This Publication Will Remain 100% Free, But I Need Your Help
A brief note on paid subscriptions.
When I first started writing this newsletter, back on Meta’s now-defunct newsletter platform, Bulletin, I (like all of the other writers who were recruited) received a contract. That, coupled with my freelance work and teaching, was enough for me to quit my day job (as an administrative assistant at a Lutheran church in South Slope, Brooklyn; no, this is not a bit) and pursue writing full-time.
With that steady paycheck, I was also able to bring on two people without whom this newsletter would not be possible: my friend and artist, James Jeffers, whose art that accompanies my text is, I’m sure, the sole reason people subscribe to this publication in the first place; and my editorial assistant, Jesse Adele, who makes sure my subject-verb agreement isn’t just an upturned car with the wheel still spinning.
Ever since re-launching on Substack earlier this year (sans contract), I’ve been mulling over what kind of exclusive content I could offer paid subscribers, like subscriber-only posts, access to full archive, and the ability to leave comments under every post. But every time Substack would ask me whom the post was for —everyone or paid subscribers only—I would select “everyone.” Here’s the thing: I believe everyone should be fairly compensated for their work, especially writers. And I support every writer who puts their content—or a portion of their content—behind a paywall. But this writer wants you to have access to every syllable in this newsletter.
So, going forward, Save Our Serotonin is (and will remain) a 100% free, reader-supported publication. Becoming a paid subscriber will support me and the team behind SOS by compensating us for the time we devote to generating the content we love making for you.
No subscription (or, in this case, pledge) is too small. Think of us as PBS, except gay, unhinged, and, in some cases, concerning—but in a fun 'n' flirty way! I am still thinking about launching the SOS Craft Corner, which would be a community space exclusively for writers to share their work, get feedback, and in which I would offer tips on things like how to find a literary agent, write a book proposal, among other things related to the world of writing and publishing. But more on that in the not-too-distant future.
For now we just want to continue doing what we love, which is to make you laugh, feel seen and valued, and maybe even encourage you to think about things in a different way. Whether you become a paid subscriber or remain a devoted reader who shares this newsletter with your friends, family, and social network, we appreciate you.
Thank you for your support!
With love,
Greg, James, & Jesse
Credits
Cover art by: James Jeffers
Editorial assistant: Jesse Adele
You can follow my other unhinged missives by following me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. My debut memoir, Born to Be Public, is out now.