How good of a living can you make being a writer?

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   averyoposted 12 years ago

   How good of a living can you make being a writer?
   
   I am interested in pursuing in the career of a writer. I enjoy writing stories, poetry, and other things, but I want a job I can rely on and know I will be able to make a living out of it.

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2. 62

   Dr. Haddoxposted 12 years ago

   One can make a very good living being a write, but it will never be easy. It takes time, energy and lots of creativity. It can, easily, take years. I have answered your question quickly, sincerely and honestly. This is a direct answer, and a truthful one.
   Take care.
   Regards, Dr. Haddox

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      Patkayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you 100%. You have given him an honest answer.

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3. 92

   Jlbowdenposted 12 years ago

   Writing can definitely be a very lucrative, as well as a very rewarding profession. And to add the field of writing is diverse and includes many different disciplines to consider and then pursue. From writing screenplays, medical manuscripts, or even being a technical or proposal writer. There are also ghostwriter's who often make a living writing for someone famous such as a celebrity.
   
   Then if you decided to go the route of novel writing; well in this case prepare to spend a great deal of time shut off for the most part, from the rest of the world.  It also may take anywhere from a year and a half or longer to complete an entire full length novel, from start to the completion of the final draft and completed manuscript.  Hope this extra bit of feedback helps you to choose that area of writing that interests you the most!

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4. 96

   Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

   If you are thinking about "the best car and house and things" as you mentioned in your hub,  it is not as easy as you may think.  Making a living and making a life are two separate things.  If you have a passion to write, pursue it. It will be rewarding, but may not make you rich in the monetary sense.
   Think about learning something practical to earn money while you practice your writing craft.

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5. 60

   C.V.Rajanposted 12 years ago

   I will share a  joke in India:
   
   A friend introduces a new person to his friend "You know Mr So-and-so? He is a famous writer".
   
   "Oh, is that so? Glad to know; glad to meet you. By the way, what do you do for your living?"

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6. 67

   Rev Bruce Jacksonposted 12 years ago

   It all depends on a few factors.  Firstly, it depends on what you write as far as genre on a regular basis.  Secondly, it depends on how much you write, submit and promote your writing.  Finally, it also depends on where you submit your writing, consumer publications or online content mills.  In all honesty, the successful writer who makes a living at it may be motivated and driven with a touch of diversification.  It can be done, but the writer has to evaluate what course he or she will take.

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   MPG Narrativesposted 12 years ago

   I have made a good living as a copywriter and PR writer but there have been many ups and downs depending on company budgets. Writing for companies and products means you will write about things that may not interest you but you will still need to put your best effort forward. Writing for others means you cannot be precious about your work and be prepared for many changes and rewrites. If you have a passion for writing you can always write whilst doing another job that may pay better.

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8. 68

   safiq ali patelposted 12 years ago

   In short i think it all depends on what your write and where you publish that writing. If you do a related search here on hub pages it will bring up hubs written by hubbers that list the top sites that pay revenue for writers. Getting paper published can be very hard these days and its even hard to make a good living in the traditional paper publishing world. But the online world of publishing is different. There are many websites that will allow you to publish and earn per impression and per click. I'd say do a search for top revenue paying websites for publisher and writers....Overall good luck. from Safiq Ali Patel.

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9. 73

   multiculturalsoulposted 12 years ago

   As a writer, I have made $150,000 (No way! That's great! Wow! You're rich! Where can I sign up?) ...
   
   ... since 2000 (Huh? But it's 2013 now, so what gives?).
   
   Including HubPages (let's see, that's about $2 in two months), royalties, advances, revenue from Kindle titles, and university honorariums from speaking engagements, I average $12,500 a year (before taxes) as a writer.
   
   I have not given up my day job. I will not give up my day job. I cannot give up my day job.
   
   My living (teaching) pays the bills. Writing pays the "frills," and these frills aren't that frilly: braces, Lasik eye surgery, our first house, college tuition, textbooks, gasoline ...
   
   In 1985, I had the choice of an entry level position with Sports Illustrated ($12,000 a year living in New York City) or a first-year teaching position ($12,186 a year living in Virginia). It wasn't the extra $186 that swayed me to become a teacher. It was the two months off to write during the summer. I have only been "off" seven times in 28 years. I now teach at a year-round school.
   
   Here's some advice:
   
   1) Get a job that can support you (or you and your family) first. If it involves writing, great. If it doesn't, great.
   2) Write when you can.
   3) Keep submitting your work--the worst anyone can say is no.
   4) When you DO make some money writing, don't give up your day job, especially if it has benefits.
   5) Whenever anyone asks what you do for a living, always tell them about your day job first. You'll get more respect that way.

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