Does It Pay To Be a Writer?
Being stuck in the house with the rest of the country has caused me to be a little pensive. The rush and fast pace of only a few weeks ago has stopped. Things are a standstill while we figure out how to treat and beat this Coronavirus. Now that my full-time job is on hiatus I can concentrate on writing. In 2017, I self-published my first novel, What Goes Around Comes Around, a clean contemporary Christian novel, and I am working on the sequel. I am also looking to get freelance assignments.
Writing is hard, and I often wonder if I will ever be able to support myself with this craft. A New York Times article on this question got me thinking especially when considering some hard facts. A lot of money writers earned from freelance income has dried up. When I first started freelancing in the 2000s, the top markets paid $1 a word and sometimes more. It was always hard to break in, but once a writer earned the respect of an editor, they could expect to get assignments. I know that was true for me. I saved old contracts from my glory days when I would get hundreds and sometimes a thousand dollars or more for one article.
The Introduction of Digital Magazines
This all changed when digital magazines became firmly established. The income made from freelancing was drastically cut for two reasons. The first is that online magazines pay much less than print. Many online publications, only pay a few cents per word and often times these online publications don’t pay at all. The second reason is that many print magazines have not survived the digital age and have been eliminated. When I think of these cold hard facts, I become depressed but there are some reasons to be hopeful.
The Internet has drastically changed the publishing landscape, but it has also opened up new avenues. Self-publishing, previously looked down upon, is getting more respect. It has become easier to publish a book that looks professional with the technology to self-publish is more accessible. There are several sites such as Fivver where writers can find other professionals to help them create and market their books at a reasonable price. There are also online publications that pay. The Writer magazine published an article, The 12 Best Freelance Sites for Writers, that listed credible and paying sources for authors.
Writers will always have to be creative and stay knowledgeable about the market. Amazon has changed its payment methods several times and not in favor of writers. This COVID-19 pandemic has caused additional changes, and Amazon sent out information to let writers and others know that essential packaging will get priority as the site is overwhelmed with people looking for toilet paper, cleaning products, and sanitation items.
I would have to answer yes to my original question of “Does It Pay To Be a Writer?” I didn’t become a writer to be rich. I am compelled to write. Of course, I would love it if y writing could support me financially. It doesn’t, at least right now, but I love doing it. I feel spiritually fulfilled when I write. Writing gives me a reason to get up in the morning.
I would love to get your feedback on how writing motivates you.
2 Replies to “Does It Pay To Be a Writer?”
Candice, thank you for sharing this information
Hi Candice, we have similar stories. I am a high school English teacher who is also at home teaching online. Although I am still technically working, I still have a lot of spare time of course. I have been using this time to rejuvenate my writing career as well. Having written a few books (mostly Christian fiction also), I decided to work on actually promoting my books ( Children’s also) for a change. And it has been so difficult. I love the writing process and like you said, I am compelled to write; It is undoubtedly my passion. However, the entire industry has changed so much and is saturated with the good and the bad. I believe that although it is easier for newcomers to get in, the rewards may be smaller or harder to come by, for those who are experienced and already in the field. I think that technology and social media has, in some ways, leveled the playing field and totally changed the game.