What Kind of Writing Makes You Money?
Make money on the internet with creative writing, technical writing, and blog content. You can finally fund your expensive taste!
The rumours are true, you can actually make money off your writing, who knew?!
Dreaming of the sweet freelance life (please be prepared for chaos and confusion)? Want to turn your passion for words into a profitable career? You can do it, but there isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme.
Let me take you through the myriad ways you can make money writing, from unleashing your creative flair to mastering the art of technical writing.
Understanding the Writing Landscape
The Demand for Diverse Writing Skills
Today's writing landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic, and with the addition of the internet, it’s never been easier to find opportunities.
There is always a need for writing talent, and jobs abound for those skilled in different writing styles. Whether you're crafting captivating stories, informative articles, or persuasive copy, there's a demand for your unique voice.
Each avenue you can take opens different doors to financial success. It’s worth considering your strengths and playing into them.
Navigating the Digital Age
With the rise of digital media has revolutionized writing there are more mediums than ever.
E-books, blogs, and online publications offer new platforms for writers to share their work and reach global audiences. Understanding how to find and navigate these platforms is key to turning your writing into a profitable venture.
I’m going to keep it real though, no matter how passionate about writing you are, you also need to make a living. Not every piece of work you produce is going to be epic. You might take jobs that don’t “fulfil” you. That’s okay. Making money off something you like to do doesn’t mean you’ll like everything about it.
It can also be a hard industry to break into. I don’t want to discourage you but warn you. It’s extremely rewarding making money online, it offers a lot of freedom; it also takes long hours and stress.
So, How Can You Make Money Online By Writing?
Creative Writing
Are you a fiction or poetry writer? Do you have enough poems for a collection? Or maybe a few stories collecting dust?
The good news is, it turns out that creative writing is not just an art; it's a viable way to earn.
There’s a thriving world of literary magazines and online platforms where creative work is valued and paid for. You just need to know where to look for them. Consider signing up for a newsletter dedicated to sharing writing opportunities.
Here are 4 ways you can sell your creative writing on the internet:
Publishing Novels
Traditional Publishing: Find a literary agent to represent you and pitch your novel to large publishing houses. Research agents who specialize in your genre, and prepare a compelling query letter and manuscript. This route can be competitive and time-consuming, but it offers the advantage of established distribution channels and marketing support.
Self-Publishing: Thanks to platforms like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), self-publishing has become a popular and viable option. It gives you complete control over the publishing process, from cover design to pricing. There are a ton of great options out there, do your research and figure out which is best for you. However, be prepared to handle all aspects of publishing, including marketing and distribution.
Short Stories and Flash Fiction
Literary Magazines and Journals: Many magazines and journals pay for short stories and flash fiction. Research publications that align with your style and theme, and follow their submission guidelines carefully. Websites like Duotrope and The Submission Grinder can help you track submissions and find suitable markets.
Writing Competitions: Participating in writing competitions can be a lucrative way to gain recognition and earn money. Some contests offer substantial cash prizes and the chance to be published in anthologies or online platforms. Ensure you’re aware of any entry fees and read the terms and conditions regarding rights to your work.
Poetry
Poetry Submissions: Similar to short stories, many literary magazines and journals are open to poetry submissions and offer payment for accepted pieces. Look for poetry-specific publications or general literary magazines that include poetry.
Poetry Contests: Entering poetry contests can be a rewarding way to gain exposure and earn prize money. Additionally, winning or being shortlisted in such contests can add to your credibility as a poet.
Self-Publishing Poetry Collections: If you have a collection of poems, consider self-publishing it as a book. I published my first book Growing Pains back in 2022 and although it was a whirlwind of an experience, it was a pretty big milestone. While poetry can be a bit of a niche market, if you market yourself you can find your audience. Make sure you promote your book on social media platforms and poetry readings.
Online Platforms and Digital Publishing
Blogging: Start a blog to share your stories or poems. Once you build a substantial following, you can monetize your blog through ads, sponsored posts, or memberships.
E-books and Digital Downloads: Compiling your stories or poems into an e-book is another way to reach readers. E-books can be sold on various platforms, including your website, offering you a wider audience and direct revenue.
Technical Writing
Technical writing is a goldmine for those who can simplify complex concepts. This isn’t for everyone, however, if you have a background in science, healthcare, law, business, etc. you can make some money with the knowledge you already know!
Let’s look a bit closer into the scary, but ludicrous niche.
Understanding Technical Writing
Defining the Role: Technical writers create instructional guides, manuals, journal articles, and other documents that explain complex information in an accessible manner. This could range from software user guides to scientific papers.
Skills Required: Apart from strong writing skills, technical writers need an ability to understand and articulate complex concepts, attention to detail, and often, a basic knowledge of the industry they're writing for.
Breaking into the Tech Industry
Industry Needs: The technology sector constantly evolves, creating a high demand for technical writers who can articulate the use and function of new software, hardware, and systems.
Getting Started: Gain familiarity with common software and hardware terminology. Online courses in technical writing or specific technologies can be beneficial. Building a portfolio with sample documents, such as how-to guides or FAQ sections, can demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
Technical Writing Opportunities in the Science Field
Role in Science: In science, technical writers help communicate research findings, create scientific educational material, and draft technical papers for journals.
Pathway to Entry: A background in a scientific field can be advantageous and helpful, or you might spend a lot of time researching. Engaging with scientific communities, attending seminars, and staying abreast of current research can provide a deeper understanding and connection to potential writing opportunities. LinkedIn is usually a good place to start.
Blog Writing
One of my favs! The It Girls have been blogging. Plus, I have a feeling that blogging will be making a huge come back in 2024.
Regardless, blogging has evolved beyond a personal hobby. You can actually fund your expensive taste with it!
Take your audience global and share your ideas with the world.
How To Make A Successful Blog
The success of a blog hinges on understanding and catering to the interests of its audience, maintaining a consistent schedule of high-quality and diverse content, and employing effective SEO strategies to boost visibility.
It doesn’t always sound so cool, but it’s important to be strategic when starting a blog if you’re in it for the long haul and hope to make money off it.
Promote your blog content on your social media platforms to urge your friends and followers to read your content. Although you don’t need a prior audience to start, it does help!
Monetizing A Blog
Monetizing a blog involves several strategies like affiliate marketing, where bloggers earn commissions for promoting products; sponsored content, which involves partnerships with brands for product promotion; and displaying ads through platforms like Google AdSense.
Also, most bloggers can capitalize on their platform by selling digital products or services, such as e-books, online courses, or consulting services. Engagement with the community is crucial, with activities like responding to reader comments and collaborating with other bloggers or influencers helping to build a loyal following and expand reach.
The journey as a writer is never easy, but it is worth it. With dedication, skill, and a bit of caffeine-fueled effort, you can forge a successful career and buy a new pair of Tabis.