I am, too. Amie’s inspired me tons. What she wrote about here—I’ve always wondered. I love the transparency and truth. Strange that it’s a radical act, but it is.
I’m sobbing reading this. First congrats. But also thank you for sharing. I was awarded a 12,000 grant for my novel in verse from the Canada council for the arts. I haven’t really thought about how big of a fucking deal that is because the people around me downplay it. But also I feel cringy sharing. This post and your book has really helped me to shift my perspective. ❤️❤️
It feels good to even admit this accomplishment in a comment. You are putting so much good into this world. Thank you.
Go hug a gum tree. A ghost gum if you can find one. Sit at a park, overlooking the beach and breathe in the salty fresh sea air. Listen to the kookaburras, rosellas and galahs. And the magpies. 🐦⬛🦜🌳🌤️
I miss Australia so much. I’d do anything for one more day in Cronulla or the Royal National Park to ground myself. I’ve yet to find a place here in Houston.
Oh Jacinta thank you for taking me with your words tò Australia, i have never hugged a gum tree but I have felt its Energy and experienced the magic of its landscapes, my sister lives there, I last visited in 2011. I miss Alberta, Canada, the Land there touched my soul deeply. I have yet tò find a Place here in Italy where I can connect deeply tò the Land. Your words moved me tò tears! May you return tò Australia soon.
I love the transparency of everything that you do. I just finished reading WYNA this morning. I probably own more self-help and business books for creatives than anyone on the planet. I cried when I got to the end of your book. I never read anything that was more true and more uplifting! You keep going. I'll keep reading everything you write! Thank you for being there for us as artists and I hope that you are repaid in kind!
You had one sentence about not being wowed with an aspect of your, I believe it was, numbers of people purchasing your book. Amie, there's another wow factor. I was wowed by your book. It has fueled me, sent me right to the computer. You have busted some of my tricks in your talk about not finishing. Your honesty and vulnerability help swallow the "medicine." Thank you! I'm sure many of us are wowed, us creatives. (I bought it through Audible). Glad it is in your voice with your passionate intonations! I am a bit intimidated and wowed by how much work you put in and for how long before you were published by a tradpub.
Hey this is so real and I LOVE it. Also your ability to be real and honest about all the parts of the work is inspiring and motivational... I don't know, I guess it makes it seem less daunting to be in the space. Would love to find the essay on "how do I make money" but I can't seem to find it? Anyone can help me find it? haha.
Hi Amie, this was an interesting piece to read. I too went the self published route (sold not a single copy, okay one copy) but found it made me grow confident as a writer and getting the printed copy back made and helped be better at proofing. I haven't done it for a while as I tried writing for theatre (nice comments, no takers) and then got stuck into some fucked-up art thing that maybe i should produce something tangible out of it.
Regarding your experience, normally an advanced would cover two to three books as there is a greater chance of a publisher recouping the money. I was surprised at how high your advance was but, as your book is non-fiction, it has a longer shelf life as the content is not likely to date.
I have read of authors going into bookshops on publishing day only to find not a copy. The advance copies provided to the author (as part of the contract) were the only ones the publisher intended to have printed. I presume any demand for it would put a demand on the publishers to print more copies. But you have and are doing it on your terms, which make the fight to be heard harder, but by having your own audience to begin with (as with Dodie), it is better they approach you than you knock at their door unheard.
The hardest thing for any writer or artist is getting an agent, as they seem to be the gatekeepers to the system.
Wow, Amie. As someone who is just beginning my non-fiction book journey this information is incredibly eye-opening and useful. I am very grateful for your transparency, vulnerability and courage.
HELL YEAH!! I am so excited for you in getting this deal and/also continuing to pursue future publications independently and oh so grateful you choose to share with us. It is refreshing and enlivening and such a gift. THANK YOU ♥️
Oh Amie, this was so wonderful and exciting to read. I'm so bloody proud of you and thrilled that you got such an epic advance. I still remember when you released your first non-fiction book and being in total awe. Now look what you've created, all because you believed in yourself.
Congratulations! What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it so transparently. It’s a powerful reminder to take up space and never rely on a single source of income.
Damn, Amie, this is the kind of transparency that makes every artist sit up straighter and remember they’re allowed to take up space.
Thank you for not gatekeeping the business side of creative life – it’s one of the most generous things a writer can do.
Your honesty, your numbers, your vulnerability... they’re not just facts – they’re a torch.
I cried reading about bathroom tiles and choosing yourself before being chosen – because YES. That’s the true magic. That’s the alchemy.
You didn’t just sell books, you broke a silence. And that’s a whole other kind of bestseller.
Holding you in the wildest admiration.
I subscribed to you because of this comment! Can't wait to read what you've written!
Wendy, thank you so much – really.
Your message made me pause and smile.
I'm genuinely moved by Amie’s journey, and the space she’s created for all of us to share honestly, without holding back.
It means a lot to know my words landed with you.
