Substack is working very well for me. Thank you for this opportunity to present my thinking & my work. As a lifelong writer I've encountered many gatekeepers in my life & expect to encounter many more, but Substack helped me find a way around. I love being in charge of my own destiny, at least for now. Thanks again.
I think it's helping us be more serious about the biz end of things. So often we've been told that writing is sacred work, beyond money. But if you accept that premise, then the industry will build its empire right on your back.
We're seeing this right now with Artists in Hollywood. In my brief acting career, I hated how the industry would treat the creatives and executives would prospect on the work.
I've since done my time (so to speak) in the business world, even getting an MBA, and excited to approach my art with more of a business hat on. Grateful for a platform like Substack that makes this easy to build the economics behind your art.
I have only been writing my newsletter for about 6 weeks, but I unexpectedly got my first pledge last week. It was really cool and made me think...maybe the idea of making this into a fully-funded art magazine isn't so crazy after all.
In February, I'd been writing and experimenting with Substack and comparing it with the interwebbing of MailChimp and Squarespace (I had no paid option in this setup). And one day my best friend pledged $150 on Substack. We talk nearly every day, and seeing that pledge come in made me jump out of my seat. I called her right away and said, "Whaaaaaaa..." And she goes, "The world needs your writing, and I want to be part of making that happen." Talk about a boost, especially after three years out of the job market and just trying to figure out how to bring myself back into the editing/writing/marketing space (but in a healthier way).
Anyways, I know we all have a lot of feelings about earning income around our writing (or even who we let generate the payments for our writing), and I'd offer that the only way is through. By experimenting you might discover a creative way to take payments that offsets the "inner no" you feel around using Stripe (maybe a donation to offset, like carbon-heavy-footprinted companies are doing with planting trees...)?
Give it a try, experiment, see what resonates and give readers access to you. They'll tell you what would be worth the cost of a paid subscription sooner than later. ☀️
That’s terrific Amanda! I’ve jumped back into Copywriting after a short pause with other Visual Arts projects going. This provides a warm encouragement to us and readers who enjoy our work. Thank you!
Beautifully written. I do really appreciate Substack continuing to beat the drum on this point. I understand some people find this emphasis on "going paid" annoying or overbearing (at times I have, too) but I think it's ironically only hit a nerve because actually being able to support myself from my work is something I *do* desire so strongly. I haven't placed much emphasis on paid subscriptions for my own Substack just yet but this messaging is gradually giving me the confidence I need to make that leap.
I think of pledges as a living Kickstarter, where you get to ascertain the risk for as long as you choose and determine if others find your endeavor worthy of financial support. It's a brilliant feature. When I launched the Lunar Awards, this was a critical first step. I was curious if fantasy and science fiction authors wanted a specific community that would reward their efforts and have a place to promote their work. After a few pledges, I turned on paid support and love it.
Another thing I'll note, is that paid support is not just for the writing. It's for everything else that goes along with building and running a community. It's for the experience, research and insights, it's for the hard work of being consistent and showing up to support a growing readership. Readers appreciate that and support it alongside what they're reading. Thank you Substack for making that possible.
This is brilliant. I know that Substack has changed the lives of many writers, and for many, it’s a main source of income. Keep going the great work guys.
Spot on. All of my substack income is going to my baby daughter. After getting fired for not getting a booster, I am grateful to have an independent way to provide for my family.
I'm a huge Substack enthusiast. I follow friend from FB (a couple whom I've encouraged to start a page) here because I like the format and until the trolls find it, like the ability to have discussions without the nastiness I find elsewhere.
My one issue...MANY who might love to follow several pages here, can't really afford it. Lots of potential participants are on fixed incomes so have limited resources.
How about being able to subscribe to a "block" of writers for a fixed price at a lower per page price. A list of writers who agree to participate at the lower price to encourage more subscribers could be offered. The the total volume might actually make more money. I know I would do it. I get frustrated because I like so MANY pages and would LOVE to be able to subscribe to them all but since I can't; I just stay free and share to all other media pages to hopefully attract more readers who can subscribe. 😕
Just a suggestion but otherwise...keep up the good work.
Mary Ellen has a very good idea! I currently subscribe to four authors, but would definitely increase my subscriptions and my total spend if I’d be able to save money by buying in volume.
I am so grateful to Substack & all the crew 💖 I have had my Substack free for 9 months & then I turned on paid subscriptions as an option. I’m slowly but surely building a community & I can’t wait to see what the future holds ✨ I’m in this for the long game with Substack as you are with us the writers ✨ So grateful & excited in equal measure! 🇮🇪💖✨🩵🇮🇪
Yes, that's the attitude. I'm on month three myself, and slowly carving out my own little community. It's been so fun and rewarding and I love the platform that Substack has been able to build for creators.
Go Bryce! Love your attitude too! We are so in a space where good people can find good people! My favourite part of Substack is this! Sending lots of good energy your way ✨ great to meet here 🥳🇮🇪
I’m already in paid but I can see the benefits for free publication, even if mine doesn’t have paid articles for the moment ! I’m still waiting for how I can switch properly before doing it, I don’t want to make an error by doing it wrong!
