Chapter 1.1: The Search for Information

The results of my inquiry, while modest in scale, echo my long-standing struggles with finding Gothic Studies resources. For instance, try searching "where to learn gothic literature" in incognito mode and see what you find. Typically, you'll encounter a list of Gothic novels, followed by questionable free websites and blog posts that require you to piece together fragmented information.

This can be daunting for novices unsure of what they're seeking. Hence, the importance of having a mentor who can offer guidance and share their experiences is paramount.

I regularly attend free lectures by Dr. Sam Hirst, where I recently learned from Gothic PhD student Maartje Weenik about using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to explore "Word Embedding in Early Gothic Fiction." Her discoveries about the Gothic term's ties to architecture rather than literature were eye-opening for many of us.

The underlying issue remains: the algorithms dictate what people search for and what they struggle to find. This is why content creators rely on market research and SEO tools like Ahrefs to validate their assumptions and ensure they create meaningful content.

Chapter 1.2: Teaching and Learning in the Gothic Sphere

Teaching and learning about any topic demands extensive research, market evaluation, and often facing setbacks to truly assist your audience.

From my experience, I want to highlight two primary offerings that could benefit both you and your audience: memberships and one-on-one coaching.

Memberships

Memberships encourage your audience to engage more intentionally with the content, as they don't want to miss out on valuable information. This can facilitate significant progress and provide opportunities for closer collaboration with you.

However, a notable challenge is that memberships often require a substantial audience to be financially viable, unless you're testing a service with a small, dedicated group at a lower price. Platforms like Patreon or Kajabi can facilitate these memberships, among others.

One-on-One Coaching

On the other hand, one-on-one sessions tend to be pricier, reflecting the personalized attention you receive from a mentor who tailors a program to suit your needs. When I first learned about the fees charged by other coaches, I realized I had undervalued my services due to a fear of losing students.

These sessions can be incredibly beneficial for brainstorming and receiving constructive feedback from someone who has already navigated similar challenges. They also serve as motivational boosts, leaving you energized and with a clear action plan for your next steps.