Great interview and really informative to writers considering serialization. Thank you! Good to know re word count, arc, the ins and outs. I'm just beginning to give serialization a go on my travel memoir. I'm condensing, making some changes, but also trying to make each chapter stand alone. Gonna check Babylon 5 now. Again, thanks!!
I love this testimony to writing more and how over time you find you CAN write more than you thought possible, and he talks about getting better (10k hours). I hit the same wall: Will I have anything more to write? So helpful to see how Simon kept going anyway. Thank you, Eleanor!
A lot of self-deprecating here, but the fact is, We The People can see that Simon really knows what he's doing.
Sorry, Simon. I know that's a statement with a lot of imposter-syndrome-y pressure behind it. But - I definitely think you've got this cracked. Keep it up, sir.
I get the sense this will be a popular series and in the very least will confirm what many of us know after writing fiction on Substack. Thanks for sharing, Simon, and for organizing, Eleanor!
“One newsletter from your favourite writer at $50 a year is great value and relatively affordable. Five newsletters from five more of your favourite writers is expensive.”
This quote from your interview has ‘pushed’ me to comment. I am a reader. I have not paid for any subscriptions. I would like to give one reader’s explanation, as I know there are many out there who have not paid, and I have not read anyone commenting . As compared to many , I have only a small number of authors that I thoroughly enjoy. Who can make me full out laugh, inspire, contemplate for days, teach me, leave me exhilarated . Bring me to tears . Through their writing and my comments and replies, I feel I have formed a relationship, with some, albeit
undefined , as much as any without an initial face to face greeting. I think some authors begin to ‘know’ me. How then do I choose over the rest to answer the , ‘please pay if you are enjoying my post’ call ? The words ricochet back and it is not a good feeling . I most certainly understand. It is why you are here. To be acknowledged for all the research and time and emotion. And for some, to supplement an income. Most of us , including authors, financially secure or otherwise, have an accountability for their income. For me personally, it is not a question of affordability.
At this stage of my life my interests and activities are outside the realm of any length of time spent on a device. Therefore I will not be a paid subscriber for all I enjoy.
I note the irony here as Simon J. discusses whether he should pay for all those posts he reads.
“The other side is
whether I pay to subscribe to other writers.”
Regardless of his reasoning , any paid subscriptions still go directly to the authors, even though Substack receives a percentage.
So in return , I take time to articulate a meaningful comment, one I feel that particular author would understand and smile. To appreciate one’s work is a very high compliment. I hope money is not the highest.
Thank you for teaching me. I let them know all senses and emotions that only their words inspire. I have shared your post with many. And as Adam Nathan states ;
Thank you for sharing all this Simon! I found your Substack after (I presume) you embraced your own writerly voice and dropped the corporate/AI tone - I say this becasue I've always found your content so readable! I'm personally very much up for more writers writing about writing...
Thanks for these reflections, Simon. So interesting to read about your experience in moving platforms and the distinction between fiction and non in that regard. Your work was one of my initial motivators in bringing my serialised fiction onto Substack. You finally helped me see how it could work. I always enjoy your newsletter when I have a chance to read it.
This one is a keeper! So many helpful points. I love the table of contents idea and the way it’s structured like a TV show. That makes sense to me. I also resonated with what he says about the temptation of paid subs to writers I admire. It’s a tricky balance.
Great interview. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the dozen WIPs I have and over 180 episodes in two serial fictions that are complete. Watching your journey is best useful and gives me so many ideas.
Great interview and really informative to writers considering serialization. Thank you! Good to know re word count, arc, the ins and outs. I'm just beginning to give serialization a go on my travel memoir. I'm condensing, making some changes, but also trying to make each chapter stand alone. Gonna check Babylon 5 now. Again, thanks!!
Thx for revealing the secrets of your success. 🥰🙏
I love this testimony to writing more and how over time you find you CAN write more than you thought possible, and he talks about getting better (10k hours). I hit the same wall: Will I have anything more to write? So helpful to see how Simon kept going anyway. Thank you, Eleanor!
