What's it like for midlist authors in 2021? Short answer: not great. What can we do to SAVE the midlist? That's what I'm hoping to answer with what has turned out to be a two-part series. Today, we're going to get into the facts and stats of traditional publishing and the midlist and what authors earn. Next week, we'll dive more into what actions we can take to change course before we end up with HarperRandomMcAmazon publishing three blockbuster titles a year and zero other books.
Author's Guild report: https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/authors-guild-issues-report-exploring-the-factors-leading-to-the-decline-of-the-writing-profession/
#publishingpaidme spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xsx6rKJtafa8f_prlYYD3zRxaXYVDaPXbasvt_iA2vA/edit#gid=1798364047
The Profession of Author in the 21st Century 01:47
Saving the midlist 05:00
Authors under increasing pressure to self-promote 11:25
Self publishing vs traditional publishing 12:33
My publisher gaslit me 14:19
Publishing's (ongoing) diversity problem 17:30
Midlist poll results 20:00
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. https://amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: https://amzn.to/3slflwf
Mind-Reader adjustable/portable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. https://amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. https://amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. https://amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. https://amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. https://amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. https://amzn.to/3soroc2
iPAPA laptop case: https://amzn.to/3slflwf
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. https://amzn.to/3cStKui
I'm a Skillshare Ambassador! I've been binging their courses on filmmaking and video editing, as well as writing, but there's all kinds of stuff for creative types! Try it out FREE for two week! https://skillshare.eqcm.net/RyG57R
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. https://amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. https://amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. https://amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. https://amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. https://amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. https://amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. https://amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. https://amzn.to/2OSaLb2
______________
Check out my free Create Dynamic Characters course: https://michelleschustermancourses.thinkific.com/courses/create-dynamic-characters
Plus I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey: https://www.michelleschusterman.com/freebies
_____________
BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/13O7yipKHeIF2-QJ_K9IKIdLQAlN8NgEOF62qQjUjEVM/mobilebasic
________________
SUPPORT INDIES!
Like audiobooks? Sign up for LibroFM with this referral link and get a FREE audiobook: http://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm125381
Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! https://bookshop.org/lists/writing-craft-books-529da1d1-34de-4584-a85f-003f96088b57
________________
Looking for a ghostwriter for your novel? I might be your gal! https://reedsy.com/michelle-schusterman
If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: https://reedsy.com/p/michelle-schusterman
**full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!**
___________
MY BOOKS
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6522087.Michelle_Schusterman
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17086515.M_Shelley_Coats?from_search=true
__________
Music from https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music/cinematic
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!