Yep, I pay for several newsletters, but in no case do I do that to “support a writer’s writing”—even though a lot of people pitch paid subscriptions that way. I have enough trouble supporting my own writing! In every instance the newsletter offers me something I value. I like to think I’m a smart cookie who could see right away that *you* were offering me something I wasn’t getting elsewhere—I didn’t need you to convince me of that. I pay for your content, Leigh, because every week I open your newsletter immediately, knowing that I’m going to learn something valuable. This week I learned I’m an Analyst! (Also, my local indie emailed to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake when I ordered nine more copies of IYSTIMFY when I’d already ordered one in April 😂)
This made me think about how I love Rihanna for both 'Umbrella' AND Fenty. And I love you for your books AND your expert Substack, and your clear purpose for each makes both even better.
devoured this newsletter. the headline was 🤌🏻 tysm for sharing what you earned-- it's so interesting to see (and wow - truly something to aspire to!) We had a similar idea about sharing $$ figures (which I think people are nosy about but also the industry is so opaque) and I've been calculating what I'm earning per book in each format (audio/digital/streaming) because I suspect if you tell people "support me by purchasing the format that earns me the most" (aka not kindle/audible)and provide **actual dollar amounts**, they might care
Thank you for the clear, transparent description of what you offer - which is valuable even though I am not a New York best selling author in your age group. You tell it how it is. That is worth a lot in this world of hype!
Speaking up here as a New York Times bestselling novelist who's also a book coach--I think many aspiring authors would be surprised that having a few bestsellers will not necessarily financially sustain an author for the long term. Back in 2012, in a lull between two bestselling novels (I had other books during those years that were not bestsellers), I began teaching writing classes online, and doing so has been an important part of how I make a living. I find that teaching on my own (I previously taught in MFA programs) allows me to take a break when I need to meet a book deadline, and it also allows me to stay in touch with other writers.
I moved my decade-plus Caffeinated Writer newsletter from Mailchimp to Substack a few years ago. Contracted writing work (screenwriting and novels) now make up about three quarters of my annual income, while teaching and book coaching comprise the rest, with a small slice earned directly through Substack subscriptions.
Most writers I know, including many bestselling authors, have multiple income streams, most often including teaching and coaching. All of us know that one bestseller doesn't guarantee that the next book will be a bestseller, and there are different levels of bestsellerdom! I appreciate your transparency about the fact that many writers make a significant portion of our income from helping other writers.
I appreciate your transparency so much! I sat on my hands for too long and missed on Hype House (now I see there’s a waitlist, so I will get on that!). Your newsletter is also one I open religiously every Sunday and read fully through with my coffee. As you know because I will continue to yell this from every platform there is, I believe you’re a creative genius in your work, your writing…everything.
My MBA professors would be so happy to see that you consider me The Analyst. Thanks for the shoutout!
you do it so well! 😊
Yep, I pay for several newsletters, but in no case do I do that to “support a writer’s writing”—even though a lot of people pitch paid subscriptions that way. I have enough trouble supporting my own writing! In every instance the newsletter offers me something I value. I like to think I’m a smart cookie who could see right away that *you* were offering me something I wasn’t getting elsewhere—I didn’t need you to convince me of that. I pay for your content, Leigh, because every week I open your newsletter immediately, knowing that I’m going to learn something valuable. This week I learned I’m an Analyst! (Also, my local indie emailed to make sure I hadn’t made a mistake when I ordered nine more copies of IYSTIMFY when I’d already ordered one in April 😂)
“I have enough trouble supporting my own writing!” 😂😂 truer words
I love this comment—thank you! You are definitely an analyst. And I’m so amused by your bookstore looking out for you…… Amazon would never
Agreed! I only have a handful of paid subscriptions, and Leigh's is one of them!
She’s the best!
This made me think about how I love Rihanna for both 'Umbrella' AND Fenty. And I love you for your books AND your expert Substack, and your clear purpose for each makes both even better.
flattered by the analogy lol!
look, you named it HYPE HOUSE, I’m simply following instructions
This was great! And yay for the NYC event! Loyal reader of your books and a subscriber to this newsletter! 💥 more than worth it, C!
aw thank you Jenovia! ❤️
devoured this newsletter. the headline was 🤌🏻 tysm for sharing what you earned-- it's so interesting to see (and wow - truly something to aspire to!) We had a similar idea about sharing $$ figures (which I think people are nosy about but also the industry is so opaque) and I've been calculating what I'm earning per book in each format (audio/digital/streaming) because I suspect if you tell people "support me by purchasing the format that earns me the most" (aka not kindle/audible)and provide **actual dollar amounts**, they might care
congrats on getting your masters back!
Thank you for the clear, transparent description of what you offer - which is valuable even though I am not a New York best selling author in your age group. You tell it how it is. That is worth a lot in this world of hype!
to be fair, *I* am not a bestselling author in my age group
This is business savvy AF; a mini MBA for writers and creatives. Absolutely brilliant!
Speaking up here as a New York Times bestselling novelist who's also a book coach--I think many aspiring authors would be surprised that having a few bestsellers will not necessarily financially sustain an author for the long term. Back in 2012, in a lull between two bestselling novels (I had other books during those years that were not bestsellers), I began teaching writing classes online, and doing so has been an important part of how I make a living. I find that teaching on my own (I previously taught in MFA programs) allows me to take a break when I need to meet a book deadline, and it also allows me to stay in touch with other writers.
I moved my decade-plus Caffeinated Writer newsletter from Mailchimp to Substack a few years ago. Contracted writing work (screenwriting and novels) now make up about three quarters of my annual income, while teaching and book coaching comprise the rest, with a small slice earned directly through Substack subscriptions.
Most writers I know, including many bestselling authors, have multiple income streams, most often including teaching and coaching. All of us know that one bestseller doesn't guarantee that the next book will be a bestseller, and there are different levels of bestsellerdom! I appreciate your transparency about the fact that many writers make a significant portion of our income from helping other writers.
I always appreciate posts like this, breaking down what the ROI is on the daily work it takes to make it in the business world. Thanks!
I appreciate your transparency so much! I sat on my hands for too long and missed on Hype House (now I see there’s a waitlist, so I will get on that!). Your newsletter is also one I open religiously every Sunday and read fully through with my coffee. As you know because I will continue to yell this from every platform there is, I believe you’re a creative genius in your work, your writing…everything.
appreciate you so much! can’t wait for our convo
Is the link up for our event in CT? I blinked and it’s almost August
I know! I’m waiting…….
What if there was tarot card reader there?
at Athena?
Yes, just me having a crazy idea
As always, your transparency is so appreciated!
You are so awesome ... signed, "loyal reader since breakout success of Self Care."
Carey!! ❤️
OK I’m not loving C.’s tone. But I always love your newsletters (and also always open them)!!
will DM you
This is a great post, and I really appreciate your transparency here, Leigh. Thanks so much for sharing!
Loved how you explained this, Leigh!