I've been here for two months with "Everything is Personal." I included paying and free subscriptions from the start. I have been astounded by the response so far. My subscriber base is building slowly, but I have gained 100 paying subscribers so far, and the advice here for building a publication has been helpful. My Substack, by the wa…
I've been here for two months with "Everything is Personal." I included paying and free subscriptions from the start. I have been astounded by the response so far. My subscriber base is building slowly, but I have gained 100 paying subscribers so far, and the advice here for building a publication has been helpful. My Substack, by the way, is entirely a literary publication. I am writing a hybrid book in Substack posts.
I don't think readers know I'm here. I have a consistent readership of five people and it isn't because of the writing itself. Any suggestions? (I don't even want paid subscriptions).
Interestingly enough, not wanting paid subscriptions may be your problem. It's common for we writers to say something like that because, down deep, we don't think our work is that valuable, so we "reject the rejection" before it happens (a lot of us grew up having to do that to survive; it's something we know too well). But if you put up "paid subscriptions," (hell, $5/month is "lost in the couch cushion money" to most people), people will take you more seriously. And you will too. You'll put that extra bit of effort that's been there all along into what you write, because you're a nice honest person who wants to give people value for any money they part with. The result will be a self-fulfilling prophecy: you'll become that writer who has something to offer - which you always were.
I'm telling you this out of experience. I've been a published author for 40 years, but I kept coming to the stream and failing to jump over for a year here, until a fellow author who was doing things here pointed out to me that people have been buying what I write for a long time, "so why wouldn't they also be interested in what you think?" As it turns out, they are.
I understand how you're making this interpretation. Others may feel as you do. I have decades of experience selling my paintings. I've just discovered that I feel more free giving my art. It's not a commodity. I don't feel doubtful about its value. Why don't you visit my poetry at Writing From the Heart Jewel and leave a comment? Thank you for your reply!
I absolutely love (and agree!) with this perspective. Though I’m guilty of not having paid subscription on either.. but I’m new to the platform and want people to get taste of the flavorI offer before paying for it. That may be another self-restricting motivation but trying it for now. Told myself by the new year paid is on!
Thank you for this! I'm thinking very seriously about putting almost all of my work behind the paywall, other than my first-of-the-month newsletter, and maybe a handful of pieces as a taste of what they'll receive. I work too hard, and have too many 4-5 star readers who've been around for months and months.
I think we're supposed to keep going & maintain consistency.
The difference here is - we're not playing a game to satisfy some arcane algorithm - but a simple one designed to promote consistent writers, because flashes in the pan or dabblers (as with all blogging) is not what anyone wants here.
IMHO everything is for a reason. Energy ripples beyond our imaginings. The brightest light is the brightest. I'm interested in energy. I see you are too.
I've been here for two months with "Everything is Personal." I included paying and free subscriptions from the start. I have been astounded by the response so far. My subscriber base is building slowly, but I have gained 100 paying subscribers so far, and the advice here for building a publication has been helpful. My Substack, by the way, is entirely a literary publication. I am writing a hybrid book in Substack posts.
I don't think readers know I'm here. I have a consistent readership of five people and it isn't because of the writing itself. Any suggestions? (I don't even want paid subscriptions).
Interestingly enough, not wanting paid subscriptions may be your problem. It's common for we writers to say something like that because, down deep, we don't think our work is that valuable, so we "reject the rejection" before it happens (a lot of us grew up having to do that to survive; it's something we know too well). But if you put up "paid subscriptions," (hell, $5/month is "lost in the couch cushion money" to most people), people will take you more seriously. And you will too. You'll put that extra bit of effort that's been there all along into what you write, because you're a nice honest person who wants to give people value for any money they part with. The result will be a self-fulfilling prophecy: you'll become that writer who has something to offer - which you always were.
I'm telling you this out of experience. I've been a published author for 40 years, but I kept coming to the stream and failing to jump over for a year here, until a fellow author who was doing things here pointed out to me that people have been buying what I write for a long time, "so why wouldn't they also be interested in what you think?" As it turns out, they are.
TcinLA,
I understand how you're making this interpretation. Others may feel as you do. I have decades of experience selling my paintings. I've just discovered that I feel more free giving my art. It's not a commodity. I don't feel doubtful about its value. Why don't you visit my poetry at Writing From the Heart Jewel and leave a comment? Thank you for your reply!
I absolutely love (and agree!) with this perspective. Though I’m guilty of not having paid subscription on either.. but I’m new to the platform and want people to get taste of the flavorI offer before paying for it. That may be another self-restricting motivation but trying it for now. Told myself by the new year paid is on!
Thank you for this! I'm thinking very seriously about putting almost all of my work behind the paywall, other than my first-of-the-month newsletter, and maybe a handful of pieces as a taste of what they'll receive. I work too hard, and have too many 4-5 star readers who've been around for months and months.
I appreciate your words!
There's a way you can put the first third or so out for "free" keeping the rest of the post behind a paywall. It does increase paid subscriptions.
Can you clarify your thought here: do you think the access to free material increases paid subs, or going more behind the paywall does?
I've been very generous with the first, and am becoming less convinced it's the path to go. Thanks for your time--
Give them enough they want it all, and be good enough they'll pay to get it.
I think we're supposed to keep going & maintain consistency.
The difference here is - we're not playing a game to satisfy some arcane algorithm - but a simple one designed to promote consistent writers, because flashes in the pan or dabblers (as with all blogging) is not what anyone wants here.
Is your comment referring to Writing From the Heart Jewel? I agree with your first line, but the rest is not for you to judge.
I’m not sure if you’re asking me. I imported my email contact list to begin with. That’s a good way to start.
Thank you, Laurie. I get very few personal emails.
IMHO everything is for a reason. Energy ripples beyond our imaginings. The brightest light is the brightest. I'm interested in energy. I see you are too.
"Energy ripples beyond our imaginings." Thank you for this!
Wow .. interesting, that is something l aiming to do .. l look forward to reading your hybrid book!
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