AMA: "How do you/how can I have a successful writing career?"

My book advances, my day rate, and what qualifies as "successful"

Now THAT is a question. The question of all questions. I want to say that it’s the million dollar question but in this economy? I don’t think so. It’s also a question that assumes I’m actually successful. We’ll see about that, won’t we?

Pay transparency is building momentum across industries. I agree with it in theory and am terrified of it in practice. I was taught long ago that it’s not polite to talk about money, just like it’s not polite to talk about death or sex. But not talking about difficult things helps no one. And ultimately, the concept of pay transparency (or lack thereof) is an opportunity to reflect on who it really serves when we don't disclose our salaries, advances, and/or day rates. (sidebar: if you take a look at my advances and day rate and think this bitch is grossly underpaid, please contact me immediately.)

And I think it’s pointless to have a general conversation about how to have a “successful writing career” if we aren’t straightforwardly including money in that conversation. And, related, getting really clear on what “success” even means. Signing with an agent, signing a book contract, going on a (probably unpaid) book tour, yes, they all look great. They make for very good content. But what does any of it really mean? Rubber, meet road. And let’s get transparent, shall we?