FROM PASSION TO PAYCHECK: TURNING YOUR WRITING HOBBY INTO A PROFITABLE CAREER
Transforming a love for writing into a career that pays is possible. And before you can do that, you must focus on choosing your niche. The writing world is vast and multi-faceted, with myriad genres within it, and to speak about "making it" as a writer is to refer to finding an expert place in a particular type of writing ecosystem. Only some people possess the talent but also the know-how to write with brilliance and authority in any one area, but we should conduct a bit of inner searching to find a type of writing that best resonates with our personalities, abilities, and interests. Then, we should also think about the market demand for that particular type of writing.To pinpoint your writing niche, it's vital to know your target audience. Whom do you wish to attract with your writing? What do they want or need to know? What sort of writing speaks to them? By understanding your audience—and their interests, cravings, and, yes, even their pain points—you can tune your writing to fit those aspects. And by doing that, you can ensure that your writing is something your desired audience will find very much worth reckoning with. Ultimately, everything we have just talked about helps you take your talent and passion and combine them to create the kind of writing that will draw people in. And once they're in, they're yours.
Main PointsPinpoint the part of the writing world that energizes you the most and where you feel a natural affinity. When you define your niche, you are not merely focusing on the one thing that sets you apart or the thing that only you can do; rather, it is the specific area of interest or expertise that will allow you to deliver your best and most brilliant work.Create a portfolio that is unbeatable and shows your work. This can be hard but always remember to do what you must to make it your own. How you choose to show off your work is entirely up to you. Showcase your editing, writing, and proofreading skills—everything that you do, and everything that you're good at—in an almost visual manner; let potential clients see how you get things done and see what they might be able to get out of you.Create a powerful Internet presence using a well-planned website and a social media arena that's in full swing.Grow your opportunities through networking and collaborations with other writers and industry professionals.You can earn money with your writing in many ways. Some people work as freelance writers, taking on different projects for pay. Others become full-time authors, writing books and articles. Still, others make money by writing for the web, whether it's running their blog or writing for someone else's website. And, of course, many people combine these different writing paths to bring in multiple streams of income. But no matter how you earn your living, it's essential to have a money management system in place.
Become an online writer today!
Building a Strong PortfolioDeveloping a powerful collection of your work is a crucial step toward becoming a successful artist, as it is often the first impression that can make a major impact. More so, it is an expression and presentation of your skills, philosophy, and identity as an artist. Your portfolio is the key tool you have to persuade galleries that your powerful, attention-getting work is exactly what they need to exhibit. In many cases, it can make or break getting your foot in the door at an art institution (figuring out whether what's inside is "art" or not is still an issue for some people).The first thing to do to establish yourself in your writing career is to build a strong portfolio. This is not just a bunch of stuff in a binder. It is a thoughtfully selected, smartly assembled, powerfully attractive collection of your best work. More than simply lingering (as ridiculous as that sounds) it is a vital and living part of your writing life. It is what gets you most of your money—and it will also add immeasurably to your happiness.It is crucial to include not only the writing samples but also the references and testimonials that prove their worth. Furthermore, the huge benefits of digital publishing include easy access, minimal resource consumption, global reach, and immediate results. But perhaps the major advantage that our field has over the old print media monolith is the power of contemporary digital design to create fabulous first impressions. Your website or online portfolio should be a visual delight, efficiently organized, and able to deliver your samples right away. That's what I call the modern-day portfolio advantage.
Developing Your Online CharacterIn the 21st century, to be a writer who has a profitable career, an individual must possess a substantial online presence. That demands being productive on social media. Using only electronic resources, practice creating an authoritative presence and voice. Perform ethically but make sure to be visible. And "Visibility" requires a writer to learn the virtues of dynamic media. However one should not form the mistaken impression that using only a web environment is enough. A writer needs a good human publisher, as well as a solid "web"-based publisher.Another vital aspect of creating an online identity is to make a presence on social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are just a few of the many modern marvels available to students in this technological age. Just as with websites, the types of content shared on these platforms can help students build relationships and network in a way that was not possible before the advent of social media.Moreover, look into forming an email newsletter as another way to stay connected with the people who like your writing. Share your news with your followers.Also, think about trying your hand at guest posting on other blogs or websites to widen your audience. You'll benefit by finding more readers who enjoy your work, and that can lead to more and better-paid writing gigs down the road.When you're building an online presence, always ask yourself, "Am I finding the right kind of readers or just any old people who like to read stuff?" It's worth the time and effort to seek out the right kind of reader.
