I need your input on a new idea!

Would you like to read brand-new writing?

Would you like to become a member and read brand-new writing that hasn’t been published elsewhere?

Hello friends,

Ever since Substack launched, I’ve been following with great interest how the platform has shaken up how writers write, giving freedom to share work directly with readers and - very importantly - get paid to do so. Up until now, all the writing I have shared here has been free. But the fact is, writing takes time and thought. It’s my profession. And Substack offers an exciting opportunity for me to share my writing with you in a new way.

While I’m going to carry on sending my regular newsletters (with book reviews, news and updates) for free, I’m also embarking on a very exciting new writing venture.

I will soon be introducing a new paid tier where members can access brand-new writing from me for a small monthly fee. Think of it as your way to read my writing while you wait for my next book to come out. This will be original fiction writing that you won’t be able to read anywhere else. By signing up I’d love to get you involved in the stories too - I’ll take suggestions and do my best to weave them into my work. It will also be your way of supporting my writing and becoming part of a community of like-minded readers.

I’m really excited about the idea of writing in this way. It will be a new creative challenge for me and a great accompaniment to my novel writing.

I am thinking of either writing short stories (perhaps revisiting characters and settings from my novels, as well as totally new work) or attempting a continuing longer story where you would receive a new extract in your inbox in regular instalments. A bit like having a new chapter of a novel sent directly to you as I write it!

I’d love to know what you think.

• Firstly and importantly: would you sign up? This would be writing you wouldn’t be able to read anywhere else and you’d become part of a core group of readers sharing this exciting journey with me. I haven’t finalised the pricing yet but my research shows that the average price for writers doing a similar thing is between £5-£10 per month (with a discount for annual payments).

• What excites you more, the idea of original short stories, or a longer continuing story with a new chapter landing regularly in your inbox?

• How regularly would you want to receive my writing in your inbox? A short story a month? A new chapter every two weeks? Let me know!

I’m excited to share this new writing adventure with you and would love to know your thoughts. Because this membership scheme would be more than just my writing landing in your inbox - I hope to make it a community and an exciting creative collaboration. So, do you want to create some magic with me?

Libby x