It’s no secret that publishing is not one based on equality and meritocracy. It’s largely posh and it’s largely white. Given that the median income for a self employed author is currently around £7000 a year, a drop from £12330 in 2006, it’s a problem getting worse rather than better. Who can afford to dedicate the time to writing books for such low returns? Those who have a good income from other sources or wealthy partners or parents to support them. Those in good health and with few or no caring responsibilities, who can work full time, as well as write books. Personally, I think that will only ever result in whole perspectives being absent from publishing.
Getting a book commissioned is getting harder and advances are getting lower. Unless you’re a household name of course. And that’s not accounting for how impenetrable the industry can be. While we are so lucky now to have blogs and podcasts where authors and agents share their advice and insights for free, it can still be very hard to get a foot in the door, especially if you need editorial support to get submission ready.
Thats where people like me come in. I work with writers to help them develop their non-fiction proposals to the highest possible standard. ‘Let’s make it an easy YES as possible’ is my constant refrain.
But my time is expensive. I’ve written before about the importance of creatives getting paid for their work, it’s something I feel deeply about. And there lies the dilemma. If I only work with people who can afford my services, am I part of the problem?
I want to be part of the solution.
When I developed the Book Proposal Group Program it was for a few reasons. One, was to control my time a bit better, containing my coaching work to certain days, freeing it up days for writing. Another was that working in small groups, as apposed to one-to-one, made it more affordable for writers. And lastly, it meant I was able to afford to offer one place, completely free of charge to a writer on a low income.
So far I have supported a handful of writers this way. Their books are exciting, needed and urgent. There was no way, given their variety of circumstances, they could have paid for the program and without it, their proposals would have taken a lot longer, and possibly may not have been written at all.
I wanted to write about this today for two reasons. One is that I think it’s important that we discuss ways to both earn a decent living as creatives and create more equality and access in an industry that desperately needs it. And the other is that I want as many writers on a low income to see know that the place is available :).
I run the program three times per year (typically beginning in January, May and September) and there will always be at least one Grant Place available. In the future I’m planning to offer more.
If you, or someone you know, would love to write a non-fiction book proposal and would like to apply for the Grant Place, please submit your application for the next Book Proposal Group Program (begins end of January) by January 15th.
Please share this far and wide, so I can reach the writers who are in most need of support!
Supporting other writers through the process of developing a book idea and turning it in to a proposal is an incredible job to have. There are so many unheard stories, that deserve to be told. It is a joy to be even a small part of that process.
Interested in a spot on the next Book Proposal Group Program? You can see the full details here. Need a workshop to get you started on your book proposal? The next one is 24th January at 7pm and costs just £39. You can book your spot here.
Subscribing so I don’t miss it in May 😄
I love this, Penny. I always include a pro bono slot in my coaching practice...because I know I would’ve more bravely carved my path (and earlier in my career) if I hadn’t started out with the financial and emotional traumas caused by family circumstances.