Become an online writer today!
Networking and CollaborationThe must-have writing career skill that nobody tells you about is networking. And by "networking," I don't mean going to conferences and exchanging business cards with everyone you meet—I mean forming true, deep relationships with your peers, the people who are doing exactly what you do. Because when you have those relationships, opportunities will come your way.To make networking work for you, make a point of connecting with other writers, editors, people in publishing, and anyone else in the industry who's willing. Follow them on social media. Attend virtual events where you're going to meet the kind of people you need and want to know. Come to the WFWA Agents and Editors Conference!Working with other authors or professionals in the field can lead to new opportunities for paid work and get your name out there. Elmore cautions, though, that teaming up for a writing project has to be a carefully considered move. "You can't answer that across the board," she says, because no two partnerships are the same. Some writing teams, for example, split all revenues from a project 50/50, while others divide the spoils depending on how much each contributed to the finished work. Nonetheless, meshing your talent with that of other wordsmiths can enable you to win meaty paid writing assignments—and do cool things with your work, like have it reprinted in anthologies or perform it live in front of an audience.
Monetizing Your Writing SkillsAfter you have set up your internet persona and created a solid body of work, you can then turn your writing into something of value. There are many ways to make a living as a writer. Some people freelance, working for individual clients or companies. Others make their money through content mills, which pay per piece or word. A few others self-publish on platforms like Amazon. In this article, we'll explore all these ways and more!Among the countless ways for writers to make money, freelance writing is by far the most prevalent. You can find freelance writers everywhere these days because of how online platforms and companies like Uber have opened up the gig-based economy. Content creation is another good way to make money as a writer. The world is full of brands and businesses that need high-quality, professional writing for their websites, marketing materials, and such.If you're a writer looking to make some money from your work, think about self-publishing. It's a viable way to pull in cash. Sure, it's not the "traditional" way of getting published. But it's also never been easier. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark are two of the big platforms folks use to share and sell their books, and they make the whole process pretty easy to navigate. … And yet there's more to it. You can also think about using your writing skills to offer coaching or to lead writing workshops. Nothing is unseemly about making money from your hard-earned knowledge, right?
Controlling Finances and TaxesWhen you first start getting paid for the work you've done as a writer, it's necessary to manage your money well and to know something about the tax rules for self-employed people. The reason is that the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities will consider you self-employed if you're not an employee of someone else. That label carries implications for how much you will owe Uncle Sam (and possibly the state) and how much you will be allowed to take home after your financial contributions to various forms of government are made.Moreover, establish a distinct banking account for your company's funds. This will allow you to maintain better control over the financial tracking of your writing activities. Separating your income and expenses from all the other stuff that happens in your life makes it easier to do your taxes and keep them low. And remember to pay those estimated taxes by the April 15 and September 15 due dates. You just don't want to tangle with the IRS. They're not very nice once they get into that audit frame of mind. Staying on top of your financials ensures that you're getting paid what you're owed and that you can pay your purveyor of the business supplies that allow you to continue doing business.
Become an online writer today!
Balancing Creativity and Business MindsetFinding a healthy middle ground between the creative process and maintaining a good business sense is crucial in today's world. Artists in all fields need to exercise this skill, regardless of whether they work for themselves or someone else. One challenge with this is that the two mindsets often feel very different. Artists may feel that thinking too much in terms of business will stop the creative flow, while people with a natural inclination toward business may feel that nurturing creativity will keep getting in their way.Transforming a hobby into a profitable writing career can be difficult, and creativity is at the very center. Any true writer must know that their first act of business is to use creative energy to adulterate the waters of a reader's mind. Writing as if a business is almost secondary; the profit and loss can come later after the words have been put down on the page, program, or painting itself. But the business side of things will not allow itself to be forgotten completely. It is necessary to develop your business mindset, and one must begin that development with the next strategic word decision.To establish the right equilibrium, first, set precise targets for your writing career and devise a plan on how to achieve them. This may involve specifying how much money you want to make, which clients or markets you want to tap, and what steps you will take to promote your work. Also, consider whether you need—and can afford—to develop any business skills. Can Creatives is an online platform that provides professional development services to creative professionals. To find out more, click here.To sum up, if you want to make a career out of writing, you must be dedicated to it and make a strategic plan. You need to be willing to adapt to the changes that are bound to come in the writing and publishing world. You must first determine what kind of writing you want to do and where it fits in the milieu of writing styles and genres. Then, you need to assemble a body of work that not only showcases your talent but also demonstrates to potential employers and partners the range of what you can do within your chosen niche. From there, you need to establish a solid web presence. While LinkedIn and Twitter are great places to start, you can also set up a blog that gives people who are interested in you and your work a bit more of an in-depth look at who you are and what makes you tick. At the same time, any use of social media should be done with judiciousness and in a way that keeps your brand in mind. Making friends and influencing people in the writing world is key, as is networking with professionals in other fields.
