Posted in Uncategorized on August 23, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Q: I majored in finance and am completing my last semester in college. I’ve decided, however, that writing is my passion and I want to make a career out of it. There are two main problems. One is that I need money right away. I need to support my parents and my future wife and children. I don’t know if a writing career offers this. The second problem is where do I start? I don’t know how to start a writing career or where to go.
A: Congratulations on deciding to pursue your passion! As those of you know who have read my book, Getting from College to Career, I am 100% in favor of doing what you love for a living. However, you do have some very real concerns. The good news is that you have lots of options and many successful writers whose careers can inspire you.
My overall answer to both of your questions is, YES, you can make a very good living as a writer. I’m proud to say that I am doing this myself, through a combination of book writing, freelance article writing, ghostwriting for other authors, and creative copywriting for corporations and nonprofit organizations. It took me a few years to get to this point, but it’s been well worth the hard work to get here.
One of my favorite books on how to make money as a writer is Six-Figure Freelancing by Kelly James-Enger. I highly recommend it. Also, one of my tips to writers is to find a niche (mine, of course, is career writing). You could have a nice advantage with your training in finance. Business writing can be a lucrative choice if it’s something that interests you. If fiction writing is your passion, that’s a little harder, but absolutely possible. Check out Mediabistro.com and Gotham Writers’ Workshop for great classes (in person and online) on how to write well and how to build a successful career doing it. I’ve personally benefited from classes at both of these organizations.
In terms of needing money right now, you may need a strategy to earn a regular paycheck for a while as you build your writing career. I began my writing while working part-time at a women’s business association three days a week. This allowed me to save money in the bank, have health insurance and do a lot of writing for free to build my experience, skills and reputation. This might be a good option for you.
If necessary, you can even work full-time and build your writing on the side. At the same time, you can join professional associations related to writing, subscribe to magazines or e-newsletters related to the industry (such as Publishers Weekly, PublishersLunch.com and Mediabistro.com’s Daily News Feed) or, as I just mentioned, take classes to build your skills. All of this will keep you on track to be a full-time writer in the near future.
Finally, an important tip I always share with aspiring writers is to start hanging out with other people who are writing—or doing anything creative—for a living. If all of your friends are working in corporate cubicles, you’re more likely to feel frustrated than if you’re spending time with other people pursuing a passion for writing. I’m happy to be one of your online writing buddies.
Best of luck!
Hello,
I have been writing poetry and nonfiction for most of my life. I recently published a poetry book and will be working on my second, which will be a Christian poetry book. My passion is writing in general, not simply poetry. I have always dreams of a full time career. I am really having trouble breaking in and don’t know anyone with the same passion. Everyone I know tells me to give up but it is truly my passion.
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I found your site on faves.com bookmarking site.. I like it ..gave it a fave for you..ill be checking back later
Another great resource is the Absolute Write website, http://www.absolutewrite.com. There are many informative articles and they have an e-newsletter. You might also check out Writing-World.com. Again, great articles and there’s a section for beginning writers.
Good luck everyone!
Nice informative article. thanks for sharing and keep sharing such kind of articles, as these articles really helpful for experienced and new comers.
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Thanks so much, Kelsey – this is great!
Lindsey
I just wanted to add for the person that wrote in the question that having browsed through Mediabistro.com for some courses I was interested in taking I know they have one (in Boston at least) called “The Whole Freelancer:
How to develop a lucrative career as a freelancer and get the clips you need”
The website for the class is:
http://mediabistro.com/courses/cache/crs2756.asp
The description on the site reads: “Have you dabbled in freelance writing, but always dreamed of making it a career? If so, what’s stopping you? Maybe it’s the challenge of writing pitches, or the fear of successfully securing assignments. Or maybe you’re daunted by the idea of submitting invoices and tracking freelance finances?
This course is for those who want to live as a freelancer, but don’t know how to get started. It will cover basic freelancing skills, from coming up with ideas to effectively pitching them — in addition to managing your career as a freelance writer. By the end of this class, you’ll have the confidence to take the freelance market by storm.”
Thanks, Tiffany!
I got into the career niche in my first college internship. I worked for a nonprofit women’s organization (Connecticut Women’s Business Development Center) that helped women start their own businesses. That led me to a master’s degree in women’s studies where I studied women’s entrepreneurship. My first job out of grad school was at WorkingWoman.com (the website of the former Working Woman magazine). I’m just really fascinated by careers, entrepreneurship, and especially by the way the world of work is changing so much–for women and everyone.
Are you a writer? If so, I’d love to know your favorite resources.
Thanks for commenting!
Great post – lost of good nuggets here and in the comment thread. How did you get into the career niche?
Hi Kendra,
Great news on all of your published articles!
Here are some other ways to find fellow writers, who can also share strategies for finding work:
Mediabistro.com – I’ve mentioned them a few times. They host regular parties in various cities.
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA.org) – You have to apply to join, but once you’re in they have lots of events.
“Writer” groups on various social networking websites. Check out YSN.com, LinkedIn.com, Doostang.com, DWCFaces.com (for women), DamselsinSuccess.com (also for women) and others.
I hope this helps — keep up the great writing work!
Lindsey
Wow. You read my mind. I’ve been thinking about this a lot while between seminars. I finally got my nose to the grindstone and completed another article. Last Friday marked two printed articles, and this Friday should mark four; three with the Oak Hill Gazette, and one with That Other Paper. I’m feeling great about it, but I hunger for more.
I’m having a problem meeting the right people in my job search. When I go to networking events, it seems like if I meet anyone who’s interested in what I do, they’re also looking to break into writing.
I did join the Association of Women in Communication, although their job bank doesn’t yet recognize my password, and attended a luncheon. And I’ve been to a few events with the Writer’s League of Texas. I may even have three writing mentors/friends because of it. (I interviewed two of them for ThatOtherPaper. Only one’s up so far.)
Where else should I look to meet people in writing, editing, and publishing? What am I missing?