Write2Ignite

If you’ve chosen writing for the purpose of making your fortune, you’ve picked the wrong career. Of course, this doesn’t mean that we can’t earn money from writing and writing-related activities.

So now that we’ve dealt with this hard truth and you haven’t stopped reading, let’s examine several ways to generate additional income.

The best place to start looking for advice is the Bible. Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NIV) tells us:

“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”

And Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV) says:

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

As you can see, diversification of income streams is biblical. As we begin a new year, here are a few ideas to consider:

Write

The best tip for earning income from your writing is to write…and write well! Write for magazines and anthologies to earn small but consistent paychecks. Submit your best book manuscript, whether traditionally or self-publishing. At the same time, manage expectations. Few authors manage to live off their writing without additional income streams. Of course, there are exceptions. But not many of us will become the next J.K. Rowling or Madeleine L’Engle.

Speak

Speaking engagements can augment writing income. Be proactive by contacting local meeting planners to determine their needs.

Wondering what to speak about? Identify your area(s) of expertise. What do you like to write about? What is your educational concentration? How can you use the research for your book(s) to give an audience additional information?

Once you identify several speaking topics, list those topics in a letter or on a postcard and mail to local meeting planners, MOPS coordinators, homeschool associations, women’s ministry leaders, and children’s ministry leaders. Follow-up with a telephone call a few weeks later.

Teach

What writing skills have you learned that you can teach others? Can you lead a writing workshop on description at a writer’s conference? How about teaching homeschoolers about rhyme and meter? Contact your local homeschool association to explore their needs.

Edit

Do you have excellent editing skills? Consider offering editing services. But don’t wing it. Be sure you have proper training. Join organizations such as the Christian PEN and take courses to develop your skills before you attempt to edit others’ work.

Ancillary products

What products can you develop that are related to your writing? Consider greeting cards, plaques, calendars, printables, and worksheets. You can make these available as complimentary offerings in exchange for newsletter signups. You can also create a store on your website and monetize these offerings.

Diversifying income streams takes planning and work, but it can be accomplished. Consider what additional income streams you might develop in the new year!