I got a number of emails out of the blue this week, asking for advice. I’m not sure what in the world weather may have caused the sudden precipitation, but I’m Jesus’ age now, so it’s on me to reply to every one as fully as I can.
This was once such reply; may it help you in some small way.
“The best advice I can offer you is to learn (at least) HTML, learn the basics of systems and systems thinking, don’t be overwhelmed by business speak, and get familiar with contracts and the basics of asking for actual money. No dodging around it. Always know—when you publish a story with someone—what your copyright is, your payment, the length of exclusivity, when and if you can republish excerpts. Make zines. Mail stories to people. Read aloud whenever possible. There is no way around doing those things. Expect that results and rewards and accolades and whatever else will come long after you want them and from roundabout ways, but they will never come without planting the seeds for them by: supporting other writers, being brave, listening to your gut.“