I retired at age 63 and picked up my first camera. Since then, I have traveled the world making photographs and self-published a photo book. I barely broke even.
I read my copy while waiting for my husband at the cancer treatment center. Those are long appointments so, it kept me relaxed while waiting for him. After I finished the hard copy, I left it at the center for the next person to enjoy. Most doctor’s office have the local news on loop! Not a great thing to focus on while you are being treated or waiting for your love one at the treatment center.
this is such a beautiful message, thank you for sharing. i hope your husband is doing well now, and i’m touch to hear my book could keep you company under such tough circumstances ♥️
@@JennyMustard I generally buy hard covered books because I like to keep them in my collection and read them however, your book brought a calm sense of joy during a difficult time for me. It was witty and relatable. I thought by leaving it in the waiting room, someone might have the same experience. I am in the USA and as you might know, the news is toxic and stressful. I can do without the news on a loop!
I really haven't found yet what my brain is supposed to do. I give it a lot of thought, but, at 34, I'm not there yet. Thanks for encouraging us to keep looking.
The library where I work has your book. I often check our catalogue to borrow it, but it's always out!!! Recently I noticed that we now also have the paperback; same situation!! Congratulations 😊❤
I'm really enjoying your videos the last few months. I love how transparent and authentic you seem to be. I'm not the type of person to leave comments under videos but wanted to wish you positivity and love. Im looking forward to borrowing your book at my local library in the future 😉❤️
Me neither! Now I feel even better about being an avid library user… and I definitely feel better about when I don’t manage to read the book and then have to take it out of the library again, lol!
I actually pre-ordered What a Time to be Alive this evening 😊 At the age of 40 I decided to go back to university next year and have been so frugal with my money because I refuse to work whilst studying lol But I absolutely had to make an exception for your second novel 🥰 I love, love Okay Days and am certain your newest novel will be nothing short of spectacular! Still crossing my fingers that Okay Days will be made into a film. Love and respect from Canada 🇨🇦
What a brilliant video, Jenny! The final message is very inspirational, for whoever loves creating as a whole ❤ Creating is the best feeling, and even better if you can get a few coins out of it!
I see the situation is very similar in other countries as well. I'm an unpublished writer with several finished fantasy novels in my drawer. I write for the joy of it. I started because I couldn't find enough violence-free fantasy reading. And so I decided to write my own stories basically for myself and a close circle of friends. And I'm happy with things as they are. On the other hand I'm an on and off book translator for the past 15 years or so. And I see how the publishing industry goes down a slippery slope continuously. I get paid much less for a page now than I got for my first translated book all those years ago. Also, the publishers are getting worse in guessing what the readers want. Plus they fail to promote the titles. I've translated books that were written for the US market and the US mentality that I just knew couldn't work in my Central European country (and didn't). But for some strange reason the editor chose to publish them anyway. To end this rent, even as a book translator I don't make enough money to pay my bills so I always have another job to make ends meet. I think the whole publishing business needs to change and accept a new mentality and outlook.
Hi Jenny, Thank you for being so transparent about your experiences! I’m working on a book at the moment so this is really helpful. I’m Dutch and living in London and I feel like we have a lot in common. I’ve been following your journey for a while now and it’s really inspiring! X
Very interesting. My son is an aspiring writer, and works really hard at it. Sometimes the whole money aspect is scary, but we encourage him to pursue this career as he loves it so much (and is quite good at it!). Its just like you say: No matter the odds for success: You’ll write anyway!
This was really a wonderful & insightful video. I loved the twist at the end about writing just being what you're wired to do. That's how I feel about writing knitting patterns and tutorials. Thank you for this! ❤
I went to my local bookshop today in Germany and saw your German version of the okay days :o I was so surprised and I bought it immediately although I already have the English version haha love your work ❤
Dear Jenny, I enjoyed „okay days“ and I just preordered „what a time to be alive“. 😊 You and David are an amazing team - all you do is carved to perfection. I absolutely respect your strong ideas and ideals and your individual sense for style. Way to go! Love from Germany XOXOX Rebecca
Yes, I would be very interested in the financial aspect of your social media work! Some insight would be very helpful to get a realistic picture. Thank you so much for being transparent!
As a sculptor I can relate. I'm facing similar issues but your truth sounds rather relieving and inspiring than depressing. Thank you for uplifting us, creatives. Can I order your book in epub format, for kindle in europe?
This video was perfect timing. I have just received an Amazon voucher. Didn’t know what I wanted to use it for. Just went online and cannot wait for your book to arrive.
