A lot of famous writers never "made it" until after they died. If you have decent writing skills and are willing to put in the work–and not for $16/hour–your odds are good to make it as a freelance writer. This involves learning how to run a business and how to market yourself; in the beginning, chasing work often takes more time than writing itself.
He wrote scripts for Disney’s Aladdin and Shrek, along with several of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, Godzilla vs. Kong, and others. On his website, he discussed the brutal truths of the business of writing films in an open letter. While directed specifically to screenwriters, the advice could also apply to writing novels.
I recently received a request for career advice, and here is my reply which I hope helps others too.
Career Tips for New Writers
- Exercise your writing muscle. Write daily and read daily to improve.
- Start small. Learn from mistakes and recover quickly to establish yourself.
- Embrace rejection and criticism with a thick skin; all your successes and failures are public.
- Consider journalism or media organization roles and review the salary ranges for writing positions.
- No college degree is necessary to become a writer.
The real measure of success is the impact your words have, and making it in a local sphere can be a significant achievement.
Making a Living from Writing
Can anyone make it as a writer? Yes, with hard work, you certainly have a chance. Freelance writing can be lucrative with the right approach, but it’s more than just excellent writing skills; it’s about business acumen and self-promotion. Contrary to common misconceptions, there’s no need for formal training; anyone can get into freelance writing.
To make a living as a writer, hard work and dedication are required. The statistics may be disheartening, with many authors earning less than $1,000 a year, but perseverance can lead to success. Medium’s partner program offers an opportunity for side income, and there are indeed strategies for monetizing your writing online.
Options for Writers to Earn Money
Here are some ways to potentially earn a living from writing:
- Start a profitable blog
- Work as an editor
- Become a conversion-focused content writer
- Use content mill websites for freelance gigs
Remember that success in the field requires dedication and that some writers, like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, represent exceptional success stories.
Making a living from writing can mean numerous things, from having another job to seeking grants and combining various writing-related activities. Writers’ earnings can vary greatly, but with passion and consistency, it is possible to earn a living from writing. Forget the myth of the starving artist; writers can and do make money. You just need to be strategic and persistent.