“I earn commissions from my sponsored links”
Main PointsPinpoint the part of the writing world that energizes you the most and where you feel a natural affinity. When you define your niche, you are not merely focusing on the one thing that sets you apart or the thing that only you can do; rather, it is the specific area of interest or expertise that will allow you to deliver your best and most brilliant work.Create a portfolio that is unbeatable and shows your work. This can be hard but always remember to do what you must to make it your own. How you choose to show off your work is entirely up to you. Showcase your editing, writing, and proofreading skills—everything that you do, and everything that you're good at—in an almost visual manner; let potential clients see how you get things done and see what they might be able to get out of you.Create a powerful Internet presence using a well-planned website and a social media arena that's in full swing.Grow your opportunities through networking and collaborations with other writers and industry professionals.You can earn money with your writing in many ways. Some people work as freelance writers, taking on different projects for pay. Others become full-time authors, writing books and articles. Still, others make money by writing for the web, whether it's running their blog or writing for someone else's website. And, of course, many people combine these different writing paths to bring in multiple streams of income. But no matter how you earn your living, it's essential to have a money management system in place.
Become an online writer today!
Building a Strong PortfolioDeveloping a powerful collection of your work is a crucial step toward becoming a successful artist, as it is often the first impression that can make a major impact. More so, it is an expression and presentation of your skills, philosophy, and identity as an artist. Your portfolio is the key tool you have to persuade galleries that your powerful, attention-getting work is exactly what they need to exhibit. In many cases, it can make or break getting your foot in the door at an art institution (figuring out whether what's inside is "art" or not is still an issue for some people).The first thing to do to establish yourself in your writing career is to build a strong portfolio. This is not just a bunch of stuff in a binder. It is a thoughtfully selected, smartly assembled, powerfully attractive collection of your best work. More than simply lingering (as ridiculous as that sounds) it is a vital and living part of your writing life. It is what gets you most of your money—and it will also add immeasurably to your happiness.It is crucial to include not only the writing samples but also the references and testimonials that prove their worth. Furthermore, the huge benefits of digital publishing include easy access, minimal resource consumption, global reach, and immediate results. But perhaps the major advantage that our field has over the old print media monolith is the power of contemporary digital design to create fabulous first impressions. Your website or online portfolio should be a visual delight, efficiently organized, and able to deliver your samples right away. That's what I call the modern-day portfolio advantage.
Developing Your Online CharacterIn the 21st century, to be a writer who has a profitable career, an individual must possess a substantial online presence. That demands being productive on social media. Using only electronic resources, practice creating an authoritative presence and voice. Perform ethically but make sure to be visible. And "Visibility" requires a writer to learn the virtues of dynamic media. However one should not form the mistaken impression that using only a web environment is enough. A writer needs a good human publisher, as well as a solid "web"-based publisher.Another vital aspect of creating an online identity is to make a presence on social media. LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are just a few of the many modern marvels available to students in this technological age. Just as with websites, the types of content shared on these platforms can help students build relationships and network in a way that was not possible before the advent of social media.Moreover, look into forming an email newsletter as another way to stay connected with the people who like your writing. Share your news with your followers.Also, think about trying your hand at guest posting on other blogs or websites to widen your audience. You'll benefit by finding more readers who enjoy your work, and that can lead to more and better-paid writing gigs down the road.When you're building an online presence, always ask yourself, "Am I finding the right kind of readers or just any old people who like to read stuff?" It's worth the time and effort to seek out the right kind of reader.
Become an online writer today!
Networking and CollaborationThe must-have writing career skill that nobody tells you about is networking. And by "networking," I don't mean going to conferences and exchanging business cards with everyone you meet—I mean forming true, deep relationships with your peers, the people who are doing exactly what you do. Because when you have those relationships, opportunities will come your way.To make networking work for you, make a point of connecting with other writers, editors, people in publishing, and anyone else in the industry who's willing. Follow them on social media. Attend virtual events where you're going to meet the kind of people you need and want to know. Come to the WFWA Agents and Editors Conference!Working with other authors or professionals in the field can lead to new opportunities for paid work and get your name out there. Elmore cautions, though, that teaming up for a writing project has to be a carefully considered move. "You can't answer that across the board," she says, because no two partnerships are the same. Some writing teams, for example, split all revenues from a project 50/50, while others divide the spoils depending on how much each contributed to the finished work. Nonetheless, meshing your talent with that of other wordsmiths can enable you to win meaty paid writing assignments—and do cool things with your work, like have it reprinted in anthologies or perform it live in front of an audience.
