Dear Agony Editor,I’ve published a novel that is enjoying some success. I’m lucky enough to be in-vited to speak at libraries and other community groups. I want to connect with readers and respond positively to these requests, but accepting them means I’m not at my desk writing (my means of making a living) and they often mean travel expenses.
I don’t want to gouge any-one but these appearances do cost me in a number of ways. Is it appropriate to ask for a fee and if so, what is an appropriate amount? Signed,Apropos
Dear Apropos, The issue isn’t whether it’s appropriate to ask for a fee. Of course it’s appropriate. You’re a writer and this is how you earn your living. The real issue is that the or-ganizations inviting you aren’t addressing compen-sation as part of their initial ask. And that makes things hella awkward for you.