by Ruth Belena

Created on: August 07, 2009

Some people write because they feel they were born to write, and consequently love writing with a passion. Many of these people will choose not to write for a living, the main reason being that they enjoy self expression and imaginative writing, and are less interested in writing factual articles or non-fiction.

Few novelists, poets or autobiographical writers actually earn a living from those activities. It is only possible for fiction writers to earn a living, from publishers advances and sales of their novels, after becoming successful. Many novelists and poets have additional sources of income, some of which may include other forms of writing.

People choose not to write for a living when they are unwilling to make changes to the way they write. People who enjoy writing, and do it only for pleasure, do not have to consider the needs of publishers and readers, or to allow editors to make cuts and to correct grammar or punctuation.

Writers who like to be creative, or to write about their deepest feelings are usually inspired to do so. People who write for a living cannot afford to wait for inspiration. They are given deadlines to meet and have to submit their writing, or provide a corrected version, within a specified time.

The decision to write for a living, like any career choice, needs to be taken with a professional approach. People who choose to write for a living should have a basic knowledge of the various writing markets and writing opportunities available to them.

People who decide to write for a living understand that the first requirement is not to write for themselves but to write according to editorial instructions and publishing guidelines. Professional writers need to meet specific requirements of editors, publishers or business clients. They might need to change the way they write or to acquire new skills, to meet those requirements.

Freelance writers should be able to write in different styles and formats, on a wide variety of topics. They are frequently asked to produce web content, which involves writing with close regard to word count and keyword density. Clients provide titles and topics, or they request a number of articles to be written on one subject. Freelance writers need to know how to research and write on any given topic. Unless they are specialist writers, they cannot choose what to write about.

Any successful writer needs to be self critical and should be prepared to write several drafts to get something right, and then the final draft will need careful checking and editing. Published writers are generally willing to make minor alterations, to rewrite parts, or to revise what they have written. Every book, article or story will need to be proofread and edited before publication. Professional writers must be open to criticism and accept suggestions about their writing.

People who choose to write for a living work closely with their clients, editors or publishers, and put a lot of effort into their writing. It is still satisfying to produce a piece of original writing and have it published. Writing every day for a living is an extremely rewarding career, for those who are prepared to take on the role of a professional writer, rather than writing only what they feel inspired to write.

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