A question many people ask themselves is, “How can I become a full-time writer?” The pay isn’t great and it can take a long time to get to where you’re supposed to go. There’s a lot of competition as well.
To answer this question, we will explore how much money a writer makes from home and what it takes to become a full-time, independent writer.
The Median Income for Writers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income for literary and media professionals was $34,780 in 2018. This was a 3.4% increase from the previous year and more than $22,000 above the national average. It is important to know that this figure does not include freelance work or part-time earnings. Additionally, the median income for writers in this economy was 4.3% below what it was in 2014.
Overall, the demand for skilled writers appears to be increasing as other industries suffer. Between 2006 and 2016, the number of jobs available for creative writers increased by 23%. At the same time, the number of unemployed writers decreased by 13%.
Now is an excellent time to be a writer. Although the pay isn’t great, it’s not bad for those who can negotiate or do multiple gigs. For younger writers, the future looks even rosier as many traditional publishers have resorted to digital-first publishing. This has made it easier for new writers to get their work out there and for more established writers to make money online.
The Rise of Online Publishing
In the past, the majority of books were either picked up by a publisher or went through a traditional literary review process. Today, this model is no longer necessary since technology makes it easy for anyone to become a publisher and get their work out there.
This has led to a massive shift in the way literature is distributed and consumed, even changing the way people find jobs. If you’re looking for a new challenge, consider exploring the world of freelance writing or even starting your own blog. You can use platforms like Hootsuite, Squared or Buzzsumo to find potential clients and gain experience.
The Perks Of Working From Home
Many people enjoy the freedom and flexibility working from home brings. If you’re a writer who loves getting their work out there and being able to set their own schedule, this job could be for you.
One of the biggest perks of working from home is being able to set your own hours. If you want to write but don’t have the time during the week, you can set your alarm a little early in the morning so you can have some written content by the time your clients come knocking on your door.
Additionally, remote work allows you to set your own goals and achieve them. If you want to create a full-time income stream from writing, consider setting a weekly word count goal and working towards it. If you’re able to attain this goal, you’ll be able to charge your clients more because you’ll have more content to sell.
Choosing The Right Career
When exploring potential careers, it’s important to consider your interests and strengths. If you’re a confident and organized person who likes to get things done, consider becoming an engineer or a programmer. These are some of the most in-demand jobs and the pay is fantastic. You won’t get bored easily working in technology since it is constantly changing.
If you’re more of a writer at heart, you could consider doing freelance marketing or sales for an e-commerce store. The advantage of this career is that you’ll get to write every day, which is something most writers enjoy. Additionally, you’ll get to test products and see how customers interact with your online content. This is a great way to gain experience while helping others succeed.
What Do You Need To Become A Full-time Writer?
Although many people love the idea of becoming a full-time writer, it isn’t something easily accomplished. First, you need to determine how much you need to make a living. It’s definitely not enough to just write – you’ll also need to consider your expenses, such as rent or mortgage, utilities, health insurance, etc.
To become a full-time writer, you first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field of literature or mass communication. Some advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree in journalism, help as well.
If you’re fortunate enough to live with your parents, you no longer have to pay for your living expenses. If this is the case, consider moving out of your parents’ home and into your own place. This will help you save money for your writing career and give you greater freedom. You could also consider getting a roommate and becoming friends with your housemates. It’s often beneficial to have fellow writers living with you, as you’ll be able to bounce ideas off of one another and get feedback faster than you could from a non-writing housemate.
Most importantly, you need to have the courage to pursue your dream. If you’re unsure of yourself and your capabilities, it can be difficult to move forward. However, if you believe in yourself and your talent, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle. Additionally, if you’re dedicated and determined enough, you can become a full-time writer. Just write every day and don’t be afraid to put in the hard work.