14 Comments
Sep 4Liked by Jennifer Earle (Jen)

I love your newsletters and the fact they are long and chatty, there is so much info in them. If it’s possible to cover your costs with the travel guides it would be amazing if you could keep the free part of the newsletter going. Thank you for all you write and your enthusiasm! PS I have just started taking magnesium for sleep problems so would be interested in your experience.

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Thank you so much for saying this. It means so much to hear back from people that they’re reading and enjoying. 🥰

I don’t anticipate that the travel guides will cover more than the cost of creating them, but I will keep writing here as long as I can afford to fit it in to my week and I feel like people care that I’m writing it!

If it keeps reaching more people that helps keep me motivated. If some readers recommend me to lead a chocolate tasting or tour for their company - or some other event - then that helps to justify me continuing to write, too. 😊 🤞

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Sep 8Liked by Jennifer Earle (Jen)

I like the sound of the new set up. I often want to share tips I read in your newsletter, and them being free would help. Love the city guides and the sound of meet ups. Your plans sound grand!

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Ah thank you. I like the idea of them reaching more people. 🥰

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Also I meant to add, but pressed send to soon! You should def charge for the city guides as they are a lot of work. Also I love the idea of these meet ups!

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I make all my posts free as I am fortunate to be in paid work and I want people to read about Ukraine. If they are kind enough to subscribe, and donate to Bake For Ukraine, that’s much appreciated. I can’t afford any subscriptions because of all my many donations to Ukrainian fundraisers.

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That’s kind of the way I’m feeling in that I want anyone who’s willing to read to know about the delicious things people are making. It also helps me if people will recommend me for the tours and tastings I do.

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I love Sweet Seasons - I've had a pdf of it and can't wait to get the actual thing. Lovely and useful post, thank you

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Oh how lucky! Will I see you at one of the events? I’m guiding on the 15th but planning to go to Eric’s to help if I can be helpful!

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Alas I’m on holiday on the London/ Cornwall dates

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Sep 4Liked by Jennifer Earle (Jen)

Thank you - this was a joy to read. Somehow, I always end up finding out about bake sales and special events / collaborations the day after they finish but I still enjoy reading about them and live in hope that one day I’ll hear in time! I think separating out the city guides is a great idea… maybe you could offer recipes behind a paywall for subscribers too (I don’t really know how this would work - haven’t thought out the logistics, or whose reviews they’d be - but it would be good bait!).

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Ah, thank you ☺️ That makes me so happy to read.

I think it’s easier for most people to understand when people put recipes behind paywalls, even though work goes into link lists as well. I’d love to do it and considered asking friends who write to let me put ones they’ve already got in their cookbooks but I think publishers might restrict that? Not sure. I’m hoping I can create a community worth paying a small amount to be part of. And that some people will be able to afford to pay and do so because they get value from it. 🤷🏻‍♀️😄

I also sometimes miss events. I forgot to include Anna’s pie pop up in here though I was away anyway. I’m trying to get them in! And in time! 😅

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Wow, there is a lot of information here. I have a similar dilemma re paid subscriptions for my howtobeabetterfoodie.substack. I think charging a little for your comprehensive guides is a good idea and one I may even copy. I agree that I am sure many people have no idea how long it takes to produce substances but I do think a lot of people are charging too much for their substack. Mine is £3.50 currently, some are £7. I think I have already msged you to say I could see the croissant off being something I could perhaps pitch in journalism mode if you can connect me appropriately. Keep going, I think this is a great and useful resource.

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I mainly charge £7 a month because of those travel guides that I think individually are worth more. If I take them out then I’ll feel happier charging less. I’m not sure it’ll bring more people in if nothing is behind a paywall but at least it will be less prohibitive for those who do want to support.

Do you think mine are too long? I never intend for them to be. This week was supposed to be brief and then… 😅🫣

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