Is It Possible To Make Six Figures As A Writer?

We love bringing the best writers’ tips to you, and one of the most common questions we are asked is whether writers can make six figures.

The short answer is ‘yes’ they can! But we are here to explore the long answer today.

We know it is possible because we have seen it happen, and we know people who have achieved it.

The writer’s journey comes with no manual. Unlike other professions that have a pay range of what is more or less the expected compensation, a writer is dealing with entirely different market rules.

Here are some writer’s tips that can help you get in the ‘right’ mindset.

1. Be Confident and Have the Right Expectations

It will take a plan to get to six figures. Like all professions, no one starts on the top (well, unless you were born in the family business).

This means you will have to begin taking lower paying projects at first. You will need to build a portfolio with these projects which you can showcase to keep moving up the ladder.

Everyone can make up their own mind as far as to what is a reasonable rate to begin with. It sometimes depends on where you also live and what people are willing to pay in that area.

Remember to respect yourself, and to have some standards.

For example, when I first was trying to get my freelancing career going, I remember getting approached by someone who asked me to write a Real Estate piece, 1000 words for $5!

I simply said no!

If we take the two extremes of $0, 03 to $0, 30, we are looking at anything from $30 to $300 per 1000 words.

The reality when you first get started is somewhere closer to the lower range. It also highly depends on what you are writing.

1. Does it require extensive research?

2. Will the content be published in medical or other journals?

3. Is it for a blog?

4. Is it for a website? And if so, is the client a one of the Fortune Global 500 companies, or a startup project with zero budget?

Which brings us to our next point.

2. Define your Client Persona

Knowing what you are looking for makes it exponentially easier to find it.

As mentioned previously at the beginning of your writing career, you will be jumping on the bed just because someone wants to see your portfolio.

When you are just getting started, you cannot be picky with your clients.

You will take projects you do not like, you will write for less than you are worth, but it is all part of road map.

This experience will allow you to explore different writing gigs, and come closer to defining what works for you.

Eventually you will gravitate to a certain type of writing, and when the time comes you can begin approaching clients in that sector, and upping your pricing.

3.  Be Everywhere and Brand Yourself as a Writer

When you first get started as a writer it is similar to someone who wants to make it in Hollywood.

Most actors end up working in restaurants while waiting for their big break. But regardless of what they are doing they brand themselves as actors.

The same situation is common with writers. It usually starts as a side gig. But make sure everyone knows you are a writer.

Ask people if they need help with their blog, send emails to companies with online presence offering your services and begin building that portfolio that will get you to the six figures eventually.

4. Explore Writing Gigs

Do not be set on a certain type of writing. Here is another good writer’s tip for you, be flexible.

For example, when people hear I am a writer, I get offers to ghost-write their books.

Everyone has a story to tell, few know how to put it down correctly.

Ghostwriting pays well, and some writers report getting gigs that pay six figures.

The average ghostwriting gig can bring you around $35,000, while the overall range is anywhere from $5, 000 to $100, 000.

You can work remotely on ongoing projects and blogs.

You can even secure a job in major companies that require daily content for their product or service.

Conclusion

Yes, it is possible to reach and surpass six figures as a writer. It takes times, it takes hustling and exploring opportunities. The job will not come to you, you have to go to it.

Few things to remember:

1. Be confident and do not sell yourself short

2. Do not be afraid to turn down projects if they appear to be taking advantage of you

3. Use social media to advertise yourself

4. Register on Freelance Platforms and create packages for people who are looking for writers

5. Send out professional emails to potential clients with a clear picture of what you can do for them.

Remember when you work to become and not to acquire, money will find its way to you.