Write For Your Readers, Not The $$$$$
I recently read this article by Jessica Park on indie publishing here, partly with Amazon (whom I also publish with), and how she has made a great success and all the freedoms that have come from being self published. I must say it was quite insightful, coming from someone who has been lucky in her self-published career.
But beyond that I found some bits inspiring and worthy of sharing. Most of it had to do with her attitude:
“The truth is that I couldn’t care less whether New York editors and publishers like me. I don’t want to write for them. I want to write for you.”
That statement stuck out to me. It was one of those eye-opening “yes, That’s it!” Kind of moments, and I just had to shake my head in agreement, and kept reading.
Sure, she’s lucky to have thousands of books sold each month, but I think even if it was two books sold each month instead, it shouldn’t matter: always write for the readers, for the audience.
Because even if you don’t make ANY money, at least you’ve made something true, something YOU. Who cares if your romance novel doesn’t involve a love triangle, or your YA novel have any High School kids in it? If it’s honest and good, it will find an audience, eventually. And believe me, something tastefully original will last longer in someone’s mind than something that has been done a gazillion times over just because it sells.
To reiterate my point, here’s a video interview of Ray Bradbury saying the same thing, It’s a long video but is DEFINITELY worth watching, as Ray is a brilliant writer and a fine human being. At 20:30, he says to simply life your life doing what you love, and not to listen to those who say otherwise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF3uZf4G3Lo&feature=player_embedded
Write what comes from your gut, your heart. Don’t worry if it’ll make millions, just worry about making a good story. Self-publishing is a very tough cookie to crack, but if you want a lot of freedom, there it is. If you want to get your stories out, your own way, you have that option. But don’t even think about such things until after you have written those stories down!
…..and maybe have someone else read them, just in case.
3 Comments on “Write For Your Readers, Not The $$$$$”
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Thanks, Jason! Excellent points and well said. Last week I found instructions from a professor I had years ago for our final paper, and the following is what he said: “Starting right now, 4 April 2002, neveer write for someone else. Write for yourself. You are a pro. Let the college freshmen worry about what ‘they’ want. The point is that your writing should engage YOU.” I have to admit that I hadn’t seen those words in 10 years, but I’ve written more in the past week than I had in the past month. Since I care about my readers, writing for me also means writiing for my readers. Appreciate your post, and wishing you continued success in your writing career.
Thank you for the kind words and thank you for sharing! and I like what your professor had to say. And good on you for writing! I wish you the best in all your endeavors, and hope to hear from you again sometime.
You’re welcome, Jason – and oops about the typos above (tsk, tsk on me). Happy writing!