The biggest mistake I see writers make is spreading themselves too thin, trying to make it on several platforms and in several different subject areas or genres simultaneously.
It doesn't work because you expend too much energy in different directions and can't build up enough steam in any one of them to stand out.
Instead, focus on one or two platforms, subjects, or genres. Focus is key.
I used to publish monthly on Substack, several times a week on Medium, Vocal, and NewsBreak, and daily on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I did okay for a couple of years, not spectacular, but about $4,000 to $5,000 a year.
But then, two things happened:
Medium and Newsbreak tweaked their pay structure in such a way that my earnings plummeted.
I burned out.
In 2024 I made less than $80 on Medium, where I have 2,400 followers and hundreds of stories.
What's the biggest writing mistake you've learned from?
Thanks for sharing, Denise. This is what I've found: Writers are routinely screwed.