Just a Few Suggestions for Vocal

When I found this platform in December of 2021, I had no idea what to expect. Writing was a new venture for me, and I never thought it would become such a big a part of my life, but it has. Is it the challenges, no it can’t be that because I’ve never even been acknowledged as an also ran. Maybe it’s the occasional five dollars and the accolades I get from receiving a Top Story award, or the pittance I receive from reads. It’s actually none of these things. What’s kept me participating for the last four years is the welcoming group of writers that have made this platform the great community it is. Now it’s time to return the favor, assuming this letter reaches anyone in Vocal management.

Since starting my writing journey, I have belonged to three local writing clubs, one in Florida and two in Virginia. Each time I started with a new group one of my first questions to the members was, does anyone belong to Vocal? Every time the answer has been the same, what’s that? For a platform that has people from around the world post stories on it, why don’t more people know who Vocal is? I had no idea that this community existed until I stumbled upon it purely by accident and decided to give it a shot. When I asked people in these groups if they had heard of Reedsy or Medium the response is the exact opposite. Oh sure, I’ve posted on those sites, or used Reedsy to edit my book, or several other answers. Their answers aren’t what’s important, it’s that they know who the others are, but they have never heard of Vocal.

I have no idea what this company has for a marketing budget or how big the marketing department is, but I do know that what it’s currently doing could use some revamping. Just like any other successful company, exposure is the name of the game. People won’t use you if they don’t know you exist. Judging by the number of publishers and other platforms like Vocal, people enjoy writing. They are looking for ways to have their voices heard. Why not use this site to be their megaphone?

Has vocal ever run a marketing campaign targeting libraries? Even small rural communities have a central library that will service several towns too small to support one of their own. Most of them sponsor book clubs and writer’s groups. They hold community fairs where authors can sell and promote their work. Has Vocal ever been a co-sponsor for an event like one of these? Every author wants their work to be read and although most writers want to create the next great novel, they may be pleased to have someplace to present their shorter works while the novel is being constructed. Vocal should be that platform.

Libraries are the obvious target, but so are universities and active adult communities. Where I live there is a vibrant college community. Some of the students and recent graduates belong to the same writer’s group I do. Vocal would be a perfect fit for these people to share their writing with. It would be even better if you partnered with an editor and publisher so they can let the world see their larger creations. I have yet to meet a senior that doesn’t have a story to tell or wants to write a book of memoirs for their grandkids.

By now I’m sure if those of you in management are reading this you’re thinking, okay we spend all this money on advertising and all we get is a few more authors. How do we make money? The answer is by offering more than Vocal+. Offer an editing service and an advertising platform for new authors at an affordable price. I have three published books and working on my fourth and I can say from experience that the hard part isn’t writing the book, it’s getting it in people’s hands. I’m sure if you surveyed the current Vocal members they would say the same thing. If Vocal took the time to build a network of libraries, book clubs, and online influencers they could make a percentage of the book sales. Several of your members have taken the time to interview Vocal members and post the interview as a story. I’m sure this has helped increased the read count for both interviewer and interviewee.

Another option for this platform to make money is to copy a page from NYC Midnight and offer written feedback on challenge entries. It’s not cheap to enter a NYC challenge but they give you insights on what needs to be worked on to improve your chances for the next time. Also, the feedback comes from three judges, so you have multiple perspectives. This could be an optional service for entrants that want the critique.

One last suggestion do away with Stripe and find a better provider. I put in a withdrawal request on December 29 and my request is still processing. A couple of years ago I convinced a member of my Florida writers club to join Vocal. All was going well until he requested a withdrawal. He got his money, but it took weeks. He dropped Vocal. I’ve read other people’s complaints about their service as well.

Why have I decided to write this article when it’s supposed to be about a New Years resolution? Well, this is as close to a resolution as I’ll ever get. I genuinely enjoy this site and the people I’ve met on it, so I want to see it continue to grow and succeed. This contest offered me the possibility to present my thoughts to a real person and not a bot. If even one of my suggestions is implemented, I will consider my resolution a success. If none of my suggestions are implemented, better luck next time. Either way, Thank you to the Vocal creators for giving us all the opportunity to let our voices be heard.