I plan on making mine a "donation" and keeping everything as is. I struggle to find something I can offer that justifies the money, so I figure keep everything free and let people support the entire project.
As a reader, I find it difficult to pay for every writer I love and want to support as it very quickly adds up to a substantial monthly expense. I'm exploring a balanced way fo doing so where the payment goes to something that is extra while not leaving out those who cannot afford paying for everything.
I encourage people also to go paid earlier by simply paywalling their archives...and reminding/nudging...it adds up so amazingly quickly...and gives you numbers to plan around for revenue...
if you mean ‘recycling’ older posts...the paywall ensures that most readers (after six months of subscriber growth) won’t even have seen them which then makes your production process more profitable...
I'm repeating myself again like an old record, but please, please, please Substack introduce a new subscriber payment system for those of us who cannot/will not use Stripe.
I agree! I just started a new Substack called The Setalcott Poet and I categorized it as Literature. It's not literature. It's POETRY and that's my niche deserving of a category unto itself.! I would love to connect with other poets, too.
As we say here in Ireland, well... ok ...I say it 😆😆....Substack is the best thing to arrive after sliced pan 🥳✨ Any platform that supports creatives the way Substack has 💖gets not only my full commitment but also my full support & advocacy. I have been rewarded for my time, effort & my gift at last through this platform & I’m so excited as we build this community as a whole together. We are not alone at last. Instead we are together under one roof! Thank you Substack & to all my new friends I still have to make here 💖🇮🇪✨💖🇮🇪
Substack is working very well for me. Thank you for this opportunity to present my thinking & my work. As a lifelong writer I've encountered many gatekeepers in my life & expect to encounter many more, but Substack helped me find a way around. I love being in charge of my own destiny, at least for now. Thanks again.
Love this perspective. There’s an element of entrepreneurialism that Substack has created for artists and I love it
I think it's helping us be more serious about the biz end of things. So often we've been told that writing is sacred work, beyond money. But if you accept that premise, then the industry will build its empire right on your back.
We're seeing this right now with Artists in Hollywood. In my brief acting career, I hated how the industry would treat the creatives and executives would prospect on the work.
I've since done my time (so to speak) in the business world, even getting an MBA, and excited to approach my art with more of a business hat on. Grateful for a platform like Substack that makes this easy to build the economics behind your art.
I have only been writing my newsletter for about 6 weeks, but I unexpectedly got my first pledge last week. It was really cool and made me think...maybe the idea of making this into a fully-funded art magazine isn't so crazy after all.
Not crazy at all. Keep going! After you pile on a few months in a row it really starts to click.
I dare say that it isn’t a terrible idea- at all. Best wishes to you!
It's kind of fun when it's super random. I had one that came out of nowhere.
In February, I'd been writing and experimenting with Substack and comparing it with the interwebbing of MailChimp and Squarespace (I had no paid option in this setup). And one day my best friend pledged $150 on Substack. We talk nearly every day, and seeing that pledge come in made me jump out of my seat. I called her right away and said, "Whaaaaaaa..." And she goes, "The world needs your writing, and I want to be part of making that happen." Talk about a boost, especially after three years out of the job market and just trying to figure out how to bring myself back into the editing/writing/marketing space (but in a healthier way).
Anyways, I know we all have a lot of feelings about earning income around our writing (or even who we let generate the payments for our writing), and I'd offer that the only way is through. By experimenting you might discover a creative way to take payments that offsets the "inner no" you feel around using Stripe (maybe a donation to offset, like carbon-heavy-footprinted companies are doing with planting trees...)?
Give it a try, experiment, see what resonates and give readers access to you. They'll tell you what would be worth the cost of a paid subscription sooner than later. ☀️
Thank you for sharing your story, Amanda!
That’s terrific Amanda! I’ve jumped back into Copywriting after a short pause with other Visual Arts projects going. This provides a warm encouragement to us and readers who enjoy our work. Thank you!
The same thing happened to me. I haven't even claimed the money (still free), but it was fantastic to feel supported like that.
What a great story, Amanda! Thanks for sharing.
Wow this is a great story and so encouraging. I love that.
Wow. Thanks for sharing this. I really needed the positive energy boost right now. 👍⚡
That's very encouraging. Thats for sharing
I’m going paid soon with some fun launches to coincide with it and I’m excited 🥳🥳🥳
Sending loads of good energy to you Jenovia 🥳
Thank you so much, Louise!!!
Awesome
What are the ideas?
Beautifully written. I do really appreciate Substack continuing to beat the drum on this point. I understand some people find this emphasis on "going paid" annoying or overbearing (at times I have, too) but I think it's ironically only hit a nerve because actually being able to support myself from my work is something I *do* desire so strongly. I haven't placed much emphasis on paid subscriptions for my own Substack just yet but this messaging is gradually giving me the confidence I need to make that leap.
