Back when I first started indie publishing (late 2013 I think), things were really still good for self-pubbers like me. You didn't need to spend on marketing much, and algos for also-boughts et al were pretty straightforward.
Then KU entered the picture. It was a semi-huge blow to my income and after much futile resistance, I finally decided to establish a secret KU pen name and gave it a try. Unfortunately, I only got to enjoy two months or so of success when KU was revamped. TBH I can't even remember now what exactly changed. All I know is that the methodsc which used to work no longer work.
Fast forward to present, and my income is now down to 15 - 20% of what it used to be. Which is crazy, if you think of it, since I have more books out now compared to before. So technically, I should be earning more, right?!
But I'm not and that, my friends, is why I sometimes find myself literally and secretly having panic / anxiety attacks when I think of my career. I wonder if I'm able to sustain my writing pace, if I'm able to earn enough for everyone depending on me, if I'll always have readers...
But then I think of Stephen King. He's been writing for forty years, and I love how Hollywood seems to have recently rediscovered their passion for his work. YAY for more adaptations! I clearly remember when people were less than supportive of those adaptations, but you never hear King getting affected by what's being said or hinting about quitting because of it.
And then I think of my own career. I feel like I've been writing forever, but actually it's only been 4 years since I've started self-pubbing. King has been releasing books for times ten of that. And you never or at least I've never heard him whine about the industry. I guess it's because he's too busy writing...as I should be. 🤣🤣🤣
Then KU entered the picture. It was a semi-huge blow to my income and after much futile resistance, I finally decided to establish a secret KU pen name and gave it a try. Unfortunately, I only got to enjoy two months or so of success when KU was revamped. TBH I can't even remember now what exactly changed. All I know is that the methodsc which used to work no longer work.
Fast forward to present, and my income is now down to 15 - 20% of what it used to be. Which is crazy, if you think of it, since I have more books out now compared to before. So technically, I should be earning more, right?!
But I'm not and that, my friends, is why I sometimes find myself literally and secretly having panic / anxiety attacks when I think of my career. I wonder if I'm able to sustain my writing pace, if I'm able to earn enough for everyone depending on me, if I'll always have readers...
But then I think of Stephen King. He's been writing for forty years, and I love how Hollywood seems to have recently rediscovered their passion for his work. YAY for more adaptations! I clearly remember when people were less than supportive of those adaptations, but you never hear King getting affected by what's being said or hinting about quitting because of it.
And then I think of my own career. I feel like I've been writing forever, but actually it's only been 4 years since I've started self-pubbing. King has been releasing books for times ten of that. And you never or at least I've never heard him whine about the industry. I guess it's because he's too busy writing...as I should be. 🤣🤣🤣