24 Comments

Nice interview. I like Terry's thoughts about Substack.

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Thanks, Sue. At least Substack hasn't banned me yet!

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I really enjoyed this collaboration between two of my favourite Substackers - thanks, Mark and Terry - I've learned a great deal from this post!

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Yeah, Terry gave some great answers, didn't he?

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Thanks, Rebecca. Would you like a leather-bound autographed copy?

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If you're interested, I've got some property you might be interested in as well, which comes with an autographed copy of my book. :)

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On a more serious note, I'd be interested in learning more about what you found useful.

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Dec 6, 2022·edited Dec 6, 2022Liked by Mark Dykeman

Your whole story is fascinating, Terry, but I was particularly interested in your four numbered points, especially this first one:

"1. I think anyone thinking about writing a book should try to build up a body of work – whether on Substack or their own blog or somewhere else – in order to demonstrate to potential publishers that they can write."

Well, back in the spring I wanted to start writing my book. I signed up to a couple of writers' free mailing lists, and it was through one of those writers that I found out about Substack, because she'd migrated her newsletter mailing list over to here. I soon discovered that Substack is a veritable universe of writing and writers, and thought 'hey, I could start one of these newsletters....'. So I stopped trying to start writing my book, set about practising my writing, and started a habit of reading EVERYTHING and commenting on EVEN MORE.

Terry - and Mark - today I feel VALIDATED, because look, that's ME right there in your number one point! Your other three points are equally useful, although I'll be concentrating solely on the 'body of work' bit for quite a while longer.

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Great observation, Rebecca!

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Thanks, Rebecca. Definitely a good idea to do what you're doing. Well, I'm pleased that something I said was useful.

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This is a great perspective, Terry, especially regarding payment for work. I've been putting together a guest post for another Substack about writing for its own purpose, even when sharing the work publicly. Money is one of the last things I would use as the reason for writing as a career.

Also, considering the number of talented writers who never reach mass appeal or who even finish a book, it has always been a curious thing when someone says they will write a novel as if it's the same as blowing one's nose.

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Thanks, Brian. It's just as well money is one of the last things you'd consider: I went to the launch of a new report into writers' earnings in the UK last night, and hardly anyone can make a living just from writing. See https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/the-value-of-low-paying-gigs That's in the UK, but I suspect there's a similar story in the USA and elsewhere. But writing for its own sake is a great thing to do I think. Where will your guest post appear?

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Thanks for the additional article. The guest post will appear on the Fictionistas Substack (https://fictionistas.substack.com/). The theme of the article will be around developing a growth mindset as a writer instead of focusing on the end "reward". It's a great community if you're not already subscribed. I've contributed with a few guest posts already.

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Great. I'll look out for that

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Great interview Mark! I feel I know a lot more about you Terry.

We have something in common with watching detective programs. I've watched about 90% of the shows that have some kind of detectives, whether that is private investigators or police.

#1 also could be for someone who is trying to attract business with freelance writing. I know I keep trying it but I can't get anyone to bite. I've done two freelance writing jobs but they didn't pay much. It is rather frustrating. And I don't know what to do.

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I think you just have to keep on keeping on, Matt. See https://terryfreedman.substack.com/p/the-value-of-low-paying-gigs to make you feel better about publications not paying much. If you can get a regular slot, that makes a lot of difference I think.

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It's not publications I'm pitching to though.

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Another wonderful interview! Terry: thanks for all of this sage advice about publishing & writing.

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Thanks for kind words, Jillian :-)

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I just discovered these interviews and the most interesting thing has been to get to know better some of the folks I've interacted with in other (virtual) places.

Terry's comments about Substack are spot on. And the connection between music and writing really resonated.

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Terry's work and his Substack have me hooked -- as does this interview. His humor mixed with wisdom I find incomparable. Thank you, Terry and Mark.

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Fascinating interview - and Terry's Substack is a great find! Thanks!

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