Aug 23 2008
How much money does a freelance writer make?
I know a couple of doctors. I have a friend who is a pastor. I know some teachers, some military folks, and some people who specialize in computers. A friend of mine works in a grocery store, and another friend works for a television station. The funny thing is that I have never felt compelled to ask any of these people, “So how much money do you make?” The even funnier thing is that for one reason or another, complete strangers feel like it’s completely appropriate to ask me how much I make as a writer.
It usually goes something like this:
Them: So what do you do?
Me: I’m a writer.
Them: Oh, what do you write?
Me: I do a lot of online content, but I’m working on a novel right now.
Them: Wow, that’s great. (Pause) So how much money do you make?
I’ve gotten used to the question, but in the beginning it actually offended me a little because it was as if they were looking for some sort of justification to bestow upon me the actual title of writer. As I’ve said before, I don’t think the amount of money you make writing actually makes you a writer, but apparently it’s important information for some people to know.
I usually reply with something like, “I do pretty well,” but there are some people who push me to give them more details. My favorite was one woman who actually sneered when she asked me, “Can you make a decent wage doing that?” That’s how she actually phrased it. For this lady I gave her an actual figure - because I knew I made more than she made - and her sneer disappeared (oddly enough).
If you’re wondering how much money a freelance writer makes, the answer is this: It depends. Hardworking, talented writers can make an impressive wage and people who dabble in writing can make enough for an occasional dinner out. I’m not going to tell you exactly how much I make - the number changes from month to month anyhow - but I promise that I won’t ask you how much money you make with whatever it is you do. Deal?
6 Responses to “How much money does a freelance writer make?”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Not A Member? Register for Free!
people can be so rude!
when I taught a business communications workshop recently, I found a really good way to convince them that I was credible - and that it’s worth learning to write well… used the example of my one page Statement of Intent … which was a big part of earning a scholarship.
You had to have good marks before you even applied… so everyone did…. after that it came down to recommendations and that one page
So tell me…how much did you get paid for teaching the class?
I’m kidding! I’m kidding!
I don’t know why it is that people seem to think that it’s OK to ask that kind of personal question of writers when they wouldn’t dream of asking other professionals what they earn. I usually say that I’m not earning enough yet to buy a mansion with indoor heated swimming pool but I’m working on it!
Please be sure to include me on the invite list when you do get that heated pool.
It’s not that people are inquiring to justify their opinion or validity of your claim, but rather out of pure curiosity.
Many people consider themselves writers or are secretly wishing for a self-paced, low-stress job, which writing is considered (due to a lack of true understanding).
It’s widely assumed that writers do not make much money and that they are more-often-than-not struggling artists, as portrayed by society in movies and television shows, or history for that matter. This peaks peoples’ interest because they feel they have found someone financially successful and/or happy in the field.
People usually ask how much money you make because they wonder if writing is a logical job to pursue and still have the means to live the way they choose, or if they could do it part-time in addition to their current job to make more money and heighten their living standards.
To be honest, writing is second only to speaking in terms of communication, so it is assumed to be easy. Why wouldn’t people want to try to make money by doing something they so frequently do already?
But the reality is that you actually have to be good at it in order to make a decent living, just like anything else.
I think you should take it as more of a compliment than insult that someone believes you have overcome the stereotype and that you seem successful in something traditionally considered a difficult way to survive economically.
I wouldn’t pardon the impropriety of the question by any means, but you can consider the implication a compliment.
That’s a good way of looking at it. Maybe I’m a bit too quick to judge that people are out to insult me, eh?