August 25, 2025
What is the best money you’ve ever spent in your writing endeavor?
What is the worst?
The politically correct answer is that the best money I’ve ever spent is what I’ve paid to the various editors along the way. Having other eyes look over my manuscript, checking for errors I’ve missed, is worth every penny that I’ve spent. It’s also the easy answer. But thank you, Angela Pryce, Cornelia Amari, and Angel Nyx, among many others. (All of you out there on Critique Circle, you deserve kudos, too.)
But it isn’t my final answer. Some years ago, after being a vendor at a couple of cons and a craft show or two, I realized how many opportunities occurred outside. I had no desire to spend hours in the baking sun of a Wyoming summer.
So, I bought a canopy. Just a cheap one, but it’s done the job for seven or so years. I’ve never got the hang of putting it up by myself, but I almost always get help from a next-door vendor. (And help them in return.)
This year, I’ve used it at four outdoor events. (And sold over 70 books!)
I want to mention a runner-up. Some years ago, I was gifted a lifetime subscription to ProWritingAid. I can’t call it an investment because i didn’t pay for it. I use it regularly.
What is the worst?
I’ve paid for blog tours for most of my new releases, using well-known and reputable organizers. None of them proved successful. They brought nothing in sales, and only one or two reviews despite their efforts.
How about other authors? What were their best and worst investments? Find out by following the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
August 25, 2025
What is the best money you’ve ever spent your money on in your writing endeavor? What is the worst?
I’ve had to stop doing events. The insurance requirements (£5 million in public liability cover) as well as all the other expenses require me to sell so many books to break even, it’s no longer worth it.
Luckily, I haven’t been required to provide insurance. That would probably keep me out of events, too.
I also bought a canopy and it’s been worth it’s weight in gold. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Mine is starting to wear out. I hope to get a few more years out of it.
I can’t thank my editors enough. The time to look for a new one will be upon me in a couple years. I work with a gentleman who is brilliant at it. I hope to hire him. He has a lot of side knowledge about so much, it should be a great fit!