This is a very important conversation to have with women writers on substack. I’m riveted. I don’t know your work well but I’ll commit for now out of the acknowledgment that I’ve been advised to go paid, and haven’t heeded it .. for all the reasons. I haven’t even turned it on as an option. I’ll sign up for you as a step toward signing up for myself. And I love the way you’ve given selflessly. I’m writing on substack as the daughter of painters, including a woman artist (who died during Covid) who struggled with these issues her whole creative life. I’m illustrating my work with their art. My father was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. My mother was largely unknown outside of her artist’s cooperative gallery. I’d love it if you’d subscribe. There- my own direct ask. All my posts are currently free.
Subscribed! And I agree, it’s a fascinating conversation about women and money, although as someone below has just pointed out it is necessarily just women. Thank you for taking a chance on me! 🙏🏼❤️
I’d like to add another consideration into the mix. By going fully paywalled you are doing a HUGE service to other writers, by shifting expectations away from an assumption that good writing isn’t worth paying for. (I often wonder if it’s because publishing is such a female dominated industry that the pay is so abysmal, by the way.) I think a writer like you who has the experience and quality to justify charging not just can but must. If there were anything to feel guilty about (not a helpful emotion as we all know!) it would be NOT asking for the money you’ve earned :-)
I second this. When we value our time, our work, our artistry, and our contribution to the world, we are raising the bar. We're setting a standard where everyone deserves to be paid and rewarded better for their work.
Thank you 😊. I’ve only just started writing a newsletter (The Right Word Matters) and it’s free because I’m feeling my way, slowly figuring out what audience I want to attract etc. So the writing is slightly self-indulgent and not something I would charge for. I think we have to distinguish between that sort of newsletter and Anna’s highly professional offer, and money is the way to do so!
If/when I start deploying serious time and craft, writing regularly & sharing expertise, I will have to charge because I can’t afford to do that for free --and it seems odd to me that anybody in the writing/publishing industry can!
I so relate to this: 'I notice that younger women are more than happy to ask for money when they’re offering a lot less.' I'm becoming increasingly aware of this in the therapy world, where newly qualified therapists often charge more than me with 20+ years experience. As for the writing, I still haven't turned on the paid subs. I'm on the cusp (I think) but I fear it will stop being fun and start to feel like a pressure and responsibility to deliver once people are paying.... I'm getting nudges though, in the form of pledges, so I think it's time. Thanks for giving voice to this 😊
How interesting that you see this in your industry, Vicki. In some ways I admire their confidence, but I often question their value for money. Consider this piece another nudge to turn on your paids.
It's such a relatable struggle for many women in creative fields and in business, too. Charging for our time. Part of this is because of the amount of unpaid labour (housework, childcare, elderly care, emotional labour, etc) women have been expected to give for free for centuries. It's created a culture where women's time and effort is valued less. Also the gender pay gap... But let me lovingly challenge one thing in the way you talk about your writing. You keep saying "supporting" and "asking for" when you speak of being paid for your work. Men don't say that. You're not being supported. And you're not asking for hand-outs. Your writing is value. You're trading that value (labour, creative service + entertainment) for value (money). You're not asking, you're charging for your work and you're being compensated for the value you offer, rather than supported. We need a shift in the language we use. Paying creatives isn't charity. It's a fair value exchange.
Thank you Aiste, this is such a good point and yes, the language we use is hugely important. If I changed my language to ‘charge’ rather than ‘support’ would I be as apologetic for valuing my own work? I think it is something I will need to practise. Thank you for pointing this out to me 🙏🏼❤️
Right? These are the sneaky little ways our cultural conditioning shows up. When we start shifting the language we use, especially when that language is disempowering, it's a way to take that power back and it really can completely shift how we feel about things, too. Because we're now seeing it more matter of fact! When we're in employment, we don't see it as being supported, we see it as being reimbursed for our contribution. The simple fact is, you're not forcing anyone to pay. People do voluntarily, precisely because they see it as fair value received, perhaps even more value than they've paid for.
