Over thirty years ago, Dolly Freed published “Possum Living” about living frugally during a punishing recession. As her book was re-issued, one long-form journalist wrote a story about Freed’s life since publishing that unexpected bestseller.
National Magazine Award winner Paige Williams (pictured, via) reported and wrote a 6,000-word piece about the forgotten author, but the story was rejected by a host of outlets, including New York Times Magazine Texas Monthly (rejected), The New Yorker, and Philadelphia. Frustrated, Williams built her own website and self-published the piece, complete with a PayPal button to collect donations. According to CJR, she had raised $423.18 from 34 donors by Jan. 11.
Here’s an excerpt from her page: “‘Finding Dolly Freed’ is a piece of independent journalism that cost more than $2,000 to produce. To help the writer recoup her expenses and perhaps bank a small paycheck, please click here and pay whatever amount you’d like. Think of it as Radiohead journalism. Thank you in advance!” (Via VQR)