Making a decent living through writing is certainly achievable, but it requires a multifaceted approach.
Full-time writers who land positions with established publications can enjoy a steady income with benefits. Freelancers, on the other hand, navigate a project-based world, similar to the “piece-work”. From crafting articles for academic journals to engaging content for blogs and magazines, freelance writing offers a diverse and potentially lucrative path.
Making a living as a writer:
- Possible, but not easy: It requires dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck. There’s no guaranteed path to success, and it can take time to establish yourself. I’ve seen estimaes of about 4 million new books being published each year. Author a work, co-write with a collaborator, or ghostwrite for someone who has a story to tell but wants you to put it on paper under their name. The road to success is multi-faceted, creative and challenging but doable.
- Multiple income streams: Many successful writers rely on a combination of income sources. This could include book sales, royalties, freelance writing gigs, content marketing work, writing scripts for documentaries or film, teaching writing workshops, or even public speaking. I’m pursuing each of these with varying degrees of success. Writing is fun. It’s a passion, and very gratifying.
- Genre and Marketability: Some genres, like romance or mystery, tend to have a larger and more lucrative market compared to others. It’s important to consider the marketability of your writing alongside your passion. Although there’s a tremendous fascination with fiction both from writers and readers, creative nonfiction is a genre that is gaining popularity. It blends the creative elements of fiction-writing, like dialogue development, with the facts required in a non-fiction work.
“All my life I’ve looked at words as though
I were seeing them for the first time.” Ernest Hemingway
Here are some ways writers can earn money:
- Traditional publishing: Landing a book deal with a traditional publisher is a very competitive pursuit, but you save money in writing development, editing, publication and marketing as the traditional publisher will handle most or all of your expenses. They offer advances, royalties, and wider distribution. But you need to know someone who knows someone. An agent is a necessity, and for that you will pay a fee.
- Self-publishing: Self-publishing allows you more control over your work, requiring marketing efforts and upfront costs. Royalties might be lower compared to traditional publishing. The tradeoff consists of control versus potential for success and wide-spread coverage of your work.
- Freelance writing: Writing articles, blog posts, website content, movie/documentary scripts or marketing copy for businesses or publications can become a steady source of income.
- Content marketing: Creating content for social media, email marketing campaigns, or websites can be a good option for writers with marketing skills.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
Tips for success:
- Develop your craft: Continuously hone your writing skills, read widely in your genre, and learn about the very broad publishing industry.
- Build your platform: Establish an online presence through a website or social media, connect with other writers and readers, and network within your niche.
- Market yourself: Whether traditionally published or self-published, learn about marketing strategies to reach your target audience.
- Be persistent: Rejection is a big part of the writing life. Don’t get discouraged, keep writing, and keep learning.
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” – Terry Pratchett
Resources:
Feeling overwhelmed by the vast sea of writing advice online? Avoiding those “get rich quick” schemes can be tricky!
I offer a low-cost writing class series online.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Develop your craft: Learn valuable skills like plot development, character building, and effective storytelling.
- Gain insightful feedback: Share your work in a safe space and receive constructive criticism.
- Connect with an award-winning, best-selling author who shares your passion, offering valuable advice and support.
Don’t navigate the writing world alone! Invest in your writing journey with someone who’s ventured down the same path you’re considering.
Yes, writing can be a fulfilling career path, but it takes both passion and strategy. With dedication and the right tools, you can transform your love for writing into a sustainable career.
Let’s connect and explore the possibilities together! Who knows, we might just discover a hidden gem (or a thriving audience) for your writing.