Authors Need a Living a Wage, Too
Plus, staying sober in a MAGA world and 2 new workshops
“Happy” Monday, y’all. This weekend, I laid low, literally horizontal most of the time, binge-watching movies and documentaries about the French Revolution. I also commiserated with several friends and family members about the horror of the new administration. Chappell Roan’s speech about how the music industry needs to pay artists living wages and health care gave me a glimmer of hope.
We all feel hopeless. Defeated. Helpless. How are we supposed to work our jobs and create art and stay sober1 while a wannabe dictator gives zero fucks about anything other than money and power while lying endlessly to get more of both? “I’m studying the French Revolution,” I told them, “to see how history repeats itself and learn how to fucking revolt.” The disparity between classes continues to stretch. How far will we let the billionaires-turned-politicians go before we take our country back?
If you’re also struggling to make sense of all MAGA 2.0, check out our latest episode of Recovery Rocks, Staying Sober in a MAGA World. Listen on Spotify and Apple.
Publishers Need to Pay Authors a Living Wage
The only way we’ll get through these four years is through community and finding joy where we can. Last night, watching countless women win and perform at the Grammys was a much-needed respite.
Chappell Roan’s speech about how the music industry needs to pay artists living wages and provide health care inspired me to speak up again about how authors deserve living wages from their publishers, too.
Like many authors, I was paid below minimum wage to write my first book. I worked full-time while writing my book proposal and book so I’d have a steady income and healthcare. I made countless sacrifices, even taking an unpaid leave of absence to finish my manuscript. And I’d do it all again because I fucking love writing.
My 2023 essay, My Book Was a #1 New Release on Amazon. And I’m Broke, unpacks this subject further. As I write my next book proposal, I’m simultaneously thinking about what subject will fill my soul creatively while also filling my bank account because, yes, writing is my job.
Two Classes This Week: DIY PR + Retail Relationships
Speaking of trying to live my life and work my jobs, I’m teaching two classes tomorrow (Tuesday.) Come hang?
Be Your Own Publicist (Tuesday February 4th, 7-9EST)
This virtual class helps writers, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs learn how to promote their work without that cringey OMG-I-hate-self-promotion feeling. Whether you're looking for strategies on promoting an existing piece of work or creating a platform to prove that you're the expert on a subject, Be Your Own Publicist is the class for you.
*FREE SEMINAR* Retailer Relationships (Tuesday February 4th, 1-1:30EST)
This webinar focuses on key points for managing retailer relationships. For this seminar, I’ll wear my CMO hat as cofounder of the NA spirit (parentheses). I’ll share email best practices, how to create efficient marketing copy, and ensure retailers know how to sell your product.
How are you handling… everything?
XO,
Tawny
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I love that you’re researching the French Revolution looking for tips