And to add to that, if someone chooses not to pay, or cannot afford to, it doesn't change or mean anything about the value of your work. It's simply not for them at this time. And that's OK! They may respect and value your writing and choose not to subscribe. Personally, I'd rather see more writers earn a living. If I can't afford to pay writers for their work, why would I expect to just get it for free. We don't do that with most things in life.
This is a really interesting perspective. I have spent most of my life giving my time and energy for free. And now I am incredibly impoverished because of it.
I am going to keep an eye on my use of language when I make the move to charging for some/most/all of my writing.
I hope that helps to build and reinforce a belief you clearly recognise, but may take time to fully embody that you do in fact deserve to be paid for your time.
Such a brilliant piece, Anna, rivalled only by this comment thread. I'm also moving to nearly all paid and feel incredibly strongly that women need to stop undervaluing our work and words. So interested to hear from others and can't wait to see your SS community grow. X
As one of the mentees who so benefitted from your time, wisdom, and glimpses of your interior design skills over those Zooms, I can wholeheartedly say your annual subscription is an absolute BARGAIN and I'm delighted to pay it. I've only been writing on Substack for a few months, but I live in hope that I'll feel confident enough to add a paywall soon; if we're producing something people value, we should definitely be rewarded for it.
Thank you, Caroline. I know you also make a living from words and so i can see how this is a dilemma for you too. I appreciate your comments and… well you know me, and you’ll know how much I appreciate the nod to my interior design too! 😆 … I often wonder if I should write more about that 🤔🤔
Ahhh Conche by Little Greene (archived colour)… I’m still in love with it, what has it been now, two years? 🤔 find a place for it! It’s so womb-like. 🥰
I hate asking for money. I want to give everything for free and have those who value my work and are able to prioritise some $$ to magically support me without a nudge.
I just turned on paid and I feel like an absolute noob! I have no idea what call to actions will prod those who want to pay and no annoy those who don’t.
Thank you for this. I know it took courage to write it because “we aren’t supposed to talk about money” 👒🎩
I don't know to what extent age and sex are relevant factors, and it would be wrong for me to speculate, but I can absolutely confirm that it's not only people who are women and/or of your generation who are hesitant about this. I would guess that the majority of us feel that way, and that financial success comes only to those who subdue their feelings and charge anyway, as you have so inspiringly done.
I don’t paywall anything because I write about income inequality and I want people living in poverty to be able to read my work. I’ve thought about paywalling and simply giving comp subscriptions to all who ask. Idk if people will really have the nerve to ask, though, or if they’ll simply feel bad about themselves and stop reading. Major conundrum for me, too.
I agree Anna, we struggle to see our true value. We have a saying in Newcastle “shy bairns get nowt” as in, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
I have only recently found your Substack but love everything I have read so far. I’ve just signed up for an annual subscription, looking forward to reading your other posts!
I've been making my full-time living as a writer for 40 years. Long ago, I learned that people will generally be happy to let you write for as little as you are willing to write for. If you want to give your writing away for free, hardly anyone will argue against you.
It's well-documented that women are more prone to imposter syndrome than men. That said, writers in general are highly susceptible to imposter syndrome. Being afraid to ask for money is, at its heart, a fear of rejection. But not asking for payment for your writing makes it likely you will stop writing at some point. Working for free tends to lose its allure.
