/lit/ - Literature

>>21958592
I use the examples of extremes here because it’s an easy way to illustrate/explain to others the current state of the industry.

Sitting down and explaining the self-pub scam, or how webnovlization is a different medium to that of traditional publishing, or even how the current industry is set up is something most don’t really care to hear about. Besides it’s long form and would take several posts, of which my fingers would rebel against me.
On top of this, many writers have a romanticized view of writing, authorship and publishing. And many don’t do the research necessary to break said views, and instead fall for the pipe dreams like self-publishing. The amount of people calling me a fucking Jew, and how they are gonna be a big self pub start us evidence of this desu.

By showing the highest levels of success one can achieve, it paints a good idea of what is generally something you should be working towards, short hand of course.

But I do agree that walking before running is always important. It’s why I’m constantly screeching about short story writing, chapbooks and other such endeavours to people who want to write the next American novel. It’s also why I preach setting up a fan base, or a community of interested individuals before doing major as well. It’s also why I say don’t quit your day job.

Because the reality is, as you said, most will never make enough to live off their writing. Even prettier, those who make money from Patreon/online self-publishing content, often still have a day job. They just hide it since success breeds success. It’s a pipe dream to say you’d make enough from online content, just as it’s a pipe dream to become the next American author. But I’d argue the latter has a better chance than the former.

But again, I do agree, drawl before you can run.