8 answers
Natalie
Student
Gary, Indiana
5
Questions
Asked
1012 views
Translated from Latin .
Can I live off being a writer and or poet?
Can I live off being a writer and or poet?
I am currently a freshman in high school and I was wondering this because I want to be prepared for what my future holds. Becoming a writer has always been my goal ever since I was younger.
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8 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You can, if you get into the right areas, where there is a demand for writers.
Right now there are jobs for people who are good at editing, content writers, legal writing (law), grant writing and technical writing.
I might suggest researching colleges, in your region, that have English majors, which have concentrations in areas of professional writing. While working on an English degree the professional writing concentration will provide the training and technical knowledge required for technical writing techniques, grant writing, online web writing, journalism, and other areas, which will assist you in future employment prospects.
Right now there are jobs for people who are good at editing, content writers, legal writing (law), grant writing and technical writing.
I might suggest researching colleges, in your region, that have English majors, which have concentrations in areas of professional writing. While working on an English degree the professional writing concentration will provide the training and technical knowledge required for technical writing techniques, grant writing, online web writing, journalism, and other areas, which will assist you in future employment prospects.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Natalie,
AI:-
Can You Make a Living as a Writer or Poet?
Yes, you can certainly earn a living as a writer or poet. The key is to cater to the interests of your audience, which can potentially number in the billions!
Understanding the Writing Profession
The writing profession is diverse, encompassing novels, poetry, journalism, screenwriting, and digital content creation. Each area has its own market demands and income potential.
Income Potential
Successful writers often diversify their income through freelance writing, blogging, speaking engagements, teaching workshops, and self-publishing. The demand for written content varies across genres and formats. Traditional publishing often provides authors with an advance against future royalties, but these can vary greatly. Self-publishing has become a viable option, offering greater control and potentially higher royalties, but it also requires significant marketing efforts.
Challenges Faced by Writers
The writing field is highly competitive, and many writers face periods of financial instability due to inconsistent income. Unlike traditional jobs, writing careers often lack job security. Writing also requires a significant time investment.
Preparing for a Career in Writing
While formal education is not strictly necessary, courses in creative writing or literature can enhance your skills. Start building a portfolio of your work early on, engage with other writers, set realistic goals, and consider developing additional skills that could provide supplementary income.
In conclusion, while it is possible to live off being a writer or poet, it requires dedication, resilience, and strategic planning.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Authors Guild
Pew Research Center
Writer’s Digest
Take care!
JC.
AI:-
Can You Make a Living as a Writer or Poet?
Yes, you can certainly earn a living as a writer or poet. The key is to cater to the interests of your audience, which can potentially number in the billions!
Understanding the Writing Profession
The writing profession is diverse, encompassing novels, poetry, journalism, screenwriting, and digital content creation. Each area has its own market demands and income potential.
Income Potential
Successful writers often diversify their income through freelance writing, blogging, speaking engagements, teaching workshops, and self-publishing. The demand for written content varies across genres and formats. Traditional publishing often provides authors with an advance against future royalties, but these can vary greatly. Self-publishing has become a viable option, offering greater control and potentially higher royalties, but it also requires significant marketing efforts.
Challenges Faced by Writers
The writing field is highly competitive, and many writers face periods of financial instability due to inconsistent income. Unlike traditional jobs, writing careers often lack job security. Writing also requires a significant time investment.
Preparing for a Career in Writing
While formal education is not strictly necessary, courses in creative writing or literature can enhance your skills. Start building a portfolio of your work early on, engage with other writers, set realistic goals, and consider developing additional skills that could provide supplementary income.
In conclusion, while it is possible to live off being a writer or poet, it requires dedication, resilience, and strategic planning.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
The Authors Guild
Pew Research Center
Writer’s Digest
Take care!
JC.
Hakeem Ola Saka
Freelancer
64
Answers
Maryland Heights, Missouri
Updated
Hakeem Ola’s Answer
Yes, it's possible to live off being a writer or poet, but it can be challenging depending on the type of writing and the demand for your work. Here are some key ways to make a living as a writer or poet:
Freelance Writing: Many writers make money by freelancing for magazines, blogs, or companies that need content. This includes articles, blog posts, copywriting, and technical writing.
