Most of us have a natural affinity for writing. We enjoy crafting compelling narratives that compel readers to act or think in certain ways. However, the question of how to get paid for writing remains. The following outlines some of the techniques and provides an insight into the industry. It also briefly touches on whether or not you should expect to be paid for writing an essay.
The Benefits Of Having A Rich Narrative
Writing a compelling piece that keeps your readers hooked can, on occasion, lead you to cash in hand. Naturally, the scope and depth of the narrative you write will determine your earning potential. Short stories and flash fictions typically publish within days of being completed and can be picked up for a quick buck. However, unless you’re willing to accept substandard payment, it’s best to aim for longer pieces. There are several benefits to having a rich narrative.
Longer Pieces = More Payment
If you can pull off a lengthy piece that keeps your reader intrigued and interested, you’re more likely to earn a decent living from your writing. For longer articles, you’ll generally need to secure the services of an editor to polish your work and ensure that your writing style is consistent throughout. If you’re lucky enough to be able to publish your work independently, the benefits of length should make up for the added costs and time involved with self-editing.
Independence
If you’ve got a flair for writing and can put pen to paper without needing too much editing, you’re more than likely to be able to find freelance work. Depending on your skillset and experience, you can potentially get paid to do something as diverse as churn out articles for educational websites or blogs or even create your own digital magazine. Naturally, the independence that comes with being your own boss and being able to set your own schedule is appealing.
More Engagement
Let’s face it; we’re all largely focused on the here and now. However, creating something out of nothing but immediate thoughts and feelings can lead to some interesting experiments in the narrative realm. As a result, you may well find that your work is more engaging and interesting to read because it’s a reflection of your personal experiences as opposed to something that’s been ‘tried and tested’. Having a rich source of content to pull on can provide the material for some fascinating stories. Just remember to be very selective about the content that you use and ensure that you always give full credit where it’s due.
More Readers = More MONEY
The more people that you can engage with your work, the more people that will likely be interested in reading what you’ve got to say. Additionally, making your work available to as many people as possible will increase your ability to monetise your efforts. Platforms like Google Adsense make it easier than ever for bloggers to monetise their content, and the benefits are quite staggering. You won’t make a lot of money from Adsense alone, but the potential to earn some commission is there if you can get the right kind of article.
More Exposure
If you can get your work published in top tier publications, you’ll increase your chances of getting the right kind of exposure. Naturally, the more exposure you get, the more opportunities you’ll have to monetise your work. Platforms like Google Adsense make it easier than ever for bloggers to get their work published in reputable publications and subsequently earn revenue from the articles they write. While getting published in a top tier journal isn’t easy, it’s definitely achievable.
More Ways To Make Money
There are several ways that you can make money beyond the scope of this article, but the key is to find something that you enjoy doing and can see yourself going through with some regularity. If you have a specific skill that you can put to use, you can potentially find paid work in a range of areas. From proof-reading and copy-editing to transcription and data entry, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find work that you can see yourself doing. The main thing is to establish yourself as an expert in your field and be able to demonstrate this consistently via your online persona.
An expertly edited, well-written narrative can do wonders for your personal brand and certainly doesn’t hurt your chances of finding freelance work. Similarly, establishing yourself as an authoritative voice in your field and consistently churning out high-quality content will win you many admirers and earn you a living from your writing.
The Risks Of Being Vague
Indulge your inner narrative cravings for a moment and imagine that you’ve got a brilliant concept for a story. You’ve managed to engineer a conflict of interest, tax loophole or social issue that you feel compelled to report on. Your idea for a story is so strong that you can’t help but dive right in and begin researching and drafting your piece. This is the perfect scenario, right? Unfortunately, it can also be the source of all your problems. When you lack sufficient detail, your reader will have no idea what you’re talking about, and you’ll struggle to persuade them to continue reading. Sometimes, a good story can be inspired by something as simple as a news report or a magazine article you come across in a bookstore. However, the difference between inspiration and good execution is significant. To ensure that you retain adequate control over the narrative and don’t find yourself overly influenced by your surroundings, be as detailed as possible when you begin your process. Use quotes and specifics whenever possible. Without sufficient detail, your reader will feel as though they’ve been thrown into the deep end without any life vests, and it’s your responsibility to save them!
Contracting
So you’ve written your brilliant story and published it on a blog. Your job now is to promote and monetise your content. There are several options available to you, from selling and advertising your own work to using affiliate marketing to generate a commission from sales of relevant products or services. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but just remember: the more you promote, the more you’ll generate. When it comes to making money from your writing, it’s all about finding the right partner.