So true Joe, writers are prone to imposter syndrome and your point about not asking for money making it likely that we will need to stop writing is on point. All of us want to continue making a living the way we always have done. I think it’s different for people who write as a hobby or as a side-hustle. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Anna, I’ve been reading your work for a number of months now, & it is always brilliant. I’ve been hoping to subscribe and join the monthly meets but times have clashed and I haven’t managed it…. But I’m signing up now - Because your words are worthy of it, because yes I think we can be not very good at putting a price tag on our worth and when we stand up & say ‘I am worth it’ it’s NB we are supported in that. I write a small newsletter with just under a thousand subscribers. I struggle with keeping the paywall there (my paid are far less than that!!!), but something in me leaves it up. Our letters are worth something. Looking forward to more of your words 🙏🏽
Thank you Layla, I’m so grateful for your support and your kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy my words, and I wishing you all the best with your own newsletter 🙏🏼❤️
I understand what you do and why you are doing it. My problem is I have so many friends who do substack, and they are all good. So as I am on a limited budget, I really can't decide how and where to give cash money. I don't think it's a matter of resisting because you don't think you are worth it, but second guessing those who have the spare cash, which may not be that many. I guess the question to ask yourself is if you subscribe to other substacks and if so, on what basis? On the merit of the writing, that you think you can get quality words you might not get in magazines or newspapers? I clicked on a friend's substack and saw she got the message that I clicked on it and went for the free option, which made me feel cheap when actually I work part time and money is very tight. It's really a tough call. I don't think it is just women who are shy about charging for substack. It's anyone who is mindful that our money is limited. And that words matter more than ever, and so how do we make the decision which words to pay for? Right now, my words budget goes on novels, because I like them and I like to support new writers or even mid career ones. I really don't think it is a matter of not thinking you are worth enough ( though that might play into it) but guessing what kind of budget your readers are on. Having said that, I wish you well. There will be people who can pay that and for whom the ecomony will really be a cup of coffee a month, for you or for them.
All of what you’ve written is so true, and like I say I also can’t afford to pay for half the substacks I would like to, and so it’s been a dilemma for me to go behind a paywall. But I guess we have to value our words, I stopped writing for magazines and newspapers because they didn’t value words as much as they used to (pay on publication is the killer) and so writers who make a living solely from our words need to find new homes for them that mean we can continue being writers and putting words in the world. Thanks for your comment, Michele. 🙏🏼❤️
When we think of this same 'dilemma' in the context of movies or a clothing shops it stops being a dilemma. We're not expecting to go to every movie in cinema for free just because there's many. Or to get any outfit we want in a shop for free just because there's a lot of choice. We simply make a choice, based on what we like, what we can afford, and sometimes we don't choose the best thing for us - that happens, too. So both from a writer's perspective and the reader - it's just about being the right choice for the right person. And recognising that writing, just like any other work is of value.
Anna, bravo!! Go for it! You’ve definitely earned it. I’m a huge fan of your writing (esp. your books on dementia with Wendy Mitchell https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/26/wendy-mitchell-obituary). I’m a bit behind you on Substack (only here for one year) and thinking about some of the same things.
I am late to the party, but I just wanted to tell you how I cried reading this. I found myself plunged into single-parenting with no means to make an income two years ago and it is by paywalling my publication that I am able to feed my children and pay the bills. It is not much, I am new to the writing world, but it became a way for internet friends to help out without it being a charity. Now I have two paid subscribers who are "strangers" who are willing to pay to read me. From one mother to another, I wish you an easier year for 2025, Anna.
Thank you Sha! I’m pleased this piece resonated for you, and SO pleased to hear that substack is helping you provide for your family. All power to you and best wishes for 2025 🙏🏼❤️
This is a very important conversation to have with women writers on substack. I’m riveted. I don’t know your work well but I’ll commit for now out of the acknowledgment that I’ve been advised to go paid, and haven’t heeded it .. for all the reasons. I haven’t even turned it on as an option. I’ll sign up for you as a step toward signing up for myself. And I love the way you’ve given selflessly. I’m writing on substack as the daughter of painters, including a woman artist (who died during Covid) who struggled with these issues her whole creative life. I’m illustrating my work with their art. My father was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. My mother was largely unknown outside of her artist’s cooperative gallery. I’d love it if you’d subscribe. There- my own direct ask. All my posts are currently free.
Subscribed! And I agree, it’s a fascinating conversation about women and money, although as someone below has just pointed out it is necessarily just women. Thank you for taking a chance on me! 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you, Anna!