Books and Self-Publishing: Writing and publishing books—whether novels, poetry collections, or non-fiction—can be a source of income. With self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it's easier to sell books directly to readers, though it requires strong marketing efforts.
Teaching or Workshops: Many poets and writers supplement their income by teaching creative writing, either at a university or through workshops and online courses.
Grants and Fellowships: Some writers and poets secure funding through grants and fellowships, which provide financial support for creative work.
Commissioned Work and Writing Competitions: Poets often earn money by writing commissioned pieces or by winning prizes from writing competitions.
Journalism and Content Creation: Writing for media outlets or creating content for digital platforms can also be lucrative if you gain a strong following or niche.
Living entirely off poetry can be more difficult because it typically has a smaller market, but it's possible by combining multiple streams of income. Diversifying your writing endeavors and building a strong personal brand can increase your chances of success.
Are you leaning more toward writing books, freelancing, or a mix?
Freelance Writing: Many writers make money by freelancing for magazines, blogs, or companies that need content. This includes articles, blog posts, copywriting, and technical writing.
Books and Self-Publishing: Writing and publishing books—whether novels, poetry collections, or non-fiction—can be a source of income. With self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), it's easier to sell books directly to readers, though it requires strong marketing efforts.
Teaching or Workshops: Many poets and writers supplement their income by teaching creative writing, either at a university or through workshops and online courses.
Grants and Fellowships: Some writers and poets secure funding through grants and fellowships, which provide financial support for creative work.
Commissioned Work and Writing Competitions: Poets often earn money by writing commissioned pieces or by winning prizes from writing competitions.
Journalism and Content Creation: Writing for media outlets or creating content for digital platforms can also be lucrative if you gain a strong following or niche.
Living entirely off poetry can be more difficult because it typically has a smaller market, but it's possible by combining multiple streams of income. Diversifying your writing endeavors and building a strong personal brand can increase your chances of success.
Are you leaning more toward writing books, freelancing, or a mix?
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
560
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Natalie,
Absolutely! Many successful writers and poets have built thriving careers based on their craft. However, it's important to understand that the path to a successful writing career can be challenging.
Here are some things to consider:
Persistence: Building a writing career takes time and dedication. Be prepared for setbacks and rejection, but don't let them discourage you.
Diversification: While writing can be a primary source of income, it's often helpful to have other sources of revenue, such as teaching, editing, or freelance writing.
Networking: Building relationships with other writers, agents, and publishers can be invaluable. Attend workshops, conferences, and online communities.
Marketing: Learn how to market your work effectively. This includes creating a strong online presence, building a mailing list, and promoting your books or articles.
Many writers supplement their income through multiple streams, such as:
1. Freelance writing: You could write for magazines, websites, or businesses.
2. Publishing books: Both fiction and non-fiction, with income from royalties.
3. Self-publishing: Some writers earn significant income through platforms like Amazon.
4. Teaching or workshops: Many writers teach writing or creative courses.
5. Poetry contests or grants: Poets often earn through awards, grants, and fellowships.
Building a sustainable writing career usually involves patience, practice, and persistence. Writing part-time while having another income source is common at the start. The good news is, starting early like you are gives you time to develop your skills and explore different writing paths!
Best wishes!
Absolutely! Many successful writers and poets have built thriving careers based on their craft. However, it's important to understand that the path to a successful writing career can be challenging.
Here are some things to consider:
Persistence: Building a writing career takes time and dedication. Be prepared for setbacks and rejection, but don't let them discourage you.
Diversification: While writing can be a primary source of income, it's often helpful to have other sources of revenue, such as teaching, editing, or freelance writing.
Networking: Building relationships with other writers, agents, and publishers can be invaluable. Attend workshops, conferences, and online communities.
Marketing: Learn how to market your work effectively. This includes creating a strong online presence, building a mailing list, and promoting your books or articles.
