Let’s be honest — social media has trained us to measure our words by how they perform. Likes, shares, comments. Numbers. It’s not wrong to want readers. But when we start to believe that only visible writing is valuable, we shrink our creative joy. Many people stop writing altogether because they think their words don’t count unless someone’s watching. That’s simply not true.
How do writers like Hannah Gadsby, Lindy West, and Jenny Lawson talk about trauma, sexism, or mental health and still make you snort into your coffee? The answer lies in understanding that laughter doesn’t erase the hard stuff — it simply makes space for it.
Saying no isn’t being precious — it’s being professional. Not every opportunity fits your purpose. Not every trend deserves your energy. If a job, client, or topic clashes with your core values, walk away. It’s uncomfortable, yes — but staying true to yourself lasts longer than any invoice. Saying no is how you protect the voice that got you noticed in the first place.
Yes, the industry has shifted. Yes, some outlets pay less than they used to — or nothing at all. But plenty still pay well. The difference? The writers who get those jobs are the ones who treat writing like a business, not a pity party.
As a beta reader, you are not an editor, proofreader, or therapist. Your role is to read, react, and reflect on what worked for you as a reader. Agree upfront how much feedback you’ll give, how it will be delivered, and whether you’re open to follow-up questions. This protects your time, keeps expectations realistic, and ensures the relationship stays respectful.
Even in a YA novel, the motivations don’t always need to be life-altering—sometimes they’re as simple as wanting to fit in or find a group where they belong. When readers see a character working towards something, they feel like they’re along for the journey, too.
