How Much Can I Make As A Writer?

Take into consideration these factors when thinking about the revenue your writing career may generate: 

• Are you writing about what you know?  Unless you’re a real “research hound”, readers will know when you’re trying too hard.  Write about characters and subjects that you know well. Don’t be something you’re not – and don’t write where you have no experience.
• Talent and Technique.  Do you have the raw talent to tell a good story (whether fiction or non-fiction, it all comes down to storytelling); and do you have a firm grasp on the technique to do it properly?  If you’re unclear, take a class, workshop, or read books on craft.
• Book Cover.  Your book will be competing against thousands of others, and if your cover doesn’t engage your reader right from the start, chances are you won’t sell many books.
• Availability.  Make sure your book is available for as many buying opportunities as possible.  Place “Buy Now” buttons on your website or blog; link to your Amazon.com page; link to your book’s page on your publisher’s website; get neighborhood stores to carry your books on consignment; contact your local library and offer to do a reading event and provide copies to sell, with a portion of the proceeds going to the library; etc.  And, make sure that you are available to make it easy for your buyers… take cash and cards!
• Remember that marketing is key.  People can’t buy your book if they don’t know you’ve written one.  Remember to talk it up on your blog and social media.  Think up a special seasonal discount promotion, contact local media outlets, offer to do guest blog appearances with reciprocal links, host a contest and give away free copies, etc.
• Imagine your ideal reader and target that person.  Consider writing a brief “open letter” on your blog to a specific reader explaining why you think your book might be a good fit for them.  Remember to keep it fun and engaging.  And, don’t forget – as wonderful as your book might be – you can’t get everyone to read it; so target those who are more likely to be your biggest fans.
• Write several books.  Prolific authors are profitable authors.  Try different storylines with the same characters; try new genres; try fiction vs. non-fiction or children’s books.  Change it up, if you like – but remember to keep it fresh.  No one ever made a name for themselves or increased their revenue stream by simply “resting on their laurels”

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