Appreciate you joining me here ✨
I am, too. Amie’s inspired me tons. What she wrote about here—I’ve always wondered. I love the transparency and truth. Strange that it’s a radical act, but it is.
Right? In a world full of emotional shapewear, being open is basically streaking through the soul plaza. Bold, breezy, and totally divine ✨
It is 5am and I am reading this article of your.
What an enthusiatic and tender comment.
I’m sobbing reading this. First congrats. But also thank you for sharing. I was awarded a 12,000 grant for my novel in verse from the Canada council for the arts. I haven’t really thought about how big of a fucking deal that is because the people around me downplay it. But also I feel cringy sharing. This post and your book has really helped me to shift my perspective. ❤️❤️
It feels good to even admit this accomplishment in a comment. You are putting so much good into this world. Thank you.
Congrats!!!!!
Thank you.
Loving comment Rena.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing.
And please, take a self-care day in Aus.
Go hug a gum tree. A ghost gum if you can find one. Sit at a park, overlooking the beach and breathe in the salty fresh sea air. Listen to the kookaburras, rosellas and galahs. And the magpies. 🐦⬛🦜🌳🌤️
I miss Australia so much. I’d do anything for one more day in Cronulla or the Royal National Park to ground myself. I’ve yet to find a place here in Houston.
Oh Jacinta thank you for taking me with your words tò Australia, i have never hugged a gum tree but I have felt its Energy and experienced the magic of its landscapes, my sister lives there, I last visited in 2011. I miss Alberta, Canada, the Land there touched my soul deeply. I have yet tò find a Place here in Italy where I can connect deeply tò the Land. Your words moved me tò tears! May you return tò Australia soon.
I love the transparency of everything that you do. I just finished reading WYNA this morning. I probably own more self-help and business books for creatives than anyone on the planet. I cried when I got to the end of your book. I never read anything that was more true and more uplifting! You keep going. I'll keep reading everything you write! Thank you for being there for us as artists and I hope that you are repaid in kind!
You had one sentence about not being wowed with an aspect of your, I believe it was, numbers of people purchasing your book. Amie, there's another wow factor. I was wowed by your book. It has fueled me, sent me right to the computer. You have busted some of my tricks in your talk about not finishing. Your honesty and vulnerability help swallow the "medicine." Thank you! I'm sure many of us are wowed, us creatives. (I bought it through Audible). Glad it is in your voice with your passionate intonations! I am a bit intimidated and wowed by how much work you put in and for how long before you were published by a tradpub.
Hey this is so real and I LOVE it. Also your ability to be real and honest about all the parts of the work is inspiring and motivational... I don't know, I guess it makes it seem less daunting to be in the space. Would love to find the essay on "how do I make money" but I can't seem to find it? Anyone can help me find it? haha.
https://amiemcnee.substack.com/p/im-a-full-time-writer-lets-talk-about Sorry I called it the wrong thing!
Thank you! You are a star :D
And don’t forget 1 in Slovenia. This book will be a classic. There’s nothing else like it out there.
Holding it tenderly. Thank you for your bravery and modeling care for yourself as an artist. 💜
Hi Amie, this was an interesting piece to read. I too went the self published route (sold not a single copy, okay one copy) but found it made me grow confident as a writer and getting the printed copy back made and helped be better at proofing. I haven't done it for a while as I tried writing for theatre (nice comments, no takers) and then got stuck into some fucked-up art thing that maybe i should produce something tangible out of it.
Regarding your experience, normally an advanced would cover two to three books as there is a greater chance of a publisher recouping the money. I was surprised at how high your advance was but, as your book is non-fiction, it has a longer shelf life as the content is not likely to date.
I have read of authors going into bookshops on publishing day only to find not a copy. The advance copies provided to the author (as part of the contract) were the only ones the publisher intended to have printed. I presume any demand for it would put a demand on the publishers to print more copies. But you have and are doing it on your terms, which make the fight to be heard harder, but by having your own audience to begin with (as with Dodie), it is better they approach you than you knock at their door unheard.
The hardest thing for any writer or artist is getting an agent, as they seem to be the gatekeepers to the system.
Wow, Amie. As someone who is just beginning my non-fiction book journey this information is incredibly eye-opening and useful. I am very grateful for your transparency, vulnerability and courage.
HELL YEAH!! I am so excited for you in getting this deal and/also continuing to pursue future publications independently and oh so grateful you choose to share with us. It is refreshing and enlivening and such a gift. THANK YOU ♥️
Love the transparency and think all industries should be open about salaries — only way we grow together!
Well done you. Seems more than well deserved. You will go on to earn those royalties.
Oh Amie, this was so wonderful and exciting to read. I'm so bloody proud of you and thrilled that you got such an epic advance. I still remember when you released your first non-fiction book and being in total awe. Now look what you've created, all because you believed in yourself.
Congratulations! What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing it so transparently. It’s a powerful reminder to take up space and never rely on a single source of income.
Thank you for your honesty and always advocating for artists!