by Ruth Belena

Created on: October 22, 2009

Some people have a rather idealistic idea of what it is like to be a stay-at-home writer. Writing as a form of self-expression does not apply to self-employment. A full-time writer usually earns a living by writing informative articles, creating quality website content, or becoming an established author of marketable books.

Sending out query letters, email applications or book proposals can be a big part of being a stay-at-home writer. Paid writers often find regular work by contacting magazine editors or approaching prospective clients. Writing assignments can be found through freelance websites, online writing communities and webmaster forums. Authors can use a literary agent to find suitable book publishers.

* Writing books and getting published

An author does not simply sit at a desk all day pouring out words in a flow of creativity. Writing the first draft just the start of the book publishing process. A writer needs more time and further effort for editing, proofreading and preparation. It can take some time for a book to appear in print, and then the book requires marketing and distribution.

Publishing in an electronic format is far faster, and a stay-at-home writer can take advantage of new developments in publishing to profit from self-publishing. Self-published authors can easily create books in electronic format for Amazon Kindle and Sony Reader, or use Lulu to publish and sell their books as instant downloads.

* Writing as a business

Being a writer and working from home is no different from any other form of self employment or occupation that involves running a small business. A stay-at-home writer is a sole trader with responsibility for marketing, meeting deadlines and must be prepared to follow guidelines carefully.

Writing can be commissioned in a particular style, using an appropriate tone and has to be written to a required length. Keywords can be specified when writing for search engine optimization.

A writer can expect to be given topics that involve research or fact checking, and this needs to be carried out by the writer before writing can commence. All assignments have to be completed and submitted by a set deadline.

* Getting paid

Writing income can be received as upfront payments following publication, in print or online, or as recursive income. Some writers regularly publish articles on websites to earn ad revenue or to get paid per thousand page views.

After completing a writing assignment for a client, a stay-at-home writer should be prepared to wait after submitting an invoice for payment. Sometimes it is necessary for a writer to send reminders to slow paying clients.

Electronic publishing allows instant payments to be received, and print-on-demand books can generate a good long-term income.

Published authors can receive an advance after submitting a book proposal, and receive passive income from book sales in the form of royalties. Many authors have other jobs to supplement their writing income, or they support themselves by writing regular articles and reviews, in addition to writing books.

A busy writer might employ a professional accountant, and for tax purposes it is essential that a stay-at-home writer should retain all business receipts and paid invoices, and to maintain an accurate record of writing income and expenses.

A stay-at-home writer has to work hard, but for someone with the right skills who is seeking self-employment, writing can be the ideal full-time occupation for working at home.

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