How to Make a Living as a Writer: Tips and Strategies

So you want to make a living as a writer, huh? You've come to the right place. As someone who has been writing professionally for over a decade, I've learned a thing or two about how to turn your passion for the written word into a steady paycheck. The truth is, while the literary path can be rewarding, it isn't always the most lucrative. But with some practical strategies, dedication, and persistence, you can build a successful writing career and get paid to do what you love. In this article, I'll share my best tips for doing just that. From choosing a writing niche to building your audience to negotiating contracts, you'll learn everything you need to make a living as a writer. So grab your laptop, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let's get started. The life of your dreams as a writer awaits!

Deciding What You Want to Write About

If you want to make a living as a writer, the first step is deciding what you want to write about. There are so many options to choose from, so take some time to explore your passions and interests.

Nonfiction topics

You could write about business, finance, marketing, education, health and wellness, travel, food, parenting, relationships - the list goes on and on. Think about your areas of expertise or topics you're enthusiastic about. Nonfiction writers are in high demand, especially for online content. Many businesses hire freelance writers to contribute blog posts, articles, and other web copy.

Fiction genres

Prefer making up stories? Consider writing romance, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, young adult, or children's books. While fiction can be more challenging to break into, a successful series of books can lead to a very rewarding career. Self-publishing as an ebook or audiobook is a great way to build an audience.

Hybrid approaches

You don't have to limit yourself to one genre or type of writing. Maybe you want to write a nonfiction book and also work on a novel. Or publish short stories, write for magazines, and do some freelance copywriting on the side. Mixing it up can help prevent burnout and open you up to new opportunities.

The key is to start writing. Don't get paralyzed by indecision or worry about choosing the "perfect" topic or genre. You can always change direction later. The important thing is just to begin putting words on the page. With time and practice, you'll improve your craft and find the types of writing you most enjoy. Then you can focus in and start building your career as an author. The possibilities are endless!

Developing Your Skills and Knowledge as a Writer

To make a living as a writer, you need to constantly improve your craft. Here are some tips to develop your skills:

Study the work of successful writers in your genre.

Read bestselling books in your chosen genre to learn what readers love. Analyze the writing style, pacing, characters, and story structure. See what you can emulate in your own work.

Take online courses.

There are many free or low-cost courses on writing through websites like Udemy, Coursera, and edX. Study story structure, character development, pacing, and grammar. You can never know too much about the craft.

Get feedback.

Share your writing with other writers or editors and ask for constructive criticism. Then, incorporate their notes into your work. Fresh eyes can spot issues you may miss.

Practice daily.

Set aside time each day to write and practice your craft. Start a blog to share your knowledge or writing samples to build your audience. You need to write each and every day to strengthen your writing muscle and voice.

Stay up-to-date with trends.

The publishing industry is always changing. Follow influential writers, editors, and agents on social media to learn about the latest trends in your genre or field. Stay on top of changes in style guides, marketing tactics, and technologies that can help your business.

With diligent practice of your craft and continuous learning, you can develop the skills and knowledge to make a living as an author or writer. While it takes dedication, the rewards of following your passion and sharing your message with the world can make it worthwhile. Keep at it and don't give up. Success may be right around the corner!

Finding Places to Publish Your Work

Once you’ve honed your craft and have pieces ready to share, the next step is finding places to publish your work. There are many options out there for writers today, so do some research to find the best avenues for your particular genre and style.

Build Your Own Platform

The most direct path is to publish on your own blog or website. This allows you to build up your own audience and gain valuable experience. You’ll need to actively promote your site on social media to increase traffic. Consider offering free resources or starting an email newsletter to build loyalty.

Submit to Established Websites

Many websites accept article submissions in a variety of categories like lifestyle, career, finance, health, travel, etc. Do some searches for sites in your niche and review their writer’s guidelines. Popular sites include Medium, Lifehack, Success, and Entrepreneur. Submitting to established sites exposes you to their built-in audiences. You’ll still need to promote on social media to increase views and shares.

Traditional Publishing

For book-length works or longer essays, consider submitting to traditional publishers. Research independent publishers or larger houses that focus on your genre. Follow their submission guidelines carefully and be prepared for rejection—it’s part of the process. Build your platform and make personal connections to increase your chances. Traditional publishing still offers the most credibility and exposure.

