The exponential value of writing authentically 💎

It's not just about the principle of it!

In the writing industry, we hear phrases like “write authentically,” “be true to yourself,” and “talk about what you love” all the time. I’m sure you’ve read countless Notes on Substack about how you should always write what your heart desires, avoid worrying about subscriber counts, etc… In fact, I’ve even written, restacked, and liked many of these Notes myself!

For example, here are two Notes I wrote in November:

…And many more Notes expressing similar sentiments!

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In the past, I’ve approached the value of authenticity from a purely principled standpoint. Meaning, I’ve consistently argued for authentic writing because I believe it’s the morally right thing to do. I believe it’s better to be yourself, say what you mean, and keep it real with your readers.

Today, though, I’d like to talk about some additional benefits that authenticity provides. I’ve accepted that authenticity isn’t only good because it’s innately good (although I still think it is). Authenticity is also sustainable, soul-nourishing, and interpersonal.

One of the primary reasons why people switch to full-time writing is because they’re passionate about it; they want to experience something different than their 8-5 or the current job that they don’t really love. Translating this passion into authentic writing is vital. If you quit a job you hate to take a writing job (or to pursue freelancing) and proceed to spend all your time writing about things you don’t care about, developing content that sounds AI-adjacent (unless you love that type of writing, of course), or writing things that you don’t really believe in, you will find yourself burned out fast. You’ll end up right back in the position you were in at the start - with a job you hate, that feels fake and not “true to you,” and/or that brings you anxiety or depression. Don’t take your shot at the writing life just to confine yourself to the same box you were stuck in before you made the leap. For your writing career to be sustainable, you have to think bigger; you have to stay authentic and remain true to your passions, interests, and beliefs.

On a similar note, authenticity is good for the soul. If you commit to writing authentically, you’ll have a greater sense of satisfaction with your work and higher self-efficacy as your business grows. When success comes, it won’t feel cheap or fake, because you’ll know that you stayed true to your style, thoughts, and interests. When your book does well, you hit your first six-figure freelancing year, or your Substack grows, you can celebrate! Your honesty, openness, and authenticity made that happen.

Authenticity also helps you develop real relationships in the freelancing world. You can build the right community for you only by being truthful - it’s the only way to foster meaningful conversations, grow as a writer and as a person, and get to know your audience/clients on a more personal level. You cultivate care for your work not by being generic, but by being real.

Being authentic isn’t just about doing what’s morally right. It’s also about growing a business that’s sustainable for you - one that you can stand by, take pride in, and love. I’m proud of the community that’s growing here at The Ghost Post because I feel safe in my authenticity. I know that I’m giving my readers the real me. And you know what? I don’t have to pretend to be anyone else! People like authenticity because it emboldens them to be real, too.

You’re human, so it’s okay to remove the veil and just be yourself. It’s okay to be real, honest, and open.

It’s okay to be authentic.