You got yourself another subscriber here too ✨
I’d like to add another consideration into the mix. By going fully paywalled you are doing a HUGE service to other writers, by shifting expectations away from an assumption that good writing isn’t worth paying for. (I often wonder if it’s because publishing is such a female dominated industry that the pay is so abysmal, by the way.) I think a writer like you who has the experience and quality to justify charging not just can but must. If there were anything to feel guilty about (not a helpful emotion as we all know!) it would be NOT asking for the money you’ve earned :-)
Ah this is an interesting take, Anna. And it does make me feel less guilty! Thank you for sharing x
👍👍 you've also turned your newsletter into a community, which is inspired, so there's an added dimension there too. x
I’m so pleased you think so x
I second this. When we value our time, our work, our artistry, and our contribution to the world, we are raising the bar. We're setting a standard where everyone deserves to be paid and rewarded better for their work.
Love this so much!
Great point Anna 😃
Thank you 😊. I’ve only just started writing a newsletter (The Right Word Matters) and it’s free because I’m feeling my way, slowly figuring out what audience I want to attract etc. So the writing is slightly self-indulgent and not something I would charge for. I think we have to distinguish between that sort of newsletter and Anna’s highly professional offer, and money is the way to do so!
If/when I start deploying serious time and craft, writing regularly & sharing expertise, I will have to charge because I can’t afford to do that for free --and it seems odd to me that anybody in the writing/publishing industry can!
I so relate to this: 'I notice that younger women are more than happy to ask for money when they’re offering a lot less.' I'm becoming increasingly aware of this in the therapy world, where newly qualified therapists often charge more than me with 20+ years experience. As for the writing, I still haven't turned on the paid subs. I'm on the cusp (I think) but I fear it will stop being fun and start to feel like a pressure and responsibility to deliver once people are paying.... I'm getting nudges though, in the form of pledges, so I think it's time. Thanks for giving voice to this 😊
How interesting that you see this in your industry, Vicki. In some ways I admire their confidence, but I often question their value for money. Consider this piece another nudge to turn on your paids.
Thanks, I will 😀
Cheering you on in that too!
Thanks Kaitlyn, I actually took the plunge and turned them on this week 😄
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 well done Vicki!
Thanks for the encouragement 😀
Yessss. Get after it!
It's such a relatable struggle for many women in creative fields and in business, too. Charging for our time. Part of this is because of the amount of unpaid labour (housework, childcare, elderly care, emotional labour, etc) women have been expected to give for free for centuries. It's created a culture where women's time and effort is valued less. Also the gender pay gap... But let me lovingly challenge one thing in the way you talk about your writing. You keep saying "supporting" and "asking for" when you speak of being paid for your work. Men don't say that. You're not being supported. And you're not asking for hand-outs. Your writing is value. You're trading that value (labour, creative service + entertainment) for value (money). You're not asking, you're charging for your work and you're being compensated for the value you offer, rather than supported. We need a shift in the language we use. Paying creatives isn't charity. It's a fair value exchange.
Thank you Aiste, this is such a good point and yes, the language we use is hugely important. If I changed my language to ‘charge’ rather than ‘support’ would I be as apologetic for valuing my own work? I think it is something I will need to practise. Thank you for pointing this out to me 🙏🏼❤️
Right? These are the sneaky little ways our cultural conditioning shows up. When we start shifting the language we use, especially when that language is disempowering, it's a way to take that power back and it really can completely shift how we feel about things, too. Because we're now seeing it more matter of fact! When we're in employment, we don't see it as being supported, we see it as being reimbursed for our contribution. The simple fact is, you're not forcing anyone to pay. People do voluntarily, precisely because they see it as fair value received, perhaps even more value than they've paid for.
And to add to that, if someone chooses not to pay, or cannot afford to, it doesn't change or mean anything about the value of your work. It's simply not for them at this time. And that's OK! They may respect and value your writing and choose not to subscribe. Personally, I'd rather see more writers earn a living. If I can't afford to pay writers for their work, why would I expect to just get it for free. We don't do that with most things in life.
