On Losing Subs

A Note of Encouragement for Writers Who Take Their Work Personally

Recently, I lost a paid subscriber—and it had nothing to do with my work. It was a simple mix-up, handled kindly and transparently, and still the subscription ended. That’s the part I want newer writers to hear: people leave for reasons that have nothing to do with you.

It could be the sub you lost only wanted access to one story and wanted to cancel before the autopay hit their account again. It could be their wife or partner found the account. It could be they lost their job and couldn’t afford one more expense.

There are a million reasons other than they don’t like your work. Because here’s the thing, your work moved them enough to pay in the first place.

It’s hard to not take it personally because I bleed on the page. I put myself into my work. Some people don’t do that.

They use taboo and spectacle and “I’ll say anything for a sub.” But this is me.

My words. Access to bits of myself. What turns me on. It can feel like a rejection because I take it so personally.

It’s ok to let it hurt, but writing is a business. Sloane Black is her own thing. An entity separate from me. She lost a subscriber.

Not telling you not to feel sad when it happens to you. In fact, if it does, come sit next to me. I’ll wrap my virtual arms around you and sit in the grief with you.

Then I’ll remind you of all the reasons that aren’t “They hated my work.”
Because this happens to all of us.