Many writers supplement their income through multiple streams, such as:
1. Freelance writing: You could write for magazines, websites, or businesses.
2. Publishing books: Both fiction and non-fiction, with income from royalties.
3. Self-publishing: Some writers earn significant income through platforms like Amazon.
4. Teaching or workshops: Many writers teach writing or creative courses.
5. Poetry contests or grants: Poets often earn through awards, grants, and fellowships.
Building a sustainable writing career usually involves patience, practice, and persistence. Writing part-time while having another income source is common at the start. The good news is, starting early like you are gives you time to develop your skills and explore different writing paths!
Best wishes!
Marguerite Pignataro
Creative Writing Coach
4
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Marguerite’s Answer
Hi Natalie!
I was in your position a long time ago. I always wanted to write and I did. It was the best experience and made me so happy. Everyone I knew encouraged me to write and assured me that one day I'd be on Broadway or writing Hollywood movies.
I continued writing, all through college, but I didn't make much money doing it. I got a BA in English and an MFA in playwriting. I got produced and published and then self-published. I learned everything I could about writing, and even came up with my own ideas to do things different. But I never made money.
Yes, you can make money writing, but it's difficult and requires a lot of luck and knowing how to write what people will pay for, which is everything in mainstream media.
I didn't want to do mainstream media. It bores me. I went more of an artistic route. I do wish someone had pulled me aside and told me to learn AC repair or plumbing. A job that wouldn't require much brain power, but would pay wonderfully.
Write what you want to write. Self-publishing is a fantastic thing. But have some kind of back-up. Just something so you can make money.
Good luck!
Margie
I was in your position a long time ago. I always wanted to write and I did. It was the best experience and made me so happy. Everyone I knew encouraged me to write and assured me that one day I'd be on Broadway or writing Hollywood movies.
I continued writing, all through college, but I didn't make much money doing it. I got a BA in English and an MFA in playwriting. I got produced and published and then self-published. I learned everything I could about writing, and even came up with my own ideas to do things different. But I never made money.
Yes, you can make money writing, but it's difficult and requires a lot of luck and knowing how to write what people will pay for, which is everything in mainstream media.
I didn't want to do mainstream media. It bores me. I went more of an artistic route. I do wish someone had pulled me aside and told me to learn AC repair or plumbing. A job that wouldn't require much brain power, but would pay wonderfully.
Write what you want to write. Self-publishing is a fantastic thing. But have some kind of back-up. Just something so you can make money.
Good luck!
Margie
Tami Sullivan
Content Developer
15
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tami’s Answer
This is indeed a challenging task. However, it's absolutely achievable and you might be astonished by the level of success some individuals attain in this field without the need for "day jobs" or supplementary work. More often than not, your audience craves to understand you as an individual to fully appreciate the work you create. This involves promoting yourself and mastering the art of captivating a reader's imagination and personal development journey. You pave the way for a dialogue that empowers others to dream, envision, and evolve in ways that other professions cannot facilitate. Therefore, it's impossible to put a concrete price or set wage on work that touches the soul. Nonetheless, you can more than likely find promising part time work freelancing or more generalized syndicate work with some hard work and dedication. Many education programs offer guidance in this. Of course, many great writers are lacking in this aspect. Experience and empathy are important, but you can start by weighing your options and deciding if it's worth such risk. Not many people can be independently wealthy and write for pure pleasure.
Curtz W. Jackson
Content and Script Writer
11
Answers
Bay Shore, New York
Updated
Curtz W.’s Answer
Hello, Natalie,
I appreciate your courage in asking this question. Not because you are entirely unaware but likely you sense that sustaining a life as a writer and poet isn't guaranteed for each person seeking those careers, even with the finest education and preparation. If this is true, I confirm your senses are on target. It is not impossible, there is your 'yes,' nonetheless, the 'no' spread in multiple outcomes and possibilities like other creative fields.
Please take to heart the advice previously provided enhancing your writing journey. It is a vital human ability, please do not forsake writing, expand on it, and share it.
