Being a creative writer is a path of passion, imagination, and self-expression. However, the question that most aspiring writers start with is, “How the heck am I going to make a living writing?” While many romantics will tell you the life of a ‘real’ creative writer should be one of pain and suffering, the truth is very different.
There are realistic ways for creative writers to monetise their talents and thrive as artistic entrepreneurs. With talent and resourcefulness, budding creative writers can earn a living doing what they love. Here are three realistic ways to make money as a creative writer:
Freelance SEO Writing
Most creative writers have portfolios of work they have poured their heart and soul into, which is excellent. Still, if you want to offer your services as a writer for hire, you should also consider displaying writing showing you can work to a brief and adhere to SEO standards.
High-quality content is crucial to a lot of companies’ online presence. Freelance SEO writing offers a plethora of opportunities to work with paying clients from diverse industries. Once you show the ability to create engaging and easy-to-digest work with an understanding of how SEO and social media work, your services will be in demand.
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are great platforms to find freelance writing gigs but are best used as a first step or ways to build your portfolio (jobs are highly competitive, and the pay rates aren’t great). Once you have a portfolio of relevant work, it’s then better to advertise locally or use LinkedIn.
Create and Sell E-books
In the digital age, self-publishing is easier than ever. Write your own stories, novels, or poetry collections and publish them as e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle and Apple Books. Effective marketing and engagement with your readers can help build a loyal audience and generate a steady income from your literary creations.
What sets e-book publishing apart from many other writing ventures, such as SEO or freelance blogging, is the unparalleled autonomy it offers. No longer are you tethered to specific client demands or trending keywords. Your canvas is truly yours. Such freedom often unearths a writer’s innate passion, allowing for a more organic and compelling narrative.
To maximise success, it’s beneficial to delve into a niche where you hold expertise. This ensures authenticity, giving readers a genuine slice of knowledge or a fresh narrative perspective. Adopting innovative and playful marketing strategies can amplify your reach. From captivating book covers to interactive reader forums, explore diverse avenues to create a buzz around your e-book, making it a sought-after digital gem.
Write on Medium
Medium is a unique opportunity for writers to voice their ideas, stories, and insights. Launched in 2012, this platform bridges the gap between traditional blogging and professional journalism, allowing writers, whether amateur or professional, to find and build their audience.
One of Medium’s distinct features is its Partner Program. Through this, writers can earn money based on the engagement and reading time their articles receive. The more resonant and captivating your content, the higher the potential earnings. This model empowers writers to prioritise quality over clickbait, fostering a community deeply rooted in meaningful discourse.
While it can be hard to get those first followers, Medium’s ecosystem is brimming with publications catering to countless niches which accept submissions. From tech and literature to personal growth and travel, writers can submit their pieces to these publications, amplifying their reach and tapping into an already-established audience.
Writing on Medium is more than just penning down thoughts; it’s about being part of a community that values depth and authentic storytelling. For creative writers, it offers both a space to hone their craft and an avenue to earn from it, making it an enticing platform to explore and invest time in.
