How to Make Money as a Creative Writer
Cover of my first book, “Growing Pains”
Let’s be honest, no one goes into writing for the money.
You become a writer out of a passion for the craft. However, as you get older and you start having bills to pay, you start to wonder if you can actually make money as a creative writer.
It’s not necessarily the easiest thing in the world, but it’s very much possible.
Lucky for you, in today's digital age, the opportunities for creative writers to monetize their talents are more abundant than ever. I’ve used the internet, social media, and freelance job sites to become a freelance creative writer, who is actually making money.
You don’t need to rely on magazines, journals, or editors any longer. You can run your own operation and make money writing about what you want.
From penning novels to crafting compelling online content, the world is your oyster if you know where to look.
What is Creative Writing?
Oxford Dictionary defines creative writing as “writing, typically fiction or poetry, which displays imagination or invention (often contrasted with academic or journalistic writing).”.
It is an unstructured art form that extends beyond the scope of traditional writing. It’s a medium that allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, and emotions with the world.
Typically, creative writing is an umbrella term used for any original and imaginative works of literature, poetry, prose, or scripts. The process encourages writers to break free from conventional writing and explore grammar, language, and structure.
Understanding the Creative Writing Landscape
So, what exactly falls under the umbrella of creative writing?
Creative writing is more than just scribbling poetry in your notes app or drafting up a YA fiction novel on Wattpad (both of which I’ve done).
It spans across a myriad of genres and mediums – from crafting engaging blog posts to scripting video games.
Understanding the breadth of this field is your first step in carving out a niche for yourself based on your interests and skills. And the beautiful thing about the internet is that there is a niche for everyone, and I do mean everyone!
Building Your Skills
However, before you can start raking in the dough, you'll need to sharpen your writing tools.
If you’re just starting, the world of creative writing can seem daunting and scary. How do you become a writer worth paying for? How do you go from writing in your journal to having someone pay you for your work?
It goes without saying, but practice makes perfect, and there are numerous ways to improve your craft outside of pursuing a creative writing degree or attending an artist residency (but maybe I’m just jealous that I haven’t gotten to do either).
There are plenty of resources online to help you hone your skills, including creative writing courses (both free and paid), writer workshops, YouTube courses, and more.
The best way to start is by writing something every single day. Every piece you write will polish your skills a bit more and prepare you for the competitive world of creative writing.
Photo credit: fragilehumansouls_Tumblr
Finding Creative Writer Jobs
You’ve taken some time to hone your skills and are confident in your ability as a writer.
Great! But now, where do you find these elusive creative writer jobs?
Well my aspiring writers, the internet is your best friend.
There are many job boards designed specifically for writers, like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs, and Writers Work.
You can also sign up for newsletters that put together a weekly list of writing gigs for journalists, creative writers, and copywriters.
Don't overlook the power of social media either – platforms like LinkedIn, and Facebook groups, can be goldmines for networking and job opportunities.
Freelancing as a Creative Writer
Most of the time writers end up working freelance, due to the flexibility and the ability to work on several projects of interest at once (and also because in-house writers don’t always get the best salary).
Freelancing is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the world of creative writing and figure out if it’s for you.
First things first, to start as a freelance creative writer you need a portfolio. Put together a writing portfolio of 3-5 of your best pieces. They don’t need to be previously published anywhere, they just need to be work you’re proud of.
Platforms like Upwork, Contra, and Fiverr can be great for finding your first few gigs. From there, you’ll be surprised how many clients you can get just from word of mouth!
Remember, you may get a lot more “no’s” than “yes’s” at the beginning. It’s important to not let that discourage you - it just comes with the territory of a freelancer.
Monetizing Your Writing
Beyond freelancing, there are many other avenues you can explore to become a creative writer who makes money.
You can self-publish a novel, or perhaps write thought-provoking articles for online magazines.
Look into writing contests as well – some of them offer substantial cash prizes that can help keep you afloat while you build up your client roster.
The Power of Networking for Creatives
In the realm of creative writing, and really any creative pursuit, who you know can be just as important as what you know.
Follow editors on Twitter, connect with other writers, join writing groups, and participate in online forums.
These connections can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, and invaluable advice.
Balancing Creativity and Business
As you enter the world of creative writing, it's important to remember that you must find a balance between your creative expression and the practical aspects of making money.
Set realistic goals, manage your time effectively, and don't be discouraged by rejection – it's all part of the game.
Remember, at the end of the day, your unique voice and creativity are your greatest assets.
Embarking on a journey to make money as a creative writer is both exhilarating and challenging. But with the right skills, persistence, and a bit of networking, you can turn your passion for writing into a full-blown career.
As a creative, it can be difficult to navigate passion practically, but being your own boss and getting to work on projects that inspire and motivate you is worth the hard work!