One challenge is competition. For example, if a poetry journal editor accepts 50 submissions for the November 2024 issue. She probably rejected triple the number of entries. It may be due to poor content, lacking talent, or that an excellent poem did'nt relate to the magazine's theme or style. It could be hard to believe many exceptional authors and writers do not have successful careers, not primarily the awful ones. And often, it isn't mostly their fault. It is the system we live in, where people still struggle for their piece of the pie.
As an adult, of course, I do not wish to dampen your aspirations. I desire you to have a contented, satisfying life. But gung ho telling a youth they can make it in this world, and live their dreams does not strike me as practical guidance. The individual will eventually confront reality. Rather than hide it, a wise course is preparing for what's ahead. The objective involves increasing awareness of what happens in an industry along with building the necessary knowledge, abilities, and experience to serve in it.
Yes, you want to be the best poet and writer within your potential. Also, the business part of poetry and writing should be learned, maybe with the zeal a girl is entralled with her grandfather's pizza shop. She's come to see the accomplishments of his creations, plus his challenges, mistakes, woes from the 2010 tomato drought. Then it's the year the adult granddaughter takes the helm. The shop's future, the pizza makers', and waitresses' livelihoods would be affected by her decisions and actions. It's unlikely a guess to you, for the most part, we work diligently to bring success to us, not often the other way around.
Another consideration for a wise course is being open for a supportive occupation. You may continue your education significance in poetry and writing, and learn skills for different position, if the other two opportunities are low and infrequent. The occupation choice is important as to give you the freedom to practice your arts. To note, certain medical fields pay well and offer benefits. If these are on call duty, overnight, too much overtime or otherwise humanly taxing. Then, is it reasonable to handle a writing career with the awkward schedule and exhausted body, and mind? It would be tough for me, but I do not speak for others.
I opened myself to work as a data processor, and transited to serve in the travel industry to sustain a living. Both occupations allowed me to have opportunities to research and write projects, duties involving hours and weeks. Other multiple avocations permit samelike results, including humble jobs like housecleaning. Too, another occupation can assist in paying an author agent, professional editors, and other assistants and services a writer needs to get his or her work distributed. We never have to be straving artists for the sake of art and have the joyous privileges of marriages, rising families and other gifts of life.
Please never forget this, Natalie because unfortunately billions were treated unfairly, guilted unnecessarly or disadvantaged for the mistruth. If you do not succeed in reaching your career goals, your value as human being never lessens. You will always be valued and loved by the vital individuals in your life. And the prospect remains you'll find success in another avenue and can be contented.
Learn about the lives of past and modern-day poets and writers and their craft.
If possible, attend streaming or zoom session of interviews or discussions with writers and poets. You may participate and ask them questions.
These steps are’nt in order; communicate with trustworthy adults, your parents, teachers, and others like local writers and editors about your career choices.
Evaluate alternative occupation options and how to prepare for them.
Practice your art daily and enjoy it.
I appreciate your courage in asking this question. Not because you are entirely unaware but likely you sense that sustaining a life as a writer and poet isn't guaranteed for each person seeking those careers, even with the finest education and preparation. If this is true, I confirm your senses are on target. It is not impossible, there is your 'yes,' nonetheless, the 'no' spread in multiple outcomes and possibilities like other creative fields.
Please take to heart the advice previously provided enhancing your writing journey. It is a vital human ability, please do not forsake writing, expand on it, and share it.
One challenge is competition. For example, if a poetry journal editor accepts 50 submissions for the November 2024 issue. She probably rejected triple the number of entries. It may be due to poor content, lacking talent, or that an excellent poem did'nt relate to the magazine's theme or style. It could be hard to believe many exceptional authors and writers do not have successful careers, not primarily the awful ones. And often, it isn't mostly their fault. It is the system we live in, where people still struggle for their piece of the pie.
As an adult, of course, I do not wish to dampen your aspirations. I desire you to have a contented, satisfying life. But gung ho telling a youth they can make it in this world, and live their dreams does not strike me as practical guidance. The individual will eventually confront reality. Rather than hide it, a wise course is preparing for what's ahead. The objective involves increasing awareness of what happens in an industry along with building the necessary knowledge, abilities, and experience to serve in it.
