Standards.

[icebluenothing]

Of all the myriad ways in which Life Is Horribly Unfair, one that vexes me the most is this:

Are you an artist? Do you sell your own work directly to the public? Then you're an entrepreneur who should be rewarded for your creativity. It's a long, uphill road, but we're with you all the way!

Are you a musician? Do you sell your own work directly to the public? All right! There's that punk, fighting DIY spirit! Screw the labels, man, they're nothing but leeches anyway!

Do you create comics? Do you sell your own work directly to the public? Let me buy you a drink! Indy all the way!

Are you a writer? Do you sell your own work directly to the public?

..... Ha! Loser! Not good enough to get published, huh?

Comments

[inaurolillium.livejournal.com]

I know this is an old entry, but I just noticed you had friended me and was flipping through your entries.
And to you I say, small but increasing numbers of published SF/F authors are selling some of their writing to the public directly or publishing online and accepting donations. Elizabeth Bear (who took home a Hugo last year), Emma Bull, Will Shetterly, Sarah Monette, Steven Brust, Holly Black, Catherynne M. Valente, Leah Bobet . . . maybe not all of the cool kids are doing it yet, but selling direct is most certainly not reserved for those who can't get published any longer.
I hope that gives you a little ammo next time somebody tries to tell you that.
Of course, now you're published, so you might care less. But there it is.