“There’s no money in art.”
Has anyone ever told you that? The advice was likely well meant, especially if it came from a trusted friend or loved one, but it’s also the kind of advice that artists rarely want to hear…mostly because it’s true.
Or at least that was the case decades ago…when Internet hadn’t yet existed. Nowadays, however, things are much different, and for the better, too.
Are you an aspiring writer?
In the past, writers had to jump through all sorts of hoops just to get a literary agent or editor to notice them, and we’re only talking about query letters at this point. It’s a whole new ballgame altogether to get an agent to read your manuscript, and it’s another round of nail-biting torture while waiting for an editor to make an offer for your work.
My point is, traditional publishing (or writing for media networks and other big companies) used to be the only way for writers to put food on the table. But that was then, and this is now – and you definitely have more income-generating opportunities to choose from.
Online writing jobs
This type of job requires you to write articles on specified topics, and you’ll be paid either a fixed rate per article or you receive monthly wages like regular employees do. In some cases, you may even earn additional commission based on how “popular” your article is.
To help you get started, check out the latest writing jobs posted on Craigslist.
Academic writing jobs
For this type of job, you’ll need to apply to middleman companies that handle job requests, and your pay rate will be based on the number of pages required, the project’s level of complexity, and the amount of time you’re given to complete the job.
Self-publishing
Skip the gatekeepers and get your hands straight into your reader’s hands by uploading your manuscript to digital self-publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon), Nook Press (Barnes & Noble), iBooks (Apple), Kobo, and Google Play. With self-publishing, you earn a certain percentage of royalties from every e-book sold.
Has anyone ever told you that? The advice was likely well meant, especially if it came from a trusted friend or loved one, but it’s also the kind of advice that artists rarely want to hear…mostly because it’s true.
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| How to write and earn online |
Or at least that was the case decades ago…when Internet hadn’t yet existed. Nowadays, however, things are much different, and for the better, too.
Are you an aspiring writer?
In the past, writers had to jump through all sorts of hoops just to get a literary agent or editor to notice them, and we’re only talking about query letters at this point. It’s a whole new ballgame altogether to get an agent to read your manuscript, and it’s another round of nail-biting torture while waiting for an editor to make an offer for your work.
My point is, traditional publishing (or writing for media networks and other big companies) used to be the only way for writers to put food on the table. But that was then, and this is now – and you definitely have more income-generating opportunities to choose from.
Online writing jobs
This type of job requires you to write articles on specified topics, and you’ll be paid either a fixed rate per article or you receive monthly wages like regular employees do. In some cases, you may even earn additional commission based on how “popular” your article is.
To help you get started, check out the latest writing jobs posted on Craigslist.
Academic writing jobs
For this type of job, you’ll need to apply to middleman companies that handle job requests, and your pay rate will be based on the number of pages required, the project’s level of complexity, and the amount of time you’re given to complete the job.
Self-publishing
Skip the gatekeepers and get your hands straight into your reader’s hands by uploading your manuscript to digital self-publishing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon), Nook Press (Barnes & Noble), iBooks (Apple), Kobo, and Google Play. With self-publishing, you earn a certain percentage of royalties from every e-book sold.
P.S. For Philippine-based writers, we recommend publishing through third-party platforms such as Draft 2 Digital and Smashwords. Aside from not requiring you to have a US address and TIN, these websites are also able to transfer your royalties straight to your PayPal account.
Paid reading apps
With mobile apps like Radish, writers are encouraged to upload serialized content, for which readers pay “coins” to gain early or immediate access to every chapter posted.
Blogging
Start your own blog or website and post whatever it is you wish to share with the world. In time, you’ll be able to monetize your posts and earn from advertising revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
P.S. If this is what you fancy doing, it’s best to have your blog hosted on either Blogger or WordPress, and don’t forget to share links to your posts on your social media accounts. The more readers or followers you have, the quicker you’ll be able to monetize your blog!
Sponsorship
Writers who earn through this method typically start by posting their works for free on websites like Wattpad and Fan Fiction or on forums that have a dedicated area for literary works posted by their members.
The key here is to use these sites to get more eyes on your work, interact with your readers, and build your following. In time, you’ll be able to invite them to support your writing endeavors when you set up an account on crowdfunding websites such as Patreon, Indie Go Go, Go Fund Me, and Kickstarter.
Virtual tip jars – such as the one offered by PayPal – are another option, and they’re typically the most convenient way for readers to support your work.
Finally, there are also sites like Ko-Fi and Buy Me A Coffee, which are basically a more fun representation of virtual tip jars. You don’t actually get paid with coffee, but your fans and readers can at least be comforted by the knowledge that they contributed to your café expenses.
Online workshops, courses, and tutorials
Last but not the least, you can share your love for words (and the skills that come with it) by conducting an online workshop or tutorial. Take Skillshare for instance, which pays teachers (that’s you!) a percentage of royalties based on the number of watched minutes of their classes each month. Even better, they also pay a nice referral fee for every teacher or student you successfully bring in.
P.S. You may also share free workshops through Facebook / YouTube Live and Instagram Stories and still generate revenue through them. Just remember to link each video to your virtual tip jar or crowdfunding campaign.
And that’s it for the first part of our Who Says You Can’t Earn from Home with Your Art series. Watch out for Part 2, which we’ll be solely dedicating to visual artists.
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