Monetizing Your Writing SkillsAfter you have set up your internet persona and created a solid body of work, you can then turn your writing into something of value. There are many ways to make a living as a writer. Some people freelance, working for individual clients or companies. Others make their money through content mills, which pay per piece or word. A few others self-publish on platforms like Amazon. In this article, we'll explore all these ways and more!Among the countless ways for writers to make money, freelance writing is by far the most prevalent. You can find freelance writers everywhere these days because of how online platforms and companies like Uber have opened up the gig-based economy. Content creation is another good way to make money as a writer. The world is full of brands and businesses that need high-quality, professional writing for their websites, marketing materials, and such.If you're a writer looking to make some money from your work, think about self-publishing. It's a viable way to pull in cash. Sure, it's not the "traditional" way of getting published. But it's also never been easier. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and IngramSpark are two of the big platforms folks use to share and sell their books, and they make the whole process pretty easy to navigate. … And yet there's more to it. You can also think about using your writing skills to offer coaching or to lead writing workshops. Nothing is unseemly about making money from your hard-earned knowledge, right?
Controlling Finances and TaxesWhen you first start getting paid for the work you've done as a writer, it's necessary to manage your money well and to know something about the tax rules for self-employed people. The reason is that the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities will consider you self-employed if you're not an employee of someone else. That label carries implications for how much you will owe Uncle Sam (and possibly the state) and how much you will be allowed to take home after your financial contributions to various forms of government are made.Moreover, establish a distinct banking account for your company's funds. This will allow you to maintain better control over the financial tracking of your writing activities. Separating your income and expenses from all the other stuff that happens in your life makes it easier to do your taxes and keep them low. And remember to pay those estimated taxes by the April 15 and September 15 due dates. You just don't want to tangle with the IRS. They're not very nice once they get into that audit frame of mind. Staying on top of your financials ensures that you're getting paid what you're owed and that you can pay your purveyor of the business supplies that allow you to continue doing business.
Become an online writer today!
Balancing Creativity and Business MindsetFinding a healthy middle ground between the creative process and maintaining a good business sense is crucial in today's world. Artists in all fields need to exercise this skill, regardless of whether they work for themselves or someone else. One challenge with this is that the two mindsets often feel very different. Artists may feel that thinking too much in terms of business will stop the creative flow, while people with a natural inclination toward business may feel that nurturing creativity will keep getting in their way.Transforming a hobby into a profitable writing career can be difficult, and creativity is at the very center. Any true writer must know that their first act of business is to use creative energy to adulterate the waters of a reader's mind. Writing as if a business is almost secondary; the profit and loss can come later after the words have been put down on the page, program, or painting itself. But the business side of things will not allow itself to be forgotten completely. It is necessary to develop your business mindset, and one must begin that development with the next strategic word decision.To establish the right equilibrium, first, set precise targets for your writing career and devise a plan on how to achieve them. This may involve specifying how much money you want to make, which clients or markets you want to tap, and what steps you will take to promote your work. Also, consider whether you need—and can afford—to develop any business skills. Can Creatives is an online platform that provides professional development services to creative professionals. To find out more, click here.To sum up, if you want to make a career out of writing, you must be dedicated to it and make a strategic plan. You need to be willing to adapt to the changes that are bound to come in the writing and publishing world. You must first determine what kind of writing you want to do and where it fits in the milieu of writing styles and genres. Then, you need to assemble a body of work that not only showcases your talent but also demonstrates to potential employers and partners the range of what you can do within your chosen niche. From there, you need to establish a solid web presence. While LinkedIn and Twitter are great places to start, you can also set up a blog that gives people who are interested in you and your work a bit more of an in-depth look at who you are and what makes you tick. At the same time, any use of social media should be done with judiciousness and in a way that keeps your brand in mind. Making friends and influencing people in the writing world is key, as is networking with professionals in other fields.
“I earn commissions from my sponsored links”
Emma Kelly
Freelance/Financial Blogger | Affiliate Marketer, PathZen Ventures