Thank you for sharing! Very illuminating. Given your platform already suggests some readers, makes me wonder how unknown authors manage to break into this field at all! I buy a few dozen books every year, most of them pre-orders. I sometimes don’t end up liking and finishing my mystery buys but I don’t return them so new authors can get a better chance starting out. I have read first novels of some of my now favourite authors that I found barely readable so it’s definitely worth giving people a second (and third and so on) chance. Without that, a lot of greatness would be lost to drawers…
“Why spend thousands of hours on a project that will give you very little money?” For me it would simply be the thrill of seeing my work on the shelf at a bookstore. BTW, I loved “Okay Days.” The gritty reality was so refreshing (and of course a happy ending!). ❤❤
As a literary SF/F author I always envied pure literary authors because they had so many more agents and publishers available to them, but the money perspective you shared kind of evens that out a bit! And I totally agree about workshops/appearances/articles being a good way to supplement your income. It's extended the life of my book for sure. It's also a great way to stay connected to the literary community in between books - key for fighting the existential despair! 😄
I now cant find the specific video, but I remember John Green talking about the importance of libraries for authors. Unfortunately, I do not remember (or even believe :( ) anything about authors getting royalties from borrowings, but libraries bring so many other additional benefits! But the biggest one I remember is that it is a really big way to get seen, known and loved by more and more people, which will then create bigger and bigger demand for your books in the future
Public lending right generates about 25-30p per book loan, not £1 per book. I wish ! The amount changes every year depending on the funding available, which affects the loan rate and distribution of payments. There is a minimum and maximum amount that an author is allowed to receive from PLR.
I'm a technical writer and specialise in writing technical information for technical and non-technical readers. I actually suck at creative writing but my brain 100% suits technical writing.
Narrative non-fiction authors don't earn much either, I'm afraid... But nothing feels better than seeing your own book in a bookstore, so it's worth it!
I have written and published four books in the last five years, all published by a small independent publisher, they have done "well" considering most books do "badly". There is hope my next book(s) will be bigger, but the process of writing is what counts, the end result is all but a bonus. I envy writers that thouroughly enjoy the process. I am like a pendulum that constantly swings between "this is what I was meant to do" and "what the hell am I doing?". I never let anyone read anything that I don't consider "good" on some level, so sometimes I will re-write a chapter several times. Once the manuscript is done, I forget about it. I move on to the next thing. If it does not do well, I know I did my best. If it does do well, bonus.
I just realise with this video that i was Happy doing my art and writing stories until someone told me that if im not making money with It, then is useless... Then i try so hard to sell everything that i do and is not fun anymores.
I am so proud of you Jenny. English isn‘t even your native Language. How did you manage it? Did some natives helped you out? I will make sure to read your book either from liabrary or ordering it.
That was such an interesting video. I am a writer for commercial texts on commission. Would love to work on something of my own, but have to pay my bills. What about the translation into German of Okay Days? Who did take care of that?
I tried to get your book (Okay Days)via the library(online) here in California but they only have it in German and Portuguese. 😮I'll put a request for English version!
The truth is you’re not going to make much money writing a book as most people don’t even have one in them. Write NOT to become rich but because you have something to say
Maybe a big question but are you concerned about the potential of a recession and how inflation could affect publishing? If salaries do not rise to keep up with growing prices, I can only imagine "luxury" goods like books will take a hit as people try to keep food on the table. Very difficult because we need art to sustain us too.
I retired at age 63 and picked up my first camera. Since then, I have traveled the world making photographs and self-published a photo book. I barely broke even.
I read my copy while waiting for my husband at the cancer treatment center. Those are long appointments so, it kept me relaxed while waiting for him. After I finished the hard copy, I left it at the center for the next person to enjoy. Most doctor’s office have the local news on loop! Not a great thing to focus on while you are being treated or waiting for your love one at the treatment center.
this is such a beautiful message, thank you for sharing. i hope your husband is doing well now, and i’m touch to hear my book could keep you company under such tough circumstances ♥️
@@JennyMustard I generally buy hard covered books because I like to keep them in my collection and read them however, your book brought a calm sense of joy during a difficult time for me. It was witty and relatable. I thought by leaving it in the waiting room, someone might have the same experience. I am in the USA and as you might know, the news is toxic and stressful. I can do without the news on a loop!
I really haven't found yet what my brain is supposed to do. I give it a lot of thought, but, at 34, I'm not there yet. Thanks for encouraging us to keep looking.
The library where I work has your book. I often check our catalogue to borrow it, but it's always out!!! Recently I noticed that we now also have the paperback; same situation!! Congratulations 😊❤
oh wow!! music to my ears!!! ♥️
I'm really enjoying your videos the last few months. I love how transparent and authentic you seem to be. I'm not the type of person to leave comments under videos but wanted to wish you positivity and love. Im looking forward to borrowing your book at my local library in the future 😉❤️
oh thank you, what a lovely comment ♥️
As a person who is flirting with the idea of writing a book, this was so helpful! Thank you!
good luck!!