Thank you for all your comments, you are so right, I think many other people will enjoy reading them too 🙏🏼❤️
This is a really interesting perspective. I have spent most of my life giving my time and energy for free. And now I am incredibly impoverished because of it.
I am going to keep an eye on my use of language when I make the move to charging for some/most/all of my writing.
I hope that helps to build and reinforce a belief you clearly recognise, but may take time to fully embody that you do in fact deserve to be paid for your time.
Beautiful to read this back story Anna. I love how we are re designing paradigms with this work. ✨
Thanks Claire 🙏🏼❤️
Such a brilliant piece, Anna, rivalled only by this comment thread. I'm also moving to nearly all paid and feel incredibly strongly that women need to stop undervaluing our work and words. So interested to hear from others and can't wait to see your SS community grow. X
Thank you dear Lindsay, the comments are fascinating, aren’t they? We’re all struggling with this. X
As one of the mentees who so benefitted from your time, wisdom, and glimpses of your interior design skills over those Zooms, I can wholeheartedly say your annual subscription is an absolute BARGAIN and I'm delighted to pay it. I've only been writing on Substack for a few months, but I live in hope that I'll feel confident enough to add a paywall soon; if we're producing something people value, we should definitely be rewarded for it.
Thank you, Caroline. I know you also make a living from words and so i can see how this is a dilemma for you too. I appreciate your comments and… well you know me, and you’ll know how much I appreciate the nod to my interior design too! 😆 … I often wonder if I should write more about that 🤔🤔
I still think about your living room wall paint colour and where it could work in my house 😆 Interiors should definitely be another content stream!
Ahhh Conche by Little Greene (archived colour)… I’m still in love with it, what has it been now, two years? 🤔 find a place for it! It’s so womb-like. 🥰
You’ve written what I’m too afraid to write.
I hate asking for money. I want to give everything for free and have those who value my work and are able to prioritise some $$ to magically support me without a nudge.
I just turned on paid and I feel like an absolute noob! I have no idea what call to actions will prod those who want to pay and no annoy those who don’t.
Thank you for this. I know it took courage to write it because “we aren’t supposed to talk about money” 👒🎩
Good job, Mika! I don’t know either, I am not sure none of us know the answers, but we have to take that first step! Good luck!
I don't know to what extent age and sex are relevant factors, and it would be wrong for me to speculate, but I can absolutely confirm that it's not only people who are women and/or of your generation who are hesitant about this. I would guess that the majority of us feel that way, and that financial success comes only to those who subdue their feelings and charge anyway, as you have so inspiringly done.
Thanks David, it’s good to hear it’s not just a female problem… I think it’s good?! 🤔
I know what you mean :) Maybe it's good that it's a shared problem?
I don’t paywall anything because I write about income inequality and I want people living in poverty to be able to read my work. I’ve thought about paywalling and simply giving comp subscriptions to all who ask. Idk if people will really have the nerve to ask, though, or if they’ll simply feel bad about themselves and stop reading. Major conundrum for me, too.
It’s such a tricky one, we hope that if people can afford it they will volunteer, but I’m not so sure…
I do have some paid subscribers, but it’s in the “cover part of the groceries” variety, not the “I can live on this” amount.
Every little helps!
It does. This is how I cobble together Medium, Substack, books and freelance to make somewhat of a living.
I agree Anna, we struggle to see our true value. We have a saying in Newcastle “shy bairns get nowt” as in, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
I have only recently found your Substack but love everything I have read so far. I’ve just signed up for an annual subscription, looking forward to reading your other posts!
Thanks Angie! So happy to have you on board! ❤️🙏🏼
I've been making my full-time living as a writer for 40 years. Long ago, I learned that people will generally be happy to let you write for as little as you are willing to write for. If you want to give your writing away for free, hardly anyone will argue against you.
It's well-documented that women are more prone to imposter syndrome than men. That said, writers in general are highly susceptible to imposter syndrome. Being afraid to ask for money is, at its heart, a fear of rejection. But not asking for payment for your writing makes it likely you will stop writing at some point. Working for free tends to lose its allure.
