Increasing your writing income

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Of all the questions I’m asked by freelance writers, “how can I make more money?” is the most common.

There’s one answer, and only one - to make more money, you need to write more. You also need time to build up your business. The first time someone hears your name, THEY’LL FORGET IT. If they keep hearing your name, they’ll get in touch.

“Freelance Writing Income: How do I earn so much?” offers:

First off, you have to realize that I did not earn over $7,000 my first month as a freelance writer. In fact, it took me three months to break the $1,000 mark. The bottom line is that you need to start at the beginning, and build your career month to month. It may not seem like you are making any progress, but over time this will change. By carefully charting your monthly income you will be able to see just how much progress you are making.

This is very true. Your income will increase each month, sometimes dramatically.

It’s rare (although it is possible, IF you already have some writing experience) to go from zero to $8000 a month from a standing start. You need to get established first, if you’re totally new to freelance writing.

How long it takes you to get established depends on you. How much can you write? At what level do you write? What credits and clips do you have?

From a standing start - that is, no freelance writing experience at all, it can take you anywhere from three to six months to get regular gigs, and have a dependable income so that you can quit your day job.

When I first started freelancing, almost 30 years ago, it took me 12 months to sell a novel. I had no interest in freelance writing, I saw myself as a novelist. However, that writing experience stood me in good stead when I began writing for magazines - I sold my first article proposal to a national magazine because writing novels taught me to write - when you learn to write to a level where you’re selling your writing, it’s easy to write in other areas.

Every writer starts somewhere. If you’ve yet to make your first writing sale, please realize that every writer started just where you are. If you’re wondering, “How can I make more money?”: write more. The more you write, the more you sell. Start by writing about your life.

Without you being aware of it, every word you write builds your experience and skill, and when you send out material, it builds your presence and platform too.

Keep writing.

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