Being a writer means being plagued by unpaid internships, struggles to find employment and submission fees – part and parcel, I’m afraid. But there are some ways to keep yourself afloat, and many things you can do to increase your chances of landing a job that aligns with your interests.
To succeed as a writer in the UK, it’s essential to continuously improve your writing skills, network with other writers and professionals in the industry and adapt to changes in the market. Additionally, maintaining a professional online presence through a website or social media can help you showcase your work and attract clients. And that’s not all…
Hobby-level ways to get paid for your writing
For those only able to commit their spare time (and not much investment) to writing, there are ways to make some money off your hobby, but don’t expect to break even. Arts funding has long faced budget chagrin, so every little helps. There are plenty of competitions offering prize money and even other opportunities, so checking often will put you in good stead.
Only 19% of authors rely on writing as their sole source of income, as it’s simply not viable to live off, and seemingly earnings are lowering as time goes on. Although making money isn’t guaranteed (and if you do, it likely won’t be a lot),entering your work into competitions or journals is a good way of getting started. If money is an issue, worry not – many of them don’t have submission fees, and you may even be eligible for prize money, if it’s being offered.
You could also form a collective, and spread the cost of buying magazines between yourselves, by sharing them around. Additionally, some platforms offer paid freelance work – but it’s best to do your own research here, as there are countless scams looking to steal your work and time.
Copywriting and technical writing
Content is constantly in high demand for business use: writing copy for websites, blogs, and social media platforms can be a profitable way to make a living. Providing companies with articles, blog posts, product descriptions, social media content, and other marketing collateral is a good way to break into the writing-for-work market, and you may even be offered a permanent role doing so.
Although a little more niche, if you have expertise in a specific industry or subject area, technical writing can be a lucrative employment option. Technical writers create manuals, instructions, guides, and documentation for products, software, and processes – and if your knowledge matches up to the needs of a company, you could end up being an invaluable hire.
Self-publishing
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and other useful platforms, have been intrinsic in making self-publishing increasingly accessible to the wider population. You can write and publish your own ebooks, novels, short stories, and non-fiction books on any topic you like. Self-publishing allows writers to reach global audiences and tap into niche markets that may not be accessible through traditional publishing channels.
However, success in self-publishing often requires authors to invest time and effort into marketing and promotion strategies, such as building a platform, engaging with readers and running advertising campaigns. With dedication and persistence, self-publishing can be a viable path for writers to share their stories and make a meaningful impact in the literary world.
Ghostwriting and scriptwriting
Many individuals or businesses hire ghostwriters to write books, articles, blog posts, and speeches on their behalf. Ghostwriting allows people to earn money while leveraging their writing skills, but the work will be published without crediting the author by name, and they won’t have copyright, either.
Additionally, if you have a talent for storytelling, you can explore opportunities in scriptwriting for television, film, radio, and the theatre. Developing scripts for movies, TV shows, commercials, and plays requires creativity and understanding of the medium, so if you’re a superfan of a TV show, look into opportunities to capitalise on your passions!
Cha-ching!
In summary, there are several avenues to make money from writing in the UK. Freelance writing offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects for various clients, whereas writing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications allows writers to showcase their expertise and build their portfolios.
Impish Fen 
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