So true Joe, writers are prone to imposter syndrome and your point about not asking for money making it likely that we will need to stop writing is on point. All of us want to continue making a living the way we always have done. I think it’s different for people who write as a hobby or as a side-hustle. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Anna, I’ve been reading your work for a number of months now, & it is always brilliant. I’ve been hoping to subscribe and join the monthly meets but times have clashed and I haven’t managed it…. But I’m signing up now - Because your words are worthy of it, because yes I think we can be not very good at putting a price tag on our worth and when we stand up & say ‘I am worth it’ it’s NB we are supported in that. I write a small newsletter with just under a thousand subscribers. I struggle with keeping the paywall there (my paid are far less than that!!!), but something in me leaves it up. Our letters are worth something. Looking forward to more of your words 🙏🏽
Thank you Layla, I’m so grateful for your support and your kind words. I hope you continue to enjoy my words, and I wishing you all the best with your own newsletter 🙏🏼❤️
I understand what you do and why you are doing it. My problem is I have so many friends who do substack, and they are all good. So as I am on a limited budget, I really can't decide how and where to give cash money. I don't think it's a matter of resisting because you don't think you are worth it, but second guessing those who have the spare cash, which may not be that many. I guess the question to ask yourself is if you subscribe to other substacks and if so, on what basis? On the merit of the writing, that you think you can get quality words you might not get in magazines or newspapers? I clicked on a friend's substack and saw she got the message that I clicked on it and went for the free option, which made me feel cheap when actually I work part time and money is very tight. It's really a tough call. I don't think it is just women who are shy about charging for substack. It's anyone who is mindful that our money is limited. And that words matter more than ever, and so how do we make the decision which words to pay for? Right now, my words budget goes on novels, because I like them and I like to support new writers or even mid career ones. I really don't think it is a matter of not thinking you are worth enough ( though that might play into it) but guessing what kind of budget your readers are on. Having said that, I wish you well. There will be people who can pay that and for whom the ecomony will really be a cup of coffee a month, for you or for them.
All of what you’ve written is so true, and like I say I also can’t afford to pay for half the substacks I would like to, and so it’s been a dilemma for me to go behind a paywall. But I guess we have to value our words, I stopped writing for magazines and newspapers because they didn’t value words as much as they used to (pay on publication is the killer) and so writers who make a living solely from our words need to find new homes for them that mean we can continue being writers and putting words in the world. Thanks for your comment, Michele. 🙏🏼❤️
When we think of this same 'dilemma' in the context of movies or a clothing shops it stops being a dilemma. We're not expecting to go to every movie in cinema for free just because there's many. Or to get any outfit we want in a shop for free just because there's a lot of choice. We simply make a choice, based on what we like, what we can afford, and sometimes we don't choose the best thing for us - that happens, too. So both from a writer's perspective and the reader - it's just about being the right choice for the right person. And recognising that writing, just like any other work is of value.
Absolutely
Anna, bravo!! Go for it! You’ve definitely earned it. I’m a huge fan of your writing (esp. your books on dementia with Wendy Mitchell https://amp.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/26/wendy-mitchell-obituary). I’m a bit behind you on Substack (only here for one year) and thinking about some of the same things.
Thank you Debbie, and yes, I wonder if it’s only us women who find this a lot to consider.
I am late to the party, but I just wanted to tell you how I cried reading this. I found myself plunged into single-parenting with no means to make an income two years ago and it is by paywalling my publication that I am able to feed my children and pay the bills. It is not much, I am new to the writing world, but it became a way for internet friends to help out without it being a charity. Now I have two paid subscribers who are "strangers" who are willing to pay to read me. From one mother to another, I wish you an easier year for 2025, Anna.
Thank you Sha! I’m pleased this piece resonated for you, and SO pleased to hear that substack is helping you provide for your family. All power to you and best wishes for 2025 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you Anna.