I especially loved #12. That spoke so strongly to me today.
I am reminded of a few things I'll share here in the comments.
Sarah Fay often says, "People don't subscribe to your Substack 'newsletter.' They subscribe to YOU. They subscribe to how you make them FEEL." I think that's the essence of what you wrote here today.
Also, I thought of a quote I printed off and keep tacked on my corkboard above my desk, which helps me remember why I do what I do when I am feeling discouraged:
"If you keep showing up, you'll almost certainly break through--but probably not in the way you expected or intended. You need enough persistence to keep working and enough flexibility to enjoy success when it comes in a different form than you imagined." - James Clear
I think your "ask for the sale" section is akin to what Julia Cameron wrote in "The Artist's Way" about audacity. Success is a good combination of luck and audacity.
Thanks for another great post, Dan! I've been subscribed to you for over ten years. :)
This all rings so true to me. One of my posts that I got the most response to was one where I was vulnerable and shared how a particular rejection hit hard for me. It’s that human connection that I love building here.
Leanne, please keep sharing like this! I do this, too, and it feels...strange? Icky? Awkward? Terrifying? At the same time, we as writers/creatives need to be reminded that we're not alone. AND our readers/followers/subscribers also deeply connect to this level of authenticity. People don't want the shiny things all the time--the happy narrative, the "focus on the bright side" message. They want the real life, the hard things, the rejections. I think the reason is that it demonstrates that, when we continue to show up despite those rejections, we are communicating something powerful to others: that everyone's voice matters and that we believe in what we are doing and how we are connecting with others. We are showing the people who DO read us that they matter, too! So I am here with you.
It isn't easy to choose one but #20 is resonating with me. On the eve of my first day at UofKing's MFA program, the reality of sharing my work is real. It will become my new normal, and there's no time like this moment to get comfy with hearing the sound of my outer and inner voices. I enjoyed this read and found it most helpful.
I found #15 reliably true. Whenever I write the most honest things, I get the best responses. It’s not when I’m trying to be clever or funny but when I’m authentic. People really can tell the difference.
One thing I have learned from reading your posts is that there is more nuance to the experience of writing than I thought. You always provoke thought and encourage me to keep going and practicing writing, no matter how that looks. Thanks for sharing.
I would tell a new author that sharing your book is not as hard as it seems. People enjoy celebrating your win with you. And they want to learn about how you did it. 😁
Dan, thanks for these reminders. I always appreciate how you make things simple and approachable. Your encouragement to start early is great. I started my weekly science fiction newsletter on Substack last August and it’s a way for me to attract readers and to connect with them every Friday. I see the same names popping up each week for likes and comments. I feel that when my first book comes out later this year or early next year I’ll have a small audience who will at least consider buying it as they’ve seen my writing and already know the themes I care about.
Your list of ten more items will certainly get me thinking. I already have ideas on new things to try. As for the most valuable thing I’ve learned from you, just keep consistently showing up and readers will come. One or two at a time add up.
Thanks for sharing this, Dan! I’m so intrigued by just asking for sales at the moment so it was helpful to read your reflections on how to do this well.
Thank you Dan! This is so helpful. My first memoir came out in January and it’s been such a great adventure meeting other readers and writers. I’m so grateful for this community. And I love embracing who we are. That’s what makes us human. So happy to be one of your Substack subscribers.
"what one lesson about sharing or marketing that you would tell a writer" If self publishing, there is little you can do. If trad publishing, they'll tell you what to do.
I think it can be helpful to notice what other people you admire/enjoy do — not necessarily to copy their "formula" but to notice how it feels when people share their work, connect, and ask for the sale in ways that make me want to say yes or at least share. Instead of thinking nobody wants to hear from me/I don't want to bother people, think about the email, post, whatever that lights you up when it lands — and think about being that person for someone else.
Hi Dan,
I especially loved #12. That spoke so strongly to me today.
I am reminded of a few things I'll share here in the comments.
Sarah Fay often says, "People don't subscribe to your Substack 'newsletter.' They subscribe to YOU. They subscribe to how you make them FEEL." I think that's the essence of what you wrote here today.