I had no idea that an author benefited financially when I borrowed a book from the library. Win-win
Me neither! Now I feel even better about being an avid library user… and I definitely feel better about when I don’t manage to read the book and then have to take it out of the library again, lol!
I actually pre-ordered What a Time to be Alive this evening 😊 At the age of 40 I decided to go back to university next year and have been so frugal with my money because I refuse to work whilst studying lol But I absolutely had to make an exception for your second novel 🥰 I love, love Okay Days and am certain your newest novel will be nothing short of spectacular! Still crossing my fingers that Okay Days will be made into a film. Love and respect from Canada 🇨🇦
oh this just made my whole week 💔❤️
What a brilliant video, Jenny! The final message is very inspirational, for whoever loves creating as a whole ❤ Creating is the best feeling, and even better if you can get a few coins out of it!
agreed! ♥️♥️
The same is true for musicians. I made an album for the love of the music. I'm not anwhere close to breaking even, but I'm proud of my work.
I see the situation is very similar in other countries as well. I'm an unpublished writer with several finished fantasy novels in my drawer. I write for the joy of it. I started because I couldn't find enough violence-free fantasy reading. And so I decided to write my own stories basically for myself and a close circle of friends. And I'm happy with things as they are. On the other hand I'm an on and off book translator for the past 15 years or so. And I see how the publishing industry goes down a slippery slope continuously. I get paid much less for a page now than I got for my first translated book all those years ago. Also, the publishers are getting worse in guessing what the readers want. Plus they fail to promote the titles. I've translated books that were written for the US market and the US mentality that I just knew couldn't work in my Central European country (and didn't). But for some strange reason the editor chose to publish them anyway. To end this rent, even as a book translator I don't make enough money to pay my bills so I always have another job to make ends meet. I think the whole publishing business needs to change and accept a new mentality and outlook.
Can I read your books anywhere?
Hi Jenny,
Thank you for being so transparent about your experiences! I’m working on a book at the moment so this is really helpful. I’m Dutch and living in London and I feel like we have a lot in common. I’ve been following your journey for a while now and it’s really inspiring! X
Very interesting. My son is an aspiring writer, and works really hard at it. Sometimes the whole money aspect is scary, but we encourage him to pursue this career as he loves it so much (and is quite good at it!). Its just like you say: No matter the odds for success: You’ll write anyway!
wishing your son best of luck!! ♥️
This was really a wonderful & insightful video. I loved the twist at the end about writing just being what you're wired to do. That's how I feel about writing knitting patterns and tutorials. Thank you for this! ❤
Super informative video! And the ending bit was simply inspiring
Really good information here. Thanks for posting.
This is SO helpful for aspiring writers!
Super interesting to learn about the process! Thanks Jenny!
Fantastic video Jenny, many thanks!
I admire you so much Jenny
I went to my local bookshop today in Germany and saw your German version of the okay days :o I was so surprised and I bought it immediately although I already have the English version haha love your work ❤
omg, thank you so much!
Such an interesting video to hear that side of things! Thanks for sharing :)
I bought your book OKAY DAYS in Slovenia. I am still reading it and I enjoy 19:18 it very much. This book is like a fresh wind to me. Thank you!
Dear Jenny, I enjoyed „okay days“ and I just preordered „what a time to be alive“. 😊 You and David are an amazing team - all you do is carved to perfection. I absolutely respect your strong ideas and ideals and your individual sense for style.
Way to go! Love from Germany XOXOX Rebecca
Thank you so much!
Yes, I would be very interested in the financial aspect of your social media work! Some insight would be very helpful to get a realistic picture. Thank you so much for being transparent!
As a sculptor I can relate. I'm facing similar issues but your truth sounds rather relieving and inspiring than depressing. Thank you for uplifting us, creatives. Can I order your book in epub format, for kindle in europe?
Wonderful little inspiring video, specially the end. Lovely, Jenny, and I do think you'll make it!
I will attend the event in Hamburg in november, I can´t wait to hear you reading from and talking about Okay Days.
oh look forward to it!!
Really interesting, Jenny. Thanks for laying this all out.
Thank you for this!
