Publish It Forward Lecture: Writing for Love (and Money)

Samuel Johnson famously said, "Nobody but a blockhead ever wrote except for money." If Johnson lived today, then he'd be living in a world of blockheads, with more and more writers agreeing to work for free to gain "exposure" in a crowded market. But aren't we told by industry optimists that there are more opportunities than ever for authors—that there's never been a better time to write and publish? I have research and stories to share about the history of authorship and the writer's relationship with money, going back to the days of Gutenberg (and beyond). We'll explore how writing and money have intersected over time, and how authors can survive—even thrive—as the business of publishing continues to transform.

About the lecture series

With the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, Grub Street presents “Publish it Forward,” a lecture series dedicated to bringing some of the most innovative and forward thinking writers, publishers and agents to Boston. Innovations in technology and communication have made the written word more portable, accessible, and popular than ever. It is an exciting but challenging time for writers. With this series, Grub Street aims to educate and inspire Boston-area writers to think creatively and optimistically about new opportunities and new models made possible by the digital age.