I love reading how other fiction authors serialize on platforms like Substack. Great article and really good questions! Thank you both.
A lot of self-deprecating here, but the fact is, We The People can see that Simon really knows what he's doing.
Sorry, Simon. I know that's a statement with a lot of imposter-syndrome-y pressure behind it. But - I definitely think you've got this cracked. Keep it up, sir.
Thank you Eleanor and Simon. I go back and forth on whether to serialize my first novel, and this was very informative.
I get the sense this will be a popular series and in the very least will confirm what many of us know after writing fiction on Substack. Thanks for sharing, Simon, and for organizing, Eleanor!
@Mr. Troy Ford I would really love to hear your take on the 8 questions. You up for it? Say the word and I’ll email you.
“One newsletter from your favourite writer at $50 a year is great value and relatively affordable. Five newsletters from five more of your favourite writers is expensive.”
This quote from your interview has ‘pushed’ me to comment. I am a reader. I have not paid for any subscriptions. I would like to give one reader’s explanation, as I know there are many out there who have not paid, and I have not read anyone commenting . As compared to many , I have only a small number of authors that I thoroughly enjoy. Who can make me full out laugh, inspire, contemplate for days, teach me, leave me exhilarated . Bring me to tears . Through their writing and my comments and replies, I feel I have formed a relationship, with some, albeit
undefined , as much as any without an initial face to face greeting. I think some authors begin to ‘know’ me. How then do I choose over the rest to answer the , ‘please pay if you are enjoying my post’ call ? The words ricochet back and it is not a good feeling . I most certainly understand. It is why you are here. To be acknowledged for all the research and time and emotion. And for some, to supplement an income. Most of us , including authors, financially secure or otherwise, have an accountability for their income. For me personally, it is not a question of affordability.
At this stage of my life my interests and activities are outside the realm of any length of time spent on a device. Therefore I will not be a paid subscriber for all I enjoy.
I note the irony here as Simon J. discusses whether he should pay for all those posts he reads.
“The other side is
whether I pay to subscribe to other writers.”
Regardless of his reasoning , any paid subscriptions still go directly to the authors, even though Substack receives a percentage.
So in return , I take time to articulate a meaningful comment, one I feel that particular author would understand and smile. To appreciate one’s work is a very high compliment. I hope money is not the highest.
Thank you for teaching me. I let them know all senses and emotions that only their words inspire. I have shared your post with many. And as Adam Nathan states ;
“Feel something …“
I particularly will tell him,
I felt it all. And I thank you.
Interesting and helpful. Thanks, Eleanor. It's always great to hear Simon's point of view, ideas, and tips. Thanks!
Great interview. I haven't written any fiction (yet) but lots of good information here for writers of all types. Thanks Eleanor and Simon.
Thank you for sharing all this Simon! I found your Substack after (I presume) you embraced your own writerly voice and dropped the corporate/AI tone - I say this becasue I've always found your content so readable! I'm personally very much up for more writers writing about writing...
Thanks for these reflections, Simon. So interesting to read about your experience in moving platforms and the distinction between fiction and non in that regard. Your work was one of my initial motivators in bringing my serialised fiction onto Substack. You finally helped me see how it could work. I always enjoy your newsletter when I have a chance to read it.
This one is a keeper! So many helpful points. I love the table of contents idea and the way it’s structured like a TV show. That makes sense to me. I also resonated with what he says about the temptation of paid subs to writers I admire. It’s a tricky balance.
Great interview. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the dozen WIPs I have and over 180 episodes in two serial fictions that are complete. Watching your journey is best useful and gives me so many ideas.
I remember Simon from Wattpad! And from his work with the Norwich Writing Centre as well. Great to see you here, Simon.
I'm loving this series you have started Eleanor. Looking forward to more.