How to make money from your writing

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had several clients and colleagues ask me the same question: Can I actually make a good living from my writing?

Though we do plenty of complaining about not having money, writers generally don’t like to talk about how much we make or how we make it. But we should, because there’s power in seeing—and sharing—what’s possible. Which is why I will say: whether you just want to make another 5k this year or you’re aiming for multiple six figures, being well paid for your writing is entirely doable. I know that, because not only have I made far more money than I imagined was possible when I first set out to be a writer, many of my clients and colleagues have, too. Here’s how:

*Write what you actually like. It’s true that some fields tend to pay better (for example, tech and health if you’re a journalist or content strategist)—and that certain book genres, such as productivity and romance, tend to be perpetually hot. But you know what’s really hot? Writing what you’re passionate about, or at least have a genuine interest in. Every time I publish a book or article about something that sets me on fire, it inevitably does better than the ideas that sounded good but didn’t actually light me up. Focusing on what's enjoyable makes it far easier to excel—which allows you to ask for, and receive, more for your writing.

*Publish as often as you’re able. This is especially true in book publishing, as books are a source of passive income—though in general, the more value you produce, the more you earn. I’m not saying churn out crap. But as I’ve written about before, you might be able to write faster than you realize, especially if you get really good about planning and outlining—and learning to fully focus for short bursts of time.

*Be open to unexpected income sources. When it comes to writing, the money doesn’t usually come from where you think it will. When I look back at my fiction income, in particular, the revenue sources still surprise me. There was the book that sold for low five figures, then brought in multiple six figures in sales. There was the unexpected audio deal and the foreign language bestseller that I never saw coming, and so on. Instead of focusing on any one avenue for making money, be open to all opportunities that come your way.

*Believe that it’s possible. Your financial future is one big self-fulfilling prophecy. No, things won’t always work out the way you expect them to. But over time, if you expect to make money, your brain is going to be primed to look for and make the most of chances to do just that. If you're feeling doubtful, seek out examples of writers in your field who are making their dreams come true—and being well compensated for it. If they can, so can you.