Quote:
Originally Posted by Moejoe
I think what you're describing there is the goal of 'what used to be' for many writers. The big marketing campaigns, the sales, the reputation that comes from having sold. Who's to say that those are the goals of the writer going ahead? What if you strip out the idea of sales and marketing altogether? What if the writer, knowing what he knows of the economic situation in publishing, knowing that he can't make nice-nice with an audience and spew a lot of marketing bullshit, no longer has set his course for the land of money, fame and recognition?
I'll be honest right now, as a writer what I wanted two years ago is nowhere near what I want today, or what I know I can achieve. Two years ago my plans were roughly in the ballpark of 'get noticed' 'get published' 'get lots of lolly'. Now I don't want any of those things. Through the process of the first - 'get noticed' - I learned that writing itself is the goal, it is the destination and I've already arrived. I seek no recognition or security from my writing, only adventure and possibly an honest response from time to time. I know that I'd (and by extension any new writer) would need 10,0000 dedicated readers to make a living wage, and I also know that isn't going to happen for me. I'd have to give up everything I've gained over the last two years, a lot of my freedoms to get to the point where I could make a living. And, well, the writing is worth more than that to me. I'd guess a lot of writers are going to have the same experiences over the coming years.
Adjust your sails, the water's getting choppy and there's a storm brewing on the horizon.
|
Are you claiming writers need 10K or 100K dedicated readers to make living wage and on what basis do you make this claim?
Why don't you think it will happen for you?
From the posts you have made in this thread so far, you seem to have the ability to express yourself effectively. Based on the position you take, it seems to me you have already overcome the primary obstacle to actually having a chance in your chosen endeavor.
I suggest that by participating in a forum such as this, you have chosen to interact with potential readers of your work. It might help if you included in your sig a link to your works. You might have a better chance at building a readership and developing a fan base.