Many irons in the fire: making a living writing

As a keen writer, I'd love to reach that point where I can earn a living writing. But, research shows that the average writer earns less than the minimum wage, and only 1 in 10 can make a living writing. (See links below for detailed articles). While we may dream of being the next JK Rowling, the reality is very different.

I've recently managed to reduce my working hours to part time, working 3 days a week, which just about pays the bills. I now have time to focus on writing, and the incentive that we do need an income from my writing to do anything extra. The challenge of course is not to let work (or chores or any other distractions) intrude on those two precious writing days. This is a one year contract, so I have a year to build up writing markets, and see whether I can become a full time writer, or whether I have to go back to full time formal work.

I am increasingly convinced that to earn money writing, it is essential to diversify, and to use a range of tools and markets. Some of the options I'm pursing are these:

Content Central (https://system.contentcentral.cc/)

This site allows you to create a profile, and provides a marketing platform for articles. I've only just started with this site, and it looks impressive, but as yet. I haven't made any money from it.

Amazon Create Space (https://www.createspace.com/)

This site allows you to create and sell your own e-books. 50 shades author EL James started out self publishing, and ultimately won a publishing contract. There is evidence to suggest that publishers are looking at which self published books sell, and then they buy the rights. I have a friend who sells her own short story anthologies like this, and makes money this way. If you choose to go this route, then marketing your work, and getting reviews is essential. If you do self publish, I would advise using an editor to ensure that your work is ready for publishing, so you won't damage your reputation as a writer.

Cut a Long story short (https://www.cutalongstory.com/)

This is a curated short story selling market, where you can submit your work, set prices etc, and it is sold on the platform. Your work will only be published if they are happy with the quality, which means there is editorial and quality control. I have one story on sale here, but have yet to sell any copies. https://www.cutalongstory.com/stories/the-list/10588.html

Freelance writing job alerts

There are two excellent sites, where you can sign up for a free writing jobs newsletter:

https://www.freelancewriting.com/newsletters/morning-coffee-jobs-newsletter/

https://online-writing-jobs.com/freelance-writing-jobs-enewsletter/

They will alert you to new markets and companies who are looking for writers. This provides an opportunity to pitch your work. I've sold some of my writing using tips from these sites.

The old fashioned way

I write both short stories and features, and submit these to appropriate markets, and I'm constantly looking for new markets. A really useful guide is the Writer's & Artist's Yearbook, which tells you who is open for submissions, who to contact, and the details of what they like. These markets are currently where I have the most success, and I am continually writing and submitting my work.

Agents

I don't have an agent, but I am looking for one, as many large publishers won't accept submissions if they are not from an agent. I've completed a novel, and am currently doing the rounds to find an agent to represent the work.

Websites and social media

Having an online presence is essential for a writer. You can also use your sites to make money, through advertising programmes, such as Google Ad Sense. A large social network also allows you to publicise and sell your work, and can persuade an editor that you are serious about writing.

Alternative work from home

I am also a distributor of Forever Living Aloe Vera products, which does bring in a few pennies. As with any of these systems, your best chance of making money is by recruiting others to sell. If you are looking for flexibility in your working life, these can provide it, and there are people who do make serious money with these systems. You can read more here: https://penrose-enterprise.wixsite.com/foreverliving . If you're interested in becoming a distributor, please contact me..

Kleeneze. Avon etc are also worth considering. The downside is that they can take time away from writing.

Watch out for scams though - there are plenty out there!

Unless you create the next big thing in publishing, it is unlikely that you'll earn big money writing. I'm increasingly convinced that job satisfaction is more important than a big pay cheque. But to make it as a writer, you need to diversify, and have many irons in the fire.

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/oct/19/uk-authors-annual-incomes-below-minimum-wage-survey-average-earnings

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11550871/Just-one-in-ten-authors-can-earn-full-time-living-from-writing-report-finds.html