Yes, you want to be the best poet and writer within your potential. Also, the business part of poetry and writing should be learned, maybe with the zeal a girl is entralled with her grandfather's pizza shop. She's come to see the accomplishments of his creations, plus his challenges, mistakes, woes from the 2010 tomato drought. Then it's the year the adult granddaughter takes the helm. The shop's future, the pizza makers', and waitresses' livelihoods would be affected by her decisions and actions. It's unlikely a guess to you, for the most part, we work diligently to bring success to us, not often the other way around.
Another consideration for a wise course is being open for a supportive occupation. You may continue your education significance in poetry and writing, and learn skills for different position, if the other two opportunities are low and infrequent. The occupation choice is important as to give you the freedom to practice your arts. To note, certain medical fields pay well and offer benefits. If these are on call duty, overnight, too much overtime or otherwise humanly taxing. Then, is it reasonable to handle a writing career with the awkward schedule and exhausted body, and mind? It would be tough for me, but I do not speak for others.
I opened myself to work as a data processor, and transited to serve in the travel industry to sustain a living. Both occupations allowed me to have opportunities to research and write projects, duties involving hours and weeks. Other multiple avocations permit samelike results, including humble jobs like housecleaning. Too, another occupation can assist in paying an author agent, professional editors, and other assistants and services a writer needs to get his or her work distributed. We never have to be straving artists for the sake of art and have the joyous privileges of marriages, rising families and other gifts of life.
Please never forget this, Natalie because unfortunately billions were treated unfairly, guilted unnecessarly or disadvantaged for the mistruth. If you do not succeed in reaching your career goals, your value as human being never lessens. You will always be valued and loved by the vital individuals in your life. And the prospect remains you'll find success in another avenue and can be contented.
Curtz W. recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Natalie !
Yes, you will be able to sell your writing and I have some words of thought for you as well as advice. You can sell your writing tomorrow for all anyone knows, so no one can tell you what your life is or will be like, only you have jurisdiction over that and that's a good thing!
You see, we live our lives episodically. Cause and effect. One thing leads to another. This is why you shouldn't compare yourself with anyone or take heed to stereotypes of the profession. It will hold you back on something you really love doing if you allow the negative images in. You have to take life year by year and as you progress, you'll meet various people, learn different things, sharpen your awareness as well as your skills and act upon any opportunities that come your way. Just keep writing, reading, creating and start to learn about the publishing market now. To worry about the future is not going to help you. Writers must write.
I also want to mention that writers do other things for income, too. There's always going to be some employment notice or project submission to get your work out there, so you can work and be a professional writer while you do something else. I know that Gary is not the center for the publishing industry, but if there are no local opportunities, writers have a great advantage with remote work. Later on in life you can probably see if you'd want to move to where there is a strong writer community, but you'll do just fine as a writer where ever you are.
At 14, you should begin to create and save a collection of your works. Nothing will prepare you to be a writer except for life experience and taking an academic route to obtain a Bachelors Degree. In college you will meet contacts, a networking group, have your writing critiqued, learn things you hadn't thought about yet, and have a college degree that will back you up for jobs and add more credibility as compared to not having the degree. You should strive to be as versatile as possible, trying and learning every form of writing so that your chances of work increase. You'll have to know how to write for whatever projects or jobs are available. Work on that novel and your poetry, but also delve into technical writing, screen or play writing, commercial writing, internet content, magazine articles, interviewing, technical writing and learn as much as you can. Live in the present and not in the future and enjoy your journey as you progress forward.
One of my closest friends in college was a writer and she seemed to be doing very well in the industry last time we corresponded. I also know a lot of older people that have lots of free time that self publish their books, my own aunt being one of them. Something cool about the writers I know - they are all happy people content with their life.
So while you are in high school, make use of all the resources available to you and look for opportunities now. Go to your school library and public Library and look for a magazine called The Writer. This magazine is valuable. It has useful articles and also includes notices for writing projects. If your High School has a newspaper or website for students, ask if you can be involved with those. I left a link for you to Submittal which is from 2020, but read the website because they list opportunities for young writers. I noticed that one place has a reading fee when you submit your work. I don't know if I would advise using any that charge a fee when submitting your work, so use your discretion about where you submit your work to. Talk your intentions over with parents and or some adults, too.