Here’s another kick to GO FOR IT! Nothing to lose, lots to gain
I think of pledges as a living Kickstarter, where you get to ascertain the risk for as long as you choose and determine if others find your endeavor worthy of financial support. It's a brilliant feature. When I launched the Lunar Awards, this was a critical first step. I was curious if fantasy and science fiction authors wanted a specific community that would reward their efforts and have a place to promote their work. After a few pledges, I turned on paid support and love it.
Another thing I'll note, is that paid support is not just for the writing. It's for everything else that goes along with building and running a community. It's for the experience, research and insights, it's for the hard work of being consistent and showing up to support a growing readership. Readers appreciate that and support it alongside what they're reading. Thank you Substack for making that possible.
Lunar Awards
https://www.lunarawards.com
This is brilliant. I know that Substack has changed the lives of many writers, and for many, it’s a main source of income. Keep going the great work guys.
Spot on. All of my substack income is going to my baby daughter. After getting fired for not getting a booster, I am grateful to have an independent way to provide for my family.
I'm a huge Substack enthusiast. I follow friend from FB (a couple whom I've encouraged to start a page) here because I like the format and until the trolls find it, like the ability to have discussions without the nastiness I find elsewhere.
My one issue...MANY who might love to follow several pages here, can't really afford it. Lots of potential participants are on fixed incomes so have limited resources.
How about being able to subscribe to a "block" of writers for a fixed price at a lower per page price. A list of writers who agree to participate at the lower price to encourage more subscribers could be offered. The the total volume might actually make more money. I know I would do it. I get frustrated because I like so MANY pages and would LOVE to be able to subscribe to them all but since I can't; I just stay free and share to all other media pages to hopefully attract more readers who can subscribe. 😕
Just a suggestion but otherwise...keep up the good work.
Mary Ellen has a very good idea! I currently subscribe to four authors, but would definitely increase my subscriptions and my total spend if I’d be able to save money by buying in volume.
That's a good idea! I would take 50% off if I was part of a block and was more likely to increase volume.
Sounds like a great idea.
I am so grateful to Substack & all the crew 💖 I have had my Substack free for 9 months & then I turned on paid subscriptions as an option. I’m slowly but surely building a community & I can’t wait to see what the future holds ✨ I’m in this for the long game with Substack as you are with us the writers ✨ So grateful & excited in equal measure! 🇮🇪💖✨🩵🇮🇪
Yes, that's the attitude. I'm on month three myself, and slowly carving out my own little community. It's been so fun and rewarding and I love the platform that Substack has been able to build for creators.
Go Bryce! Love your attitude too! We are so in a space where good people can find good people! My favourite part of Substack is this! Sending lots of good energy your way ✨ great to meet here 🥳🇮🇪
I’m already in paid but I can see the benefits for free publication, even if mine doesn’t have paid articles for the moment ! I’m still waiting for how I can switch properly before doing it, I don’t want to make an error by doing it wrong!
I plan on making mine a "donation" and keeping everything as is. I struggle to find something I can offer that justifies the money, so I figure keep everything free and let people support the entire project.
As a reader, I find it difficult to pay for every writer I love and want to support as it very quickly adds up to a substantial monthly expense. I'm exploring a balanced way fo doing so where the payment goes to something that is extra while not leaving out those who cannot afford paying for everything.
I encourage people also to go paid earlier by simply paywalling their archives...and reminding/nudging...it adds up so amazingly quickly...and gives you numbers to plan around for revenue...
Really good advice ... I’m about to paywall my archives, but a bit nervous to hide some of my “hits” in case it could be good to use for a rerun
if you mean ‘recycling’ older posts...the paywall ensures that most readers (after six months of subscriber growth) won’t even have seen them which then makes your production process more profitable...
Really smart. Ok, this makes a lot of sense to me.
Open pledges, enable paid, know your worth, don’t sell yourself short.
I'm repeating myself again like an old record, but please, please, please Substack introduce a new subscriber payment system for those of us who cannot/will not use Stripe.
I’ve been daily uploading now for over 2 weeks and I’m loving it!
Please make a Substack leaderboard Category for Poetry, poets matter. I like to read poets, I'd like to be able to actually find them.
I agree! I just started a new Substack called The Setalcott Poet and I categorized it as Literature. It's not literature. It's POETRY and that's my niche deserving of a category unto itself.! I would love to connect with other poets, too.
I'd love it if more poets posted here, at least we could check them out that way!
As we say here in Ireland, well... ok ...I say it 😆😆....Substack is the best thing to arrive after sliced pan 🥳✨ Any platform that supports creatives the way Substack has 💖gets not only my full commitment but also my full support & advocacy. I have been rewarded for my time, effort & my gift at last through this platform & I’m so excited as we build this community as a whole together. We are not alone at last. Instead we are together under one roof! Thank you Substack & to all my new friends I still have to make here 💖🇮🇪✨💖🇮🇪