It’s not uncommon for a writer to say to me, “My newsletter is not really working, I only have 60 subscribers.”

When I hear this, I think back to when I managed a bookstore cafe back in the 1990s, where we held events each week such as poetry nights, author readings, bands, and other meetups for writers and artists. 6 people (10% of 60 people) showing up to an event really mattered. 20 people showing up was a pretty full room. 30 meant every seat was taken, and you couldn’t move around the room it was so crowded. 40 people meant they were flowing out the door.

We are still only 2/3 of the way to 60 people. Yet nowadays, it’s not uncommon for a writer to dismiss 60 people subscribing to their writing, citing it as a failure. But these are the people who appreciate what you write. Each of these readers matters.