One of the things that I have noticed in my country is that many writers are trying to come up with ways to write for a living, permanently. That’s not wrong — anyone who has ever had the dream of being a writer relishes the idea of being able to do one’s creative work full time. But I happened to come across one of the writer’s wishlists, which is something s/he discussed with other writers, and it’s full of entitlements. It’s as though s/he forgot that s/he does the work because he feels like he has something to say, and not for the fame or supposed fortune one would bring. S/he suggested getting subsidised housing, corporate funding, and grants.
Because of this list, I feel like it’s important to highlight what writers should and should not do. Here it is:
- You are not entitled to success just because you publish your work, even if your work is really good.
There are some published books that are incredibly good but get buried and obscurity, and there are others that are really shitty but are somehow critically acclaimed. (*cough*50 Shades of Shit*cough*) While it would be nice to publish good work and get recognised for it, it’s also good to understand that it takes connections and luck to be successful, and that this is rare as the industry is incredibly competitive. - You are not entitled to grants from the state, even if your work is really good.
While the state may give authors and other creative people a lump sum to do work that they really value, you are not entitled to it. You can submit a proposal and pray that your idea will be awarded with money, but that’s it. Relying on state grants make poor economic sense because your idea may not get chosen, and there goes your source of income. Honestly? If it’s a personal project, you’re better off making money through a day job so that you can maintain the integrity of your work. Chances are, the state will censor any subversive intent to promote the national agenda, and that’s the way it is. So you choose between the integrity of your work and pandering the state for money. It’s up to you. - You are not entitled to corporate funding, even if your work is really good.
Let’s be honest — corporations only give back to the arts because it’s part of their “corporate social responsibility” policy (or whatever else they want to call it) and that it makes them look good. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have their logo on a project. But asking them to sponsor you to write your literary masterpiece isn’t going to cut it, because, simply put, they don’t care. They are all about making money, so they would not invest in something that possibly would not have any returns. Besides, since they sponsored your project, they can censor you too and revoke funding if you don’t adhere to their rules and intents. Art is supposed to question and critique institutions, but too bad you can’t do that because the machine is giving you money. Do I sound naggy? See #2. - You are not entitled to writing residencies, even if your work is really good.
Writing residences are like jobs, but with more perks. They are great on your résumé, but there is a likelihood that you may not get one, even if you apply to 10 of them around the world. Because, surprise, surprise, you are not the only writer around, and these universities get to pick and choose. Using these to support your lifestyle as an author is a poor financial move that should be supplemented by — duh! — a steady income. - You are not entitled to free stuff because you produce creative work.
No one owes you anything just because you published a book. Not even a free aeroplane ticket from your editor to your next vacation, although it would be nice. There is a fine line expecting perks, and requesting nicely for them. Don’t cross it. - You are not entitled to any money, unless it’s from your royalties, or speaking engagements, or public appearances.
The bottomline: You are not entitled to money that does not come from directly promoting your work just because you are a writer. You have to supplement it with a day job, and accumulate extra income to speak at schools and promote your work like hell. Yes, it is a far cry from the dream of making a living doing the work you want, but this is the way it is and we should find ways to thrive instead of wishing that it would happen. - You should network as much as possible, and you make persuade your mentors and people in your network to hook you up with influential people, but you are not entitled to this.
Networking is great. It’s how so many writers got their big break. Although how these writers networked wasn’t about smarmy meetings where they gave their name cards to everyone — it was about going to places and talking to people who understand you and your work. If they like you and your work, they may collaborate with you or put you in touch with someone they know. And you’d better do the same because it goes both ways. - You are not entitled to sell your book on a social media influencer’s channel or collaborate with said influencer because the both of you “deal with words”.
Sure, you can ask, but is that person’s interests even aligned with yours? Most influential personalities are writing for someone who is into lifestyle, and the literary arts is the last thing on their radar. Maybe look for book blogs or blogs that are aligned with your interests to promote it. You don’t want to promote a book of poetry on a fashion blog, unless the poems are fashion-related. And even so, the blogger can say no. You’ll have to deal with disappointment, because they are probably busy dealing with other queries than to promote your book for free, or what little amount you are offering them. - Yes, you have to market your own book. Deal with it.
Even if you have a huge publisher helping you, it’s always good to promote yourself. Yes, it can get irritating, and yes, it can get tiring, but nothing gets books flying off the shelves faster unless you are willing to put in the work alongside with the rest of your team. It’s a competitive world out there, and in all likelihood, not many people will have heard of you because there are a lot of writers with the same dream. So get creative and start thinking of ways to sell your book, because having an author invest in his/her work in public will probably increase sales.
Basically, TL;DR–Yes, I get it. It sucks not being able to make a living out of your passion, but only a few privileged people get to do so, whether out of luck or the fact that they have a trust fund. The fact that you have gotten published at all is an achievement in this increasingly competitive market, so why not celebrate that? I am not saying that you should be complacent, but the presumption that one should get special privileges as an author is an annoying, sickening one. You are not an exception, and there are many others like you. If you want to write full time, you have to work at it and hope someone is looking out for you.
And if you fail? Then be proud of what you have published, because it sure as hell ain’t easy getting your work past the gatekeepers and into readers’ hands. At least that is something to be proud of.
Featured image by GotCredit