Also, I thought of a quote I printed off and keep tacked on my corkboard above my desk, which helps me remember why I do what I do when I am feeling discouraged:
"If you keep showing up, you'll almost certainly break through--but probably not in the way you expected or intended. You need enough persistence to keep working and enough flexibility to enjoy success when it comes in a different form than you imagined." - James Clear
I think your "ask for the sale" section is akin to what Julia Cameron wrote in "The Artist's Way" about audacity. Success is a good combination of luck and audacity.
Thanks for another great post, Dan! I've been subscribed to you for over ten years. :)
Thanks Jeannie!
This all rings so true to me. One of my posts that I got the most response to was one where I was vulnerable and shared how a particular rejection hit hard for me. It’s that human connection that I love building here.
Thank you Leanne!
Leanne, please keep sharing like this! I do this, too, and it feels...strange? Icky? Awkward? Terrifying? At the same time, we as writers/creatives need to be reminded that we're not alone. AND our readers/followers/subscribers also deeply connect to this level of authenticity. People don't want the shiny things all the time--the happy narrative, the "focus on the bright side" message. They want the real life, the hard things, the rejections. I think the reason is that it demonstrates that, when we continue to show up despite those rejections, we are communicating something powerful to others: that everyone's voice matters and that we believe in what we are doing and how we are connecting with others. We are showing the people who DO read us that they matter, too! So I am here with you.
It isn't easy to choose one but #20 is resonating with me. On the eve of my first day at UofKing's MFA program, the reality of sharing my work is real. It will become my new normal, and there's no time like this moment to get comfy with hearing the sound of my outer and inner voices. I enjoyed this read and found it most helpful.
Yes! Congratulations Holly!
I found #15 reliably true. Whenever I write the most honest things, I get the best responses. It’s not when I’m trying to be clever or funny but when I’m authentic. People really can tell the difference.
Yes! Thank you Claire.
One thing I have learned from reading your posts is that there is more nuance to the experience of writing than I thought. You always provoke thought and encourage me to keep going and practicing writing, no matter how that looks. Thanks for sharing.
Aw, thank you so much!
You’re welcome!
I would tell a new author that sharing your book is not as hard as it seems. People enjoy celebrating your win with you. And they want to learn about how you did it. 😁
Love that — thanks Tracey!
Another fantastic post. Also (currently) living in my browser's bookmarks bar.
Thank you Grant!
Dan, thanks for these reminders. I always appreciate how you make things simple and approachable. Your encouragement to start early is great. I started my weekly science fiction newsletter on Substack last August and it’s a way for me to attract readers and to connect with them every Friday. I see the same names popping up each week for likes and comments. I feel that when my first book comes out later this year or early next year I’ll have a small audience who will at least consider buying it as they’ve seen my writing and already know the themes I care about.
Your list of ten more items will certainly get me thinking. I already have ideas on new things to try. As for the most valuable thing I’ve learned from you, just keep consistently showing up and readers will come. One or two at a time add up.
Thanks Bruce!
Super helpful. Thanks!
Thanks Suzanne!
Thanks for sharing this, Dan! I’m so intrigued by just asking for sales at the moment so it was helpful to read your reflections on how to do this well.
Thanks Holly!
Great read! Thank you 🙏
Thanks!
Thank you Dan! This is so helpful. My first memoir came out in January and it’s been such a great adventure meeting other readers and writers. I’m so grateful for this community. And I love embracing who we are. That’s what makes us human. So happy to be one of your Substack subscribers.
Yay! Thank you Lisa!
Number thirteen is giving me some ideas!! Love this and saving both these lists for future reference.
Thanks Sarah!
"what one lesson about sharing or marketing that you would tell a writer" If self publishing, there is little you can do. If trad publishing, they'll tell you what to do.
I think it can be helpful to notice what other people you admire/enjoy do — not necessarily to copy their "formula" but to notice how it feels when people share their work, connect, and ask for the sale in ways that make me want to say yes or at least share. Instead of thinking nobody wants to hear from me/I don't want to bother people, think about the email, post, whatever that lights you up when it lands — and think about being that person for someone else.
True! Thanks Sara.
I’m about to read this. Are you going to make me cry again? 🥰
Aw! Thank you.