Competitions and Conferences

Entering writing competitions and attending conferences or workshops are other ways to get your work in front of editors and audiences. Do research to find reputable competitions that match your style. Look for conferences that offer opportunities to connect with agents, editors and fellow writers. Pitch sessions allow you to share your ideas and work directly with publishers. Attending events expands your network and knowledge, which will strengthen your writing career in the long run.

With so many opportunities available today, you can make a living as a writer by actively and consistently publishing high quality work, building your platform, and connecting with others in your field. Don’t get discouraged easily and keep putting yourself and your writing out there!

Building Your Reputation and Audience

Building your reputation and audience is key to making a living as a writer. You need to establish yourself as an authority in your niche and build a loyal following of readers. Here are some tips to get started:

Choose a focused niche.

Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Select a specific topic or genre you want to focus on, like travel writing, personal finance, or young adult fantasy fiction. Build your expertise and audience within that niche.

Once you’ve chosen your niche, start creating content. You might write blog posts, ebooks, online courses, podcasts, or all of the above. Publish consistently to establish yourself as an expert. Aim for at least one new piece of content each week.

Promote your work.

Don’t just publish and hope people find you. Actively promote your content on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Engage with your readers by replying to their comments and messages. Run contests and giveaways to increase visibility.

Build your mailing list.

Growing an email list of loyal readers is one of the best ways to establish your reputation and earn a living as a writer. Offer a lead magnet like a free ebook or cheat sheet in exchange for people signing up to your mailing list. Send regular updates and special offers to your subscribers.

Collaborate with other writers.

Look for opportunities to guest post on other blogs in your niche. Interview influential writers in your field. Co-host a podcast or start a group blog. Collaborating with established writers is a great way to gain more visibility and tap into their audiences.

Keep improving your craft.

Take online writing courses. Read books on writing technique and style. Get feedback from editors and beta readers. Keep practicing and revising to strengthen your writing skills over time.

With dedication and persistence, you can build a reputation and loyal audience as a writer. Keep creating helpful content, promoting your work, growing your mailing list, collaborating with others, and improving your craft. In time, you'll establish yourself as an expert in your niche and open up more opportunities to make a living from your writing.

Monetizing Your Writing Through Books, Courses, Coaching and More

Once you’ve built up your writing skills and have some pieces to share, it’s time to start making money from your work. There are several avenues for monetizing your writing, from publishing ebooks and online courses to offering coaching services.

Sell Your Ebooks

If you have enough content on a particular topic, consider compiling it into an ebook to sell on your website or through major ebook retailers like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. Price your ebook between $2.99 to $9.99 and you earn 70% of the sale price. Ebooks are easy to produce and a great way to earn passive income from your writing.

Create an Online Course

Do you have knowledge or a system that could be turned into a structured course? Online courses are a popular way for writers to share their expertise while generating revenue. You’ll need to determine a course topic, outline the content, and decide whether to host it on your own website or a third-party platform like Udemy or Teachable. Online courses typically sell from $99 to $299.

Offer One-on-One Coaching

For writers looking to help others in a more customized way, consider offering coaching services. You can coach aspiring authors on improving their writing, advise nonfiction writers on launching their first book, or help entrepreneurs build their content marketing strategy. Coaching rates vary but often fall between $50 to $200 per hour. Build up your expertise, create a coaching program, and promote your services on your website and social media.

Give Live Workshops or Speaking Engagements

If you’re comfortable with public speaking, in-person workshops and speaking at industry events are excellent ways to spread your message, connect with new readers, and generate revenue. Local workshops typically charge $25 to $150 per ticket. Speaking engagements can earn $500 to $5,000 or more depending on the event. Pitch conferences and organizations in your niche to land paid speaking gigs.

With passion and persistence, you can build a thriving writing business. Start with one or two of these monetization strategies, focus on serving your readers well, and the opportunities will grow from there. The key is just getting started!

Conclusion

You just read how it's possible to make a living as a writer. It won't be easy, but if you have the passion and dedication to turn writing into a career, the rewards can be life-changing. Start building your writing skills, find your niche, and commit to continuous learning. Don't be afraid to take risks and put your work out into the world. While rejection and failure may come, persistence and resilience will serve you well. If you keep practicing your craft, networking, and looking for new opportunities, you'll gain valuable experience and increase your chances of success. Now get out there and start writing - your new career awaits! The life of a writer may not be the easiest path, but for those who dare to follow their dreams, it can be deeply fulfilling. You've got this!

Sign Up for Think It - Plan It - Do It Newsletter and Get the
The Blogging Guide to Six-Figure Retirement for Free