How it started

I created The Storyletter (a play on the word ‘newsletter’) in July of 2021 with the intention of publishing my own stories in an experimental fashion and building a subscriber base of individuals who wanted to read my work. This changed rather quickly after entering the self-publishing sphere for what felt like the first time. A lot of great voices were all vying to be heard in this innovative and growing space, and I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more I could be doing.

How it’s going

I founded Storyletter XPress Publishing LLC and began honing in on a new mission designed to help other independent writers succeed. Despite the small adjustments over the past year, the original intent hasn’t faltered. I hope to continue to bridge the gap between indie writers and a new readership seeking exciting stories. Come join a new vision for the future of speculative fiction!

XPress Access Explained

XPress is the paid membership to The Storyletter. It’s the best way to show your support and get some exclusive perks. A lot of what we’re working on is in the growth stages, and things are expected to change slightly, however, I’ve managed to keep a few things consistent for the most part:

• Once a month I write a paid newsletter that is centered around a topic for indie creators and writers. For example, I wrote a post on how to set up your own podcast series and another one on how start a Substack.

• XPress members get access to our private Discord. It’s a good way to connect directly with other members of The Storyletter and network to share ideas.

• I’m recording the stories found on The Storyletter in audio and publishing them via a podcast called Storyletter Read Aloud (SRA). There are public domain stories that I’m releasing for free, however, the more exclusive ones are released behind a temporary paywall for XPress members only.

• Exclusive content: This is a working idea. I’ve published a couple personal posts, but haven’t figured out exactly what I could be providing here. It’s still a potential perk that will likely develop in the near future.

• You have the ability to submit for publication on The Storyletter. If accepted, I’ll pay 1 cent per word to purchase your story and publish it. You still keep your rights for use elsewhere such as contests and other publication options.

• The biggest perk of being an XPress member are the contests. I’ll be running more routine writing contests moving forward and awarding cash prizes or story purchases for publication. At the price of one month of XPress, you’re able to enter any running contests. Of course, a year subscription gets you access to all of them.

I’m confident these offerings are worth the price of admission. If you have any questions, or would like to offer feedback, comment below or email me at storyletter@protonmail.com.

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First Class - The Founder’s Tier

Some of you may find this perk familiar, since it was previously included in XPress. With First Class, I provide basic editing, feedback, graphic design and marketing services for a story that you’re going to submit and publish on The Storyletter.

Your story will be included in the latest edition of The Storyletter Anthology for publication online and possibly in bookstores (depending on which route I take). I’ll help you self-publish your novel or novella online, if you’d rather maintain control over your story and royalties.

Due to the nature of buying ISBNs, purchasing image licenses, paying editors and commissioning artwork, I’ve created this comprehensive tier for writers and readers to engage with The Storyletter and show their support.

It’s only because of you that all of this is possible. Plus, I want to give writers the attention that they and their stories deserve. I won’t be able to do that on a large scale by myself, but tailored to just the First Class members, I think it will be more manageable.

Let me know what you think in the comments. Ask your questions here, or by sending me an email directly (storyletter@protonmail.com). I look forward to working with you and reading your amazing stories!

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