Girls Write Now in New York , NY (link is below) may help you also. The New York Times also has a list of places that teen writers can submit work to (link is below). Once to start doing lots of online searches, you're going to see the opportunities and it will start becoming real to you. I would suggest that you visit your local Library and ask about any groups or organizations in Gary that may exist because there doesn't seem to be any on the internet. You will be so busy writing now that you won't even think about worrying about the future.
I hope that this is helpful and can alleviate any worry that you may have about your future. Stay in the here and now and enjoy life every step of the way. Never give up ! You can do it !
SUBMITTAL https://discover.submittable.com/blog/opportunities-for-young-writers-in-2020/
GIRLS WRITE NOW https://girlswritenow.org/resources/
70 PLACES FOR TEENS TO PUBLISH THEIR WRITING https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/15/learning/out-of-the-classroom-and-into-the-world-70-plus-places-to-publish-teenage-writing-and-art.html
Yes, you will be able to sell your writing and I have some words of thought for you as well as advice. You can sell your writing tomorrow for all anyone knows, so no one can tell you what your life is or will be like, only you have jurisdiction over that and that's a good thing!
You see, we live our lives episodically. Cause and effect. One thing leads to another. This is why you shouldn't compare yourself with anyone or take heed to stereotypes of the profession. It will hold you back on something you really love doing if you allow the negative images in. You have to take life year by year and as you progress, you'll meet various people, learn different things, sharpen your awareness as well as your skills and act upon any opportunities that come your way. Just keep writing, reading, creating and start to learn about the publishing market now. To worry about the future is not going to help you. Writers must write.
I also want to mention that writers do other things for income, too. There's always going to be some employment notice or project submission to get your work out there, so you can work and be a professional writer while you do something else. I know that Gary is not the center for the publishing industry, but if there are no local opportunities, writers have a great advantage with remote work. Later on in life you can probably see if you'd want to move to where there is a strong writer community, but you'll do just fine as a writer where ever you are.
At 14, you should begin to create and save a collection of your works. Nothing will prepare you to be a writer except for life experience and taking an academic route to obtain a Bachelors Degree. In college you will meet contacts, a networking group, have your writing critiqued, learn things you hadn't thought about yet, and have a college degree that will back you up for jobs and add more credibility as compared to not having the degree. You should strive to be as versatile as possible, trying and learning every form of writing so that your chances of work increase. You'll have to know how to write for whatever projects or jobs are available. Work on that novel and your poetry, but also delve into technical writing, screen or play writing, commercial writing, internet content, magazine articles, interviewing, technical writing and learn as much as you can. Live in the present and not in the future and enjoy your journey as you progress forward.
One of my closest friends in college was a writer and she seemed to be doing very well in the industry last time we corresponded. I also know a lot of older people that have lots of free time that self publish their books, my own aunt being one of them. Something cool about the writers I know - they are all happy people content with their life.
So while you are in high school, make use of all the resources available to you and look for opportunities now. Go to your school library and public Library and look for a magazine called The Writer. This magazine is valuable. It has useful articles and also includes notices for writing projects. If your High School has a newspaper or website for students, ask if you can be involved with those. I left a link for you to Submittal which is from 2020, but read the website because they list opportunities for young writers. I noticed that one place has a reading fee when you submit your work. I don't know if I would advise using any that charge a fee when submitting your work, so use your discretion about where you submit your work to. Talk your intentions over with parents and or some adults, too.
Girls Write Now in New York , NY (link is below) may help you also. The New York Times also has a list of places that teen writers can submit work to (link is below). Once to start doing lots of online searches, you're going to see the opportunities and it will start becoming real to you. I would suggest that you visit your local Library and ask about any groups or organizations in Gary that may exist because there doesn't seem to be any on the internet. You will be so busy writing now that you won't even think about worrying about the future.
I hope that this is helpful and can alleviate any worry that you may have about your future. Stay in the here and now and enjoy life every step of the way. Never give up ! You can do it !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: