In many countries of the Western world, writing, like reading, is a skill that is taught to practically every child from childhood. While this skill has become pervasive within society, only a small fraction of the literate population is able to write well enough to make a profit. Some writers are content to write part-time, as a means of earning some additional profit, while others produce so much publishable content that they can write full-time. If you think your writing skills are good enough, then here are a number of tips on how to make money by writing.
Steps
Step 1. Open a blog
If you want to earn money, then don't start a personal blog. Instead, create and maintain a blog that helps people solve problems of a certain type. For example, you could start a gardening blog to explain how to take care of the garden effectively, or a snowboard review blog so that readers can find more information when they want to buy one. Plus, you'll need to have experience in the industry your blog is about.
While starting a blog won't make you a millionaire immediately, there is a real chance that you can generate a sizable income if you invest the time and effort. With blogging, earnings come primarily from advertising programs (e.g., Google AdSense), affiliate marketing programs (e.g., Amazon affiliate programs), and direct sales of personal products (e.g. eBooks and programs)
Step 2. Be a ghost writer for non-writers
There are many varied subject experts who have a lot to say, but lack the writing skills necessary to create a salable book. Being a ghost writer means taking another person's words, like an entrepreneur's insights into business, and writing them down in a form that entices people to read them.
Finding legitimate ghost writer jobs can be difficult. The best are usually found by connecting with other ghost writers and having them introduce themselves to potential clients. Otherwise, you may find them on several writer job boards, such as the writers section of Craigslist
Step 3. Write greeting cards
If you have a natural knack for creating clever nursery rhymes and interesting prose, you might want to try writing party and greeting cards. The best way to start is to find some greeting card companies you would like to write about and search their site for information regarding the required style and presentation guidelines.
Step 4. Write for magazines and newspapers
In recent years, particularly with the Internet boom, the print market has declined. But the market itself is still very large and in search of writers. If you are good at writing educational pieces, reports, reviews, editorials, then you might want to try writing for print.
In the magazine and newspaper market, full-time positions are still available, but there is a growing demand for freelance writers who can write articles on a contract basis
Step 5. Write and sell fiction
The fiction market includes literature, ranging from flash fiction to short fiction, single novels, epic sagas consisting of multiple books, covering a multitude of genres, including romantic, thriller, fantasy, mystery, del suspense and more. If you want to tell stories, this is the route you should consider.
The most traditional way to sell fiction is to present your work to publishers. An alternative is to find a literary agent; literary agents do a lot of behind-the-scenes work after you complete your story. In recent years, self-publishing has become a viable option for writers who can't find publishers willing to publish their work
Step 6. Write for the comedians
Some people find their minds witty and able to sense the secrets of humor and how to make people laugh, but they don't have enough confidence or stage presence to be successful as comedians. If you are one of those people, you can write and sell jokes and stories for comedians.
Step 7. Write resumes for other people
Anyone looking for a job needs an updated and refined resume. If you are skilled at creating interesting resumes, you can offer consulting services and you can edit and correct resumes.
Step 8. Become a travel writer
Many writers who like to travel become travel writers. They talk about their travels in such a way as to offer knowledge of those places and locations. Many travel writers write full-time articles for travel magazines and online publications.
Step 9. Selling your services as a writing teacher
If you know and deeply understand the secrets of writing and have the gift of teaching, you may want to combine these two skills and become a writing teacher. You could also run writing workshops on specific topics, teaching multiple people at the same time.
Step 10. Translate articles from different languages
If you are fluent in several languages, then you may want to offer your services and earn money as a writer and translator. For example, if you are fluent in English and French, you may be looking for a job as a translator of English novels into French for distribution abroad, or vice versa.