This video was perfect timing. I have just received an Amazon voucher. Didn’t know what I wanted to use it for. Just went online and cannot wait for your book to arrive.
amazing, thank you so much :)
Thank you for sharing! Very illuminating. Given your platform already suggests some readers, makes me wonder how unknown authors manage to break into this field at all! I buy a few dozen books every year, most of them pre-orders. I sometimes don’t end up liking and finishing my mystery buys but I don’t return them so new authors can get a better chance starting out. I have read first novels of some of my now favourite authors that I found barely readable so it’s definitely worth giving people a second (and third and so on) chance. Without that, a lot of greatness would be lost to drawers…
“Why spend thousands of hours on a project that will give you very little money?” For me it would simply be the thrill of seeing my work on the shelf at a bookstore.
BTW, I loved “Okay Days.” The gritty reality was so refreshing (and of course a happy ending!). ❤❤
thank you!! ♥️
As a literary SF/F author I always envied pure literary authors because they had so many more agents and publishers available to them, but the money perspective you shared kind of evens that out a bit! And I totally agree about workshops/appearances/articles being a good way to supplement your income. It's extended the life of my book for sure. It's also a great way to stay connected to the literary community in between books - key for fighting the existential despair! 😄
ah the grass is always greener eh? thanks for that point though, i had never thought about it! sending support x
I now cant find the specific video, but I remember John Green talking about the importance of libraries for authors. Unfortunately, I do not remember (or even believe :( ) anything about authors getting royalties from borrowings, but libraries bring so many other additional benefits! But the biggest one I remember is that it is a really big way to get seen, known and loved by more and more people, which will then create bigger and bigger demand for your books in the future
Public lending right generates about 25-30p per book loan, not £1 per book. I wish ! The amount changes every year depending on the funding available, which affects the loan rate and distribution of payments. There is a minimum and maximum amount that an author is allowed to receive from PLR.
I'm a technical writer and specialise in writing technical information for technical and non-technical readers. I actually suck at creative writing but my brain 100% suits technical writing.
Love this ❤ Creators need to create
Narrative non-fiction authors don't earn much either, I'm afraid... But nothing feels better than seeing your own book in a bookstore, so it's worth it!
Thanks you for this video ❤ so honest, motivating and real! I would love to publish something too! But being new to London makes things so hard 😢
I have written and published four books in the last five years, all published by a small independent publisher, they have done "well" considering most books do "badly". There is hope my next book(s) will be bigger, but the process of writing is what counts, the end result is all but a bonus.
I envy writers that thouroughly enjoy the process. I am like a pendulum that constantly swings between "this is what I was meant to do" and "what the hell am I doing?". I never let anyone read anything that I don't consider "good" on some level, so sometimes I will re-write a chapter several times. Once the manuscript is done, I forget about it. I move on to the next thing. If it does not do well, I know I did my best. If it does do well, bonus.
Thanks Jenny Mustard!
I loved your book and just preordered your second novel
ah! thank you!!
I just realise with this video that i was Happy doing my art and writing stories until someone told me that if im not making money with It, then is useless... Then i try so hard to sell everything that i do and is not fun anymores.
Perfect, and the tempo was on point...
Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for the highly informative video. I would most definitely be interested in an online writing & publishing course.
I got your book in Portugal just last month!
oh thank you thank you!
I thought this was a get rich quick scheme.
get poor slow?
I am so proud of you Jenny. English isn‘t even your native Language. How did you manage it? Did some natives helped you out? I will make sure to read your book either from liabrary or ordering it.
thank you!! ♥️
Yes, please, video on influencer money!
Ok days is translated to Latvian, just saw it in bookstore, in Riga.
oh how lovely! thanks for telling me you spotted it ♥️
Can you please also make a video about your influencer work?
That was such an interesting video. I am a writer for commercial texts on commission. Would love to work on something of my own, but have to pay my bills. What about the translation into German of Okay Days? Who did take care of that?
My question would be. Where to look for and how to find a good agent? Thank you.
You should write a memoir!! :)
I tried to get your book (Okay Days)via the library(online) here in California but they only have it in German and Portuguese. 😮I'll put a request for English version!
Hey Jenny, will there ever be an audiobook version of your novel?!
there is already! :)
@@JennyMustard I’m my way to listen to it right now!
The truth is you’re not going to make much money writing a book as most people don’t even have one in them.
Write NOT to become rich but because you have something to say
Writing is unfortunately many times not something you should do for the money, but because that what's you are called to do.
Got your book from the library. Hope you get £1.00 but seems a little unbelievable?
Romania?! Really?! I need to find it :)
Did you not get published in Sweden?
Maybe a big question but are you concerned about the potential of a recession and how inflation could affect publishing? If salaries do not rise to keep up with growing prices, I can only imagine "luxury" goods like books will take a hit as people try to keep food on the table. Very difficult because we need art to sustain us too.
is this available in italy?
Have a look to the section International Feltrinelli
🥰