How much money do writers make?

There is no simple answer to this question because saying you want to be a writer is not clear enough. There are copy- writers, authors, magazine writers, blog writers, reporters, researchers, technical manual writers, children's book writers.... Anywhere you find the written word there is a writer behind it. So, I recommend before asking how much a writer makes you ask what type of writer should you be? What have you written? Can you write an article about a subject that you know nothing about until given the subject matter? Or, are you a story-teller, in which case you want to be an author. Can you pick up the pieces of a conversation and make it flow into a coherent idea. Can you capture a readers attention and make them see what you are seeing in your mind? Some authors make millions of dollars if they write a best seller but others barely make a living. Have you heard the term "starving artist"? that term also applies to writers! However, if you are really good.... think Steven King, or John Grisham you can make lots of money. I recommend you start out with some short stories and ask friends and family to give you an honest critique, your english teacher can also help with that. If they say you are good, then chase your dream.

Hi Samantha,

First, it's awesome that you are interested in writing! There are lots of different writing careers—each with their own unique salary expectations. But rest assured, you CAN make a good living as a writer... it just depends on the type of writing career you choose to pursue.

For the type of writing I do (marketing and advertising copywriting), the salary varies widely based on experience and location. But here are a few ballpark salary estimates for copywriters based upon my own experience and payscale.com: an entry-level copywriter (0-3 years experience) may expect to make $35,000-$70,000 a year; a mid-level copywriter (3-5 years experience) may expect to make $55,000-$90,000 a year; and a senior-level copywriter (5+ years experience, and lots of good work in their portfolio!) can make over $100,000 a year.

If you live in a small town, you would expect to make less. In a large city like New York or San Francisco, salaries will be higher as companies and agencies compete to get the best writers.

So, as you can see, marketing and advertising copywriters get paid pretty well—and the work can be really fun!

Good luck!