Earning Money by Writing Starts Here!
A clear map of how this publication will propel you to a writing business you will grow and sustain
Read on, let me give you (Welcome! Thanks!) a clear idea of why thousands of people have joined this community—there's real value here for you. I'll continue to keep my promise of never wasting your time.
You might ask, why go paid? I answer, to get your unfair advantage!
My free posts give you the “what.” Everybody—free subscribers, paid subscribers, and superfans—receives one weekly free post.
Here are the premium benefits annual paid subscribers unlock:
Paid subscribers get a second post each week, the “how,” and the direct support to make it happen.
When you become an annual paid member of the Pen2Profit community, you’re not just getting more content; you’re getting a mentor in your corner. This is your direct line to 50 years of professional writing experience.
Direct Mentoring Access: This is the big one. As a paid subscriber, you can hit ‘reply’ on any email or post with your specific writing or business question, and I’ll answer it personally. No canned responses. Just real, road-tested advice from someone who’s seen it all. Superfan-level subscribers also get a one-hour phone conversation.
The Full Premium Archive: Unlock almost 300 in-depth articles, strategic guides, downloads, and candid essays on the craft and business of writing that free subscribers never see.
Curated Writer’s Markets: Stop hunting. I send you paying opportunities, freelance gigs, contests, and markets actively looking for pitches—curated by a pro.
Guest Post Opportunities: Build your portfolio and get your work in front of a new audience. Paid members are invited to submit guest posts for publication.
Two Free Welcome Gifts: Instantly download my two most practical ebooks: Pen2Profit Complete Guide to Copyrights and 1001 Writing Prompts for Any Writer to Steal. ($15 value, yours free).
My Write-Earn-Repeat course (non-members pay $179)
P2P isn’t just a newsletter. It’s a career investment and a supportive writer community.
Here's who this pub is for:
Those who think of writing as a human creative craft, and those who love the process of writing.
Those who think every writer should write cleanly and carefully, reflecting their own voice and style, and respecting readers.
Those who believe that no formula, algorithm, bot, or scam can make writers rich without engaging their personality, their experience, or their audience.
Mature writers who are ready to use their experience, life lessons, and whole personality to create outstanding writing projects.
Those writers, writers like you, will find value here to help you earn more, enjoy your craft more, grow your audience, and feel less stressed. You can do this. I'll help you whether you want to know more about the writing life and process, want to understand the mechanics of the craft, or want to make more money as a writer. If you hope to market your work and grow your audience, you’ll find resources here to speed your success. Resources and strategies from someone who has lived this business for nearly half a century.
Writing today
I'm Maryan Pelland, and I have been a full-time working, producing, earning writer, editor, and mentor for about five decades. I retired comfortably because of it.
I have placed my writing with major outlets, ghostwritten six books that sold well, and written six of my own—traditionally published and self-published. Additionally, I have worked on staff at major newspapers and magazines. My portfolio includes building and marketing several subscription-based websites—and I loved every minute of all of it!
Having retired (mostly) a decade ago, my side-gigs concentrated on my ceramic art, miniature building, and 15 grandkids. I wrote about those things, too. Then I tripped over Medium and Substack and found my tribe! My focus shifted back to writing every day, and across the internet, I built an audience of 8K+ readers.
My mission:
Pen2Profit takes joy in empowering writers who seek to increase their earnings and grow a sustainable writing business or avocation. We avoid useless advice— "write everyday, find a niche, pay influencers to follow you"--like the plague.
What should you expect?
The unexpected, that's what. Outside-the-box advice. Engagement. Connection. Interaction. Opportunities. In a recent post, we looked at a dozen resources where writers can find art and images (free to use) that are way, way better than AI-generated pap.
In Pen2Profit you'll read quality stories that explain the problems we all share and provide actionable solutions. Example: Have you ever worried about whether your writing is authentic and provides a good user experience? We looked at how NOT to grow your audience.
You can call me out if you catch me side-stepping an issue or failing to provide help you need. You can trust me not to waste your time and definitely not to nag you with sales and marketing ploys that fatten my bank account but do nothing to move you ahead.
Welcome to my writing life
Mostly, I write what I wish I had known when I began writing professionally (I was 16!). Yes, I got lucky and had some excellent editors and managers (sometimes really mean ones!) who challenged me to always do better, but it took time.
I have been at the forefront of the Internet and digital writing since its inception, and I keep up-to-date and up-to-speed. For example, I attended a series of webinars with the US Copyright Office when they wrote new laws for AI-generated properties.
I'm right on top of the newest writing trends, problems, and challenges, and I write about them with humor, a little irony, and verified fact.
There are lots of places to get advice about writing, about Substack, the Internet, and success. But Pen2Profit readers tell me there's a difference in our community. It's fun, actionable, and serves up original advice and ideas you don't find elsewhere.
Psssssst… if you want to jump-start your marketing plan for writers, grab a FREE copy of my Story Funnel Playbook and implement the step-by-step strategy. It’s a prime example of what you can expect from Pen2Profit.
Want to get to know me a little better? Here's a favorite piece I wrote about my early days (read for free!):
An Ocean Voyage, a Pinched Butt, and Yugoslavian Sailors Changed My World
Randy I so enjoy exchanging ideas with you.
What a wonderfully clear and specific "bio". Reading this - I just got a free lesson on how to improve mine!