Is it possible to earn money as a writer?
Yes. If you're at the right stage
I get messages most weeks asking “How do I find paid writing work?”
As I’m sure most of you know, making money from writing isn’t easy.
But it’s certainly possible. It’s been my career for 15 years now.
A quick Google search will give you a list of ideas on how to make money. But there are two better questions in my opinion.
“Do I need to?” and “Am I ready to?”
Writing without money is okay!
There are so many articles on how to make money with your words. I don’t see many people saying this but… it’s actually okay to write for free.
Writing is a fantastic hobby.
It’s cathartic.
It helps you organize your thoughts.
You can get really creative.
Your whole brain is engaged and it’s a wonderful challenge.
Writing can be a ton of FUN.
I had a writing hobby for years before I became a working writer.
In fact, it’s still my hobby.
I write for fun and for myself all the time—no pay needed.
Do you need to earn money from writing? There are so many easier ways to get $.
Are you even ready to earn?
I’ve helped several writers become working writers. One of them earns far more than me now!
It’s an amazing thing to be paid for your thoughts.
Some people, though, aren’t ready. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Writing is like any skill. You need to learn before you earn. Perhaps you’re still in your training stage?
If you’re struggling to get paid writing gigs, take it as a prod to learn and improve.
Practice in public by publishing on Medium or Newsbreak, Substack or on your own blog.
Get feedback. Take courses. And know that it may take a few years before you’re ready.
A Reminder of Resources You Have Available
I try my best to help you reach your writing goals so I’ve made several resources.
Check out the bunch of free guides to help you on my Gumroad page.
Have you tried the Personal Essay Courses and Feedback options?
I’m also here if you want one-on-one coaching (email me for a quote).
Are you writing for fun, to tell your story, or to sell your story? Or a combination?
I’d love to hear in the comments.
Kelly xxx
I was happy to read this, this morning (I’m in Zambia so morning here) after discovering you yesterday, Kelly. Such a breath of fresh air to read of writing for the joy of writing, rather than for the sole goal being a monetary one.
My coming to Substack was exactly for the reason you describe- just to have a place to clarify my thoughts into words. In fact, if you look closely on the image of my publication Becoming Your Story, it says - “I write to make sense of my world, in the hope that I might help others to make sense of theirs.”
I am procrastinating a little on launching my second publication Crazy English, (which will link to my ‘real work’ and paid courses), because I am so enjoying just being here for the joy of writing.