The short answer: depends on the type of writer

The amount of money that a writer can make varies widely. It depends on many factors, such as the writer’s experience and skill level, the type of writing they do, the demand for their work, and the rates they are able to negotiate. Some writers may earn very little, while others may earn substantial incomes.

For example, a freelance writer who writes articles for magazines or websites may earn anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per article, depending on the length and complexity of the piece and the publication it appears in. A full-time staff writer at a magazine or newspaper may earn a salary between $40,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on their experience and the publication they work for.

A successful author can potentially earn much more, depending on the sales of their books. Many authors, however, do not earn a high income from their writing and may need to supplement their income with other sources.

It’s worth noting that writing can be a very competitive field, and it may be difficult for writers to make a living wage, particularly in the early stages of their careers. Many writers also need to be prepared to face rejection and to work on their craft for an extended period of time before they are able to achieve financial success.

Freelance Article Writing

The amount of money that a freelance article writer can make depends on many factors, such as their experience and skill level, the demand for their work, and the rates they are able to negotiate. Freelance writers typically charge by the word, the page, or the project, and rates can vary widely depending on the piece’s complexity, the publication it will appear in, and the writer’s experience and credentials.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for freelance writers in the United States is $24.35, or about $50,670 per year. However, this is just a rough estimate and does not consider the wide range of rates that freelance writers may charge. Some freelance writers may earn much less, while others may earn significantly more.

Self Published Authors

Self-published authors are writers who have published their own work without the assistance of a traditional publishing house. In the past, self-publishing was often seen as a less reputable or less successful way to get a book published, but in recent years, self-publishing has become more mainstream and accepted as a viable way for authors to get their work out into the world, without the help of publishing companies. Many successful authors self-publish while making a good six figures and remain readers’ favorites.

There are several ways that self-published authors can get their work published. One option is to use a print-on-demand (POD) service, which allows authors to print their books as needed and sell them through online retailers like Amazon. Another option is to use an ebook publishing platform, such as Kindle Direct Publishing, which allows authors to upload their work and make it available for sale as an ebook.

Self-published authors are responsible for all aspects of the publishing process, including editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and distribution. This can be a lot of work, but it also gives self-published authors a greater degree of control over their work and the ability to retain a larger percentage of the profits from their sales.

It’s worth noting that self-publishing is not for everyone, and it can be challenging for self-published authors to achieve the same level of visibility and success as authors who are published by traditional houses. However, self-publishing can also provide an opportunity for writers to get their work out into the world and build a readership with their readers without having to go through the traditional publishing process.

Traditionally Published Authors

Traditional authors will tell you there is only one reputable course to take if you want to publish your book: find an editor and then get your books published the old-fashioned way. And up to a point, it may be true: traditional publishing will deal with many issues for you; they will cover printing costs, design a book cover, pay you a good writer salary and deal with the press release… all you have to do is write the book and meet deadlines.

Yet, the amount of money that a traditionally published author makes will also vary based on the success of their book, the terms of their publishing contract, and the royalties they are able to earn from book sales. While some traditionally published authors may earn substantial incomes from their writing, others may not earn as much, especially in the early stages of their careers. It is not uncommon to have to send chapters of your first book to many editors and publishing companies before one will consider you.

Traditionally published authors typically receive an advance when they sign a publishing contract. An advance is a sum of money that is paid to the author before their book is published, and it is intended to cover the author’s expenses while they are working on the book. The amount of the advance can vary widely, depending on the success of the author’s previous books, the potential sales of the new book, and the terms of the contract. Advances can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars or more.

After the book is published, the author will typically earn royalties on the sales of their book. Royalties are a percentage of the book’s sale price that is paid to the author, and the percentage can vary depending on the terms of the contract. Traditional publishers usually offer authors a royalty of between 10% and 15% of the book’s sale price, although higher royalties may be negotiated for certain types of books or in certain circumstances.

It’s worth noting that the publishing industry can be very competitive, and it may be difficult for writers to get a traditional publishing contract, especially if they are starting out. Many writers may need to work on their craft for an extended period of time before they are able to achieve financial success as an author.

Overall it is safe to say that although publishing your first book may seem like a dream; it is not wise to leave your day job just yet. Writing about your truth might be your calling, but you must also pay the bills. Once you get your book sold, be prepared to meet deadlines if you want to be part of the ‘published authors’ club. But if your dream is to be the next Stephen King or even James Patterson, and if you have stories in your head that need to be written, then there is no better time than the present to start creating your manuscript.