by David Dewitt

Created on: May 19, 2009   Last Updated: May 05, 2012

Earning a steady income from writing can be a tough means to making a living. Seldom do writers land the large contracts and massive royalties. However, there are some ways that writing can bring an additional income to augment existing salaries.

There are some ways that income can be increased from writing. There are several markets that can be used to write and earn some additional income.

• Online writing

While online writing often offers the least financial return it does offer the widest amount of freedom. Online sites are always searching for additional content to increase their databases. These might be the fastest and easiest means of publishing. Making money through online residuals often requires an ample amount of time. Do not expect to post an article today and be cashing in for hundreds of dollars. The potential may exist but seldom does it actually happen.

• Freelance copywriting

One lucrative writing option is copywriting. Writing copy for advertising or marketing materials can pay large amounts of money on an hourly basis. Good copywriters can make between $50 to $100 per hour. This may take some time and some additional effort on the part of the writer. However, while seeking to build a portfolio do not expect large paying clients to come your way.

One good way to begin copywriting is to offer pro-bono services to local non-profits. These organizations may need assistance with items for newsletters, web sites, fundraising campaigns and brochures or general information items. Providing for non-profits may not pay much but those pieces will build up the portfolio and give valuable references for future copywriting work.

• Newspapers

There are two types of newspapers in most areas large city or regional papers and the small village local papers. Beginning in newspapers will likely happen at the smaller local level first. Payment for those articles may be little or none. However, the writer gains exposure and experience for future writing through the local venue.

The regional newspaper is more difficult to break into but the rewards are simple. There is additional exposure, additional opportunities and additional income. Providing content for a regional newspaper can be a bit more difficult but may lead to something more substantial.

• Magazines

Magazines can be widely distributed or they can have a regional distribution. Either way there are additional writing opportunities that abound. Using the magazine avenue can mean writing a narrow and specific article to fit the magazines need. Change that same article and use it for newspapers or the internet. One magazine article might become several newspaper or online articles.

Here are some additional tips to earning extra income through writing:

  • Sell the same piece over and over again

Keep the rights to everything that you write and then modify those articles to fit an additional market to sell the same piece with a few adjustments again.

  • Use the various markets to maximum advantage

Writing for various markets at the same time keeps writing fresh and fluid. Be clear what each market needs and expects then be ready to deliver.

  • Recycle old articles for fresh payment

Bring the old articles to new life through some simple revisions and some added leg work to market them. Use the online articles with a local spin for newspapers. Add some extra material and some national information to market to magazines. The effort might be worth it.

Remember write because it is something that is enjoyed. Write for the love of writing. Write because the desire is there. Never write just for the money. Income is nothing more than icing on the cake.

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