Getting paid to do what you love may not seem like a dream come true, but for many the novel idea of earning money from writing is an exciting prospect.
For those who have always dreamed of being able to write their novel, or screenplay, a golden opportunity awaits. More and more people are discovering the exciting world of making money from writing, and many are following suit to test the waters.
So how exactly do writers make money? What is the best way to get started? Which industries offer the greatest potential? How can writers succeed in today’s market?
The Industry
The movie industry stands as a testament to the power of the written word. From Shakespeare to Tarantulas, the film industry has never been more reliant on the skills of its writers.
Today, TV shows and films are shot on computers using software such as Final Cut Pro (FCP) and IndiGenius, which respectively provide the video and audio editing capabilities needed to bring any story to life. The video editing platforms offer a variety of features, such as titles and transitions, which allow for sophisticated and creative storytelling that was once reserved only for film school graduates.
The Rise Of Indiesuccess
If you’re a screenwriter or novelist, you will undoubtedly be familiar with the IndieSuccess story. Launched in 2011, the website provides a platform for both emerging and established writers to showcase their work, interact with potential readers and establish themselves as brand name authors.
The platform offers a wide variety of services, from writing exercises to brand marketing and editing, that enable authors to build their brand and grow their audience. The website boasts over 150,000 verified users who have invested in the service to receive writing advice and tips from established authors across a range of genres.
The Future Of Authorship
With the ever-increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives, the world of authorship is also evolving to keep up with the times. Platforms like IndieSuccess offer an e-books-on-demand service, enabling writers to maintain control of their work while also reaching new audiences. Streaming services such as Apple TV+, which boasts some of the most prominent writers in the industry, including Quentin Tarantul, Barry, and Teehan Logan, offer authors a new way to engage with readers. The future of authorship looks very positive as platforms and e-books allow for greater reach and engagement with potential audiences.
The Top Ways to Make Money as a Writer
Whether you’ve been dreaming of being a writer for years or are just now discovering the world of being paid to write, there are more than a few ways to make money as a writer. From online businesses that can be started from the comfort of your home to establishing yourself as an accredited literary agent, these are some of the best ways to make money as a writer.
Writing Exercises For Fun And Profit
If you’re looking to make some extra cash, why not try your hand at creating fiction? There are numerous writing exercises where you can practice your craft and possibly earn some cash along the way. You can take part in online competitions, such as the prestigious Scribbler competitions, to earn money for your entries. Winning one of these contests not only earns you money, it also gives you the platform to showcase your work and potentially establish yourself as a short-story or novel author.
The same goes for essay competitions. Many fictional novelists and screenwriters earn enough money from their creative writing practice to cover their expenses, let alone make a profit. You might choose to take part in a writing competition to fulfill your creative desires and possibly establish yourself as a brand name author.
Making Money As An Agent
An agent’s job is to find the right agent for his clients. In other words, an agent represents the interests of authors and negotiates the terms of writing contracts with publishers. In turn, the author’s duties include delivering on promises made in the contract and maintaining professional relationships with their publisher.
A literary agent’s responsibility is to manage the business side of a writer’s life, so if you’re looking to get started, go with a traditional agency with worldwide networks of publishers who can get you signed up right away.
Starting A Blog
Blogs are a fantastic way to establish yourself as an “expert” in your chosen field. With the right niche and recurring theme, you can definitely build a profitable blog. Established authors with large followings, including Lee Harrison, Michael Morgan, and Rachel Cane, have made a profitable living off their blogs, which they use to share their expertise and inform readers of new developments in their field.
Not only do blogs allow you to build a platform, they can also be used to establish yourself as a thought leader in your chosen field. Being an author with a platform affords you exceptional reach to communicate with others in your industry.
Signing A Book Contract
Once you have a platform, you can start selling your books to magazines, online stores, and even national chain stores. While this is an established way to make money as a writer, it not for everyone. If you want to make a quick cash grab and don’t want to commit to a book contract, you can look into aggressively marketing your short stories and novels on social media platforms like Twitter.
Self-Publishing
If none of the other options seem to fit your circumstances, you might want to consider self-publishing. With self-publishing, you essentially use a publishing house to print your book, but you retain the rights to your work and are responsible for its editing, marketing, and distribution. Self-publishing not only enables you to retain the rights to your work, but you can also choose the print-on-demand publishing model, which makes your work available for individuals worldwide to purchase on demand. This is a very popular option among both authors and readers, as it provides an easy way to get a book when you need it and convenient for those who want to read.
The Benefits Of Being A Freelancer
Being a freelancer offers a wide range of benefits, not just financial. You have the freedom to work when and wherever you please, and you set your own hours. Being a freelancer also allows you to establish and maintain a professional and business-like relationship with your clients. Lastly, as a freelancer, you are in complete control of your workload. No matter how much or how little work you get, you are completely responsible for managing your own time efficiently.
Final Takeaway
Getting paid to do what you love may not seem like a dream come true, but for many, the idea of being able to write their novel, or screenplay, is an exciting prospect. Today, more and more people are discovering the exciting world of making money from writing, and many are following suit to test the waters. So how exactly do writers make money? What is the best way to get started? Which industries offer the greatest potential? How can writers succeed in today’s market? With the ever-increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of our lives, the world of authorship is also evolving to keep up with the times. There are numerous ways to make money as a writer, from online businesses that can be started from the comfort of your home to establishing yourself as an accredited literary agent, these are some of the best ways to make money as a writer.