I believe that my writing offers something valuable on various levels.
The things that we do all have value to someone.
Sometimes they value only ourselves. Frequently, that which we do is something valuable to others.
But knowing our individual worth can be super challenging. And that can translate to devaluing and undervaluing ourselves and all that we have to offer.
This is, in my experience, especially true for artists. Because so many people see the arts as a hobby or extracurricular, they don’t put a proper value on it.
What’s more, in the process of becoming a known commodity we’re expected to work for little or nothing or donate work to build our reputations.
But there comes a time when you need to accept that what you do is something valuable. And charging for your work is neither dirty nor inappropriate.
Doing any art for free is frustrating
I’ve written about this before. Several years ago, I had a great writing opportunity. A local magazine published articles I wrote – which got me exposure. When one of those articles was the feature cover story, after that I asked to be paid for my work. Unsurprisingly, that was the last article they asked me for.
Over the years, looking at writing jobs part-time, full-time, contract, and freelance – I’ve been stunned by how little people want to pay. Pennies per word or insultingly low hourly rates. Like writing is not nearly so valuable as other jobs one can do.
The creative process takes time. It doesn’t matter what art you do and the form it takes – time is part of it. And there is energy, creativity, and work that goes into all that you do.
Yet often people see the result and can see nothing past the finished product. How long could it possibly have taken you to write that? Did it take all that much time and effort to paint that? Weren’t you working to crochet that while on the phone/riding in a car/etcetera?
Yet time, effort, energy, and genuine work went into all of this. But because the finished product may appear easy, simple, or uncomplicated – paying for it gets questioned.
Then – knowing full-well how this works – charging for the art we do is a whole other challenge.
As a lesser-known, must I charge less?
Recently, the first eBook in a series I was reading was $4.99. Cool. But then, the subsequent novels were $9.99 each.
The author is a known quantity. They are respected as a writer – and have been complimented on and I think award-nominated for that series I read. Thus, the argument that they’re worth the greater amount for their novel is easily made.
As a less-known author, I know full well that if I charge $9.99 for an eBook, I’m not bound to see a high volume of sales.
Conversely, if I charge too little, I look unprofessional and might not be taken seriously.
The line is undefined and nearly completely invisible. But it’s still there, nonetheless.
Finding the balance is not easy. I know what I am worth and what I believe my value to be. And, realistically, I know that I believe myself to be worth more than I can, from the place I am at, sell myself and my writing for.
This, I suspect, is true for most creatives. When you offer services – rather than goods – valuing the work you sell is that much more challenging.
Even though I produce something when I write – it’s not as tangible as a material widget or doodad. Sure, if you buy my book in the paperback form you can hold it in your hand. But the words I share to a blog or via eBook? Less tangible.
The other issue is a lot more subjective when it comes to this topic.
Does my writing offer you something valuable?
Do the words I share on a blog about the creative process, mindfulness, conscious reality creation, wellness, and any other topics I write about have worth? Despite having many followers on Medium and my other blogs, sharing words in this manner is less engaging than a conversation would be. I’m not over your shoulder as you read this – or not.
Likewise, the sci-fi and fantasy I write – and whether you like it or not – is outside my control. If you think my writing is crap, then you will probably feel what I am offering is not of value.
What’s more, this is all subjective. When it comes to Medium and how they do distribution of articles – then pay for reads and such – I can’t quantify it. The how of getting readers engaged with my work is mysterious and an interesting (and sometimes frustrating and infuriating) ongoing challenge.
How much should I sell the sci-fi and fantasy eBooks I write for? Being where I am presently, I can’t expect people to drop $10 for an eBook. If I only charge $1.99, though, that looks like I’m not putting much value in myself or my work.
I am not you. Thus, I can’t tell if what I offer is something valuable to you – or not.
However, I believe in the writing that I do. Thus, I also believe in the value of my work. So, I keep writing and publishing to my blogs and on Medium, as well as creating new works of fiction to share via eBook and paperback on Amazon.
Artistic works produce something valuable
The takeaway is that I believe that my writing offers something valuable. As such, I feel that not only is it worth my time and effort to share this work – but also to get paid for it.
The value of the arts may be subjective – but they are still worth something. And as an artist, you are worthy and deserving of seeing remuneration for the work you do.
As a consumer, before you ask an artist, creative, or intangible service provider to charge less – remember that there is work you do that you value. That work of creatives has value – and reasonable charges for time, energy, and effort spent are fair value to ask for.
Is there something valuable offered to the world in my writing? I believe that there is, yes.
Please take a moment to check out the collection of my published works, which can be found here.
Feel free to explore the rest of the website. Also, visit Awareness for Everyone to check out my weekly podcasts.
Enjoying the website and my endeavors? I’d be grateful if you would consider becoming a patron through my Patreon.
You can subscribe to my newsletter. Fill in the info and click the submit button to the right and receive your free eBook.
Follow me here!
You must be logged in to post a comment.