✍️ Diary of an Author: Surprising Advantages Writers Have in the "Creator Economy"
Some surprising stats and stories from a 2023 Creator Economy study -- and why writers still reign supreme.
Happy Sunday! In today’s newsletter, you’ll learn about…
✍️ The surprising advantage writers have in the Creator Economy
☕️ My approach to creating a sustainable content calendar for my written content
😎 A quick story from the desert sun here in Arizona
📖 3-Minute Story: Sauna Walks and Why Writers Have an Advantage in the Creator Economy
I’m spending a month in the Arizona desert before my trips to Peru and Costa Rica, and each morning my partner Kyle and I go on our “sauna walks.” We wake up at around 7am, and then walk around where we’re staying to do errands and get our steps in.
Even at 7am, temperatures nudge close to 90 degrees — hence the “sauna” aspect of our walks. Even when we were in Athens last month, we were existing in 90-degree weather, so we’re both looking forward to some nicer weather on the next leg of our travels.
Since I’ve been in my work sprint here in the desert, I’ve been enjoying writing these newsletters and getting ahead on my content to clear space for my new nonfiction book I’m writing.
(If you’re a paid subscriber, I’ll be sharing my step-for-step process on how to write a book in my Wednesday editions moving forward!)
As I’ve been working on these newsletters, I’ve realized that most writers overlook their powers as content creators and don’t consider themselves part of the Creator Economy.
I understand why: if you’re observing the so-called “Creator Economy” from the outside, it feels like the press focuses all of its coverage on TikTok influencers and YouTube stars.
In reality, writers are some of the biggest benefactors of the $104 billion Creator Economy — and a 2023 survey of over 1,200 creators by ConvertKit breaks it down:
“Despite the rise of social media content creation, blogging remains the top creator type… Bloggers were also the most likely to have experienced an income increase last year, which might contribute to more of them sticking to their business this year.”
“39% of creators work on their business full-time, and in the past year alone, 15% of creators left ”traditional“ 9-to-5 roles to pursue their creator business professionally.”
“Educators were the most likely to earn over $100K from their creative businesses.”
I find these insights to be comforting as a writer. While I haven’t been shy about getting in front of the camera and building an audience of over 40k on TikTok and am starting to post more regularly on YouTube, my heart still belongs here on the page.
So if you’re a writer who has been intimidated by joining the ranks of the Creator Economy because you feel pressured to make videos — maybe it’s time to embrace a written-only approach and go all in on starting a blog or a Substack publication/newsletter like this one if you haven’t already.
I’d love to hear from you — if you’re a writer, do you also consider yourself a content creator?
✨ 2 Quotes to Inspire You
“The imagination is a muscle. If it is not exercised, it atrophies.” – Neil Gaiman
“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” – Salvador Dali
✍️ 1 Journal Prompt for Reflection
How does your identity as a writer help or hinder you in the modern age? Do you have other creative passions or hobbies you want to show as well? Are there any ways you can share your work in more bite-sized ways to the world?
Feel free to share your reflections with other Modern Authors in the comments:
💻 New Blog Posts on AmySuto.com
🎙 New Diary of an Author Podcast Episodes
I create these podcasts episodes from my blog archives using the tool Wondercraft AI, a text-to-speech tool that speaks in your voice so you can create more podcasts, newsletter voiceovers (like the one you listened to on this newsletter!) and video voiceovers — all by just dropping in some text.
🎙 Use my code SUTO50 or this link to get 50% off your Wondercraft AI subscription!*
*This is an affiliate link, so I receive a small commission if you subscribe. Thanks for your support!
📸 Photo of the Week: My Favorite Zoom Background (2021)
Throwback to my favorite Zoom background from 2021: this old library/co-working space that overlooked the canals in Venice, Italy. We stayed in an old monastery that had been converted into a hostel. Cool vibes, slow wifi, but overall a magical experience.
Follow me on X/Twitter or Instagram for more!
⚡️ Upcoming Wednesday Edition: How to Write a Book Outline
This Wednesday, Diary of an Author subscribers will get an exclusive issue about…
✨ Secrets to writing a great book outline that will set you up for success
🧪 What a macro outline is, and how it will supercharge your writing process
📚 My approach to outlining books for myself and my clients
Sending creativity and good writing vibes your way,
-Amy