Tony Tulathimutte, an accomplished literary author, has established a unique side hustle that supports both his writing career and aspiring writers.
His writing workshop, Crit, held in his Brooklyn apartment, attracts eminent guest speakers and launches the careers of new authors. Renowned figures such as Jonathan Franzen, Hua Hsu, and Carmen Maria Machado have participated as guest speakers.
Tulathimutte’s success, including an O Henry award and the sale of his second novel, Rejection, inspired him to create Crit. The class tackles topics like money management for writers, which is crucial in today’s challenging writing landscape, where traditional media companies and publication venues are shrinking, and making a living as a writer is becoming increasingly difficult.
According to The Guardian, Crit accommodates nine students per session, meeting twice a week over two months and costs $800 per spot, amounting to an annual income of approximately $30,000 for Tulathimutte. To supplement his earnings, he takes up freelance writing assignments, visiting faculty positions, and currently serves as a thesis adviser at Brooklyn College.
Over the years, Crit has not only become a successful side venture but also fostered a thriving community of writers. Tulathimutte encourages alumni interaction through book swaps, parties, and a dedicated Slack channel, providing opportunities for aspiring authors to connect with potential agents or editors.
While Crit students have achieved 12 book deals to date, Tulathimutte remains humble about his role in their success. He believes many of them would have succeeded eventually, but he takes pride in offering a high-quality writing workshop that aids their growth.
Featured Image Source: The Guardian
