I really don’t like it when people say that if you want to be a writer, you have to be OK with being poor. It’s just not true.
People who say this are usually the ones who never figured out how to make writing work for them. They spent years chasing the dream, waiting for someone to “discover” them, and when that didn’t happen, they decided writing doesn’t pay. But here’s the truth: Writing pays. You just have to know how to approach it.
The Problem? Most Writers Think Like Artists, Not Entrepreneurs
Most writers romanticise the struggle. They believe writing should be purely about art, about self-expression. They think making money somehow taints the craft. But here’s what they don’t realise: The most successful writers like Nicolas Cole treat their writing like a business.
They don’t just write for the sake of writing. They write with intention. They understand distribution. They know how to turn their words into income. And most importantly, they aren’t waiting for someone else to give them permission to succeed.
The Writers Who Make Money Think Differently
There are two types of writers:
- The Hobbyist – They write when they feel like it, without thinking about the reader. They hope one day their work will magically get noticed.
- The Professional – They write every day, not just for themselves, but for an audience. They know that writing isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, consistency, and knowing how to sell.
If you want to be a writer and make a living from it, you have to be the second type. You have to study what works. You have to learn how to market yourself. You have to be willing to do more than just write—you have to build an ecosystem around your writing.
How to Actually Make Money as a Writer
- Write Where People Pay – Instead of waiting for a book deal, start writing in places that already have an audience. Think newsletters, blogs, LinkedIn, or platforms like YES. Build the following first, then monetise.
- Offer a Service – Copywriting, content marketing —these are all high-paying skills that require writing. If you’re good with words, businesses will pay you.
- Own Your Distribution – Don’t rely on publishers, social media algorithms, or random luck. Build your own newsletter, website, or membership site. The most successful writers are the ones who control their audience.
- Think Beyond Books – Books are BIG, but they take time to make money. Instead, package your knowledge into courses, consulting, or paid communities. Your expertise is valuable. People will pay for access.
If you still believe writing doesn’t pay, you’re already losing. But if you shift your mindset—if you start thinking like a writer and an entrepreneur—you’ll see that making money as a writer isn’t just possible but also a proven way.
The question isn’t, “Can I make money writing?” The question is, “Am I willing to do what it takes?”