Writing

How to Make Money from Writing: Realistic Tips, Ideas, and Resources

It took me almost three years to start making enough money to be able to focus solely on my writing work, and even then, it took me another two years before I started to make a very comfortable living. There are many things I wish I had known back then that I know now, which would have allowed me to save a lot of time and progress much faster. Fortunately, I had a lot of patience and passion and stuck with it.

If you are journeying to become a full-time (and well-paid) writer, making actual, real-life money from your writing can seem like a distant fantasy. However, you can turn that dream into a reality with dedication, hard work, and the right resources. Let me share realistic tips, ideas, and resources that should help you plot your route to a successful writing career.

Define your niche and target market

You lose value if you are too broad and general in your writing. Boasting your ability to write on all kinds of topics may seem positive, but it’s often not; a magazine about cars doesn’t want a writer able to write on the topic; they want someone obsessed with it.

Focus on a specific niche that aligns with your expertise and interests. Research market demand and identify your target audience. By understanding your niche, you can tailor your writing services to meet the needs of your ideal clients and increase your chances of success.

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Develop a range of writing skills

While focusing on one niche is advised, focusing on one format isn’t. Expand your writing skills to include various styles and formats, such as blog posts, articles, copywriting, or technical writing.

This versatility will make you more marketable and increase your earning potential. Being knowledgeable and experienced in writing on two or three topics while being able to produce writing across several formats will soon make you a highly employable writer.

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Create an online portfolio

Once you have the knowledge and skills, you’ll need to showcase it. As a writer, there’s no better way to show what you can do than create a clean and high-quality online portfolio. There are several platforms and WordPress themes specifically designed for writing portfolios; take the time to find the one which best suits your work, style, and niche.

An online portfolio makes it quick and easy to showcase your work to potential clients and businesses. Include diverse examples that highlight your expertise in your niche and demonstrate your versatility.

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Show your availability and set job alerts

If you have a strong portfolio showcasing your ability and versatility within your niche, it’s time to put yourself out there. As a writer, you don’t just need to search for the perfect job; you have to put yourself out there and help the perfect jobs find you. Fortunately, today there are several popular employment platforms which will allow you to highlight your experience and talents and promote your availability.

Once you have set up detailed profiles on sites such as LinkedIn and Indeed, you should also set job alerts. In today’s market, writing jobs can be in high demand, and roles can be filled within a few days. Make sure you have daily email alerts sending you all the latest suitable vacancies, and be ready to hit the apply button when those ideal roles reveal themselves.

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Network and build relationships

Next, you should consider networking to showcase your abilities further and make vital connections. By actively participating in networking events, engaging on social media platforms, and joining writing groups, you create a web of connections with fellow writers, editors, and potential clients, enhancing your visibility and credibility in the field.

Building relationships with those already in the industry is instrumental in unearthing writing opportunities. As you foster trust and rapport with your network, you open doors to potential projects, referrals, and collaborations.

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Consider freelance and guest posts

I’ve never been a big fan of freelancer writing platforms, as they create an unfair bidding system which undervalues writers and their work. However, I can’t deny that they are a solid source of writing opportunities and a great way of honing your skills and learning to work to guidelines and deadlines.

Writing guest posts for reputable websites in your niche can also be a great way to gain experience and exposure. Most guest posts will be unpaid, but the opportunity to have your work published can only help boost your portfolio.

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Keep learning and improving your craft

Don’t sit around waiting for your career to take off. Consider investing in your writing career during slow times by attending workshops, webinars, and conferences. Continually improving your skills will help you stay competitive in the industry, and such events can also be a great way to network and make important contacts.

Another way to keep developing your skills is through writing competitions. Writing for a competition helps you work to specific guidelines and challenges your skills, and some even offer cash prizes, publication opportunities, and valuable feedback.

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Turning your passion for writing into a successful career takes dedication, hard work, and persistence. Utilising these tips, ideas, and resources can help you build a profitable career as a writer. Keep refining your craft, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and seize opportunities as they arise to make a living from writing.

 

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