Unlike in the days of yore when I started as a writer and teacher of creative writing, today anyone can publish.
Substack is here.
The gatekeepers are gone.
Writers are making money.
The question new writers used to ask, When should I start charging for my writing? When should the “paywall” go up? (NOTE: Paywalls are not necessarily the best paid strategy. More on that later.)
This speaks to a larger question: When should I expect readers to spend money on my words, talent, and ideas?
Which speaks to a deeper question: When will I know my writing is worth something?
Which gets at a deeper question: When will I know my writing is worth writing?
Which gets at an even deeper question: When will I know I’m worth something?
We won’t delve into personal worthiness here (you’re 100% worthy); instead, let’s discuss the two main issues that come up when we talk about paying writers for their hard work.
The Issues
Issue 1: Professional writers deserve to be compensated, but the general public thinks we should write for free and not be able to pay our rent.
Issue 2: Anyone can charge for their writing, so how can readers know when it’s worth paying for?
