do in the meantime is make a little money from my writing and editing skills and connections and not waste time on those "exposure" calls. I can totally see why someone would get burnt out on freelancing gigs. thanks for your comment :)
Interesting question posed here, Amanda. I call it the jungle of literature. See, I took the route to Self-publishing because I felt that the cost fees for traditional publishing are way out of numbers for starters and those who write for the love of it. Why is it we only hear the stories of those who received recognition for their work before public scrutiny more than others? Or is it literary capitalism as you put it? Or just that the world will always reward and recognize idols.
Thanks Marcus. I've done both. I guess it depends on how you self-publish and what kind of promotion, if any, you do, but in my experience, a good quality self-published book, with an editor and then promotion through social media, web sites, arranging author signings and readings etc...all that takes a lot of time and money too.
True that Amanda. Happy reading and writing. 😊
I can freely admit that I have a day job that is not in any way related to my writing pursuits. I tried the freelance gigs for some time and burned out. Now I’ve come back around to just writing for me because I love writing. Whatever happens, happens. But I will not accept a writing a gig for “exposure” in the future.
i was really fortunate for years, able to write and volunteer my time full-time. but due to financial setbacks, i have to make money. while i'm waiting for rejections from job applications, i continue to use my time and experience as a writer, editor and publisher to make money. $50 gets a full week of dinners for my husband and me. I started an editing service. I offer workshops. I write reviews (mostly for the free books), but i've placed a few at $100 per review. And I monetized my Substack and have some really great supporters. At 60, the likelihood of my getting a full-time job as a secretary or some other position that i'm not really qualified for is really remote. So all I can do in the meantime is make a little money from my writing and editing skills and connections and not waste time on those "exposure" calls. I can totally see why someone would get burnt out on freelancing gigs. thanks for your comment :)