Writers often ask me how to earn a living from their writing. Contrary to popular opinion, it can be done. The secret is in creating a plan and working your plan. 

First of all, realize that the chances of your making millions from your writing are remote, although the possibility always does exist. More realistically, however, you can make a high, five-figure income from your writing if you know what markets to tap. 

Here are some of the best markets for earning those bigger bucks: 

1) Website Businesses

2) Professional Businesses (accountants, lawyers, doctors, architects, etc.)

3) Trade Magazines

4) Educational Publishers

5) Grantwriting 

All of these venues are in continual need of good copy. Sometimes a company may have a writer on staff, but more often than not, they hire freelancers on an as-needed basis. 

So where can you find these jobs? Start with your local area. Check out the businesses. Contact them. Join the Chamber of Commerce. Network, network, network. You can also find writing jobs online. Here are some of the best places to look: 

www.craigslist.com (I found one of my biggest clients on Craig’s list and have had that client for over a year). 

www.aboutfreelancewriting.com 

www.poewar.com 

Morning Coffee Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance Writing Gigs 

You might be thinking that you’re the creative writing type (fiction and poetry) and that you couldn’t do this kind of writing. Well, so am I the “creative” type of writer, although, in my opinion, all writing is creative. 🙂 But I look on commercial writing as my “tentmaking”. The Apostle Paul made tents to support himself while he preached the Gospel. Commercial writing puts food on the table so I can pursue my first writing love (fiction and poetry) without having to depend on it to pay the bills. 

The stereotype of the starving writer does not have to include you. Check out commercial writing. It may be just the boost your writing career needs. 

Blessings,

MaryAnn