By Chrissy Brown | C.A.A.B. Publishing
Can you make money as a writer?
Of course, you can. But the real question is: How much? In an age of AI, the internet, and bookstores closing, can writing still be a viable career?
Writing can absolutely be a viable career, but only if you treat it like one.
If you believe it’s possible to make a living doing what you love, you’ll be more willing to make sacrifices, put in the hard work, and invest in your future as a writer. If you don’t think it’s possible, then you’ll bumble along until you decide to get a ‘real’ job. You’ll listen to all those people who say, “Everyone knows writers don’t make any money, just like painters are starving artists or teenagers never listen, and all rich people are evil.” These are cultural stereotypes. While not true for all, or even most, they get repeated until we believe them.
If we approached studying medicine the same way, we’d have cultural stereotypes about the “starving doctor” instead of the “starving artist.”
But we don’t treat medicine or its study like a hobby. Those who study medicine spend every waking moment working toward their goal. They study hard for many years, invest time and money into their career, and no one would tell a medical student a few years in, “You’ve been talking about being a doctor for years, but it’s just not happening. This is a fantasy. You need to grow up and pursue something more practical.” But people will gladly say that to an author. Believing in yourself is the biggest hurdle. Writers often say they feel like “frauds” or “imposters,” that they’re not “real” writers. But you never hear doctors, lawyers, or teachers say that. They just do their job. A writer needs to do the same.
But can writers really make money?
Of course, they can. Again, it’s about effort and belief. If you write a book and then sit back waiting for the “book fairy” to bring you cash and readers, you’re indulging in fantasy. Writing is hard work. It’s promoting your books from one event to another, sending countless emails to podcasters, radio personalities, reporters, or bookshop owners, hoping they’ll take an interest in your work. It’s seizing every opportunity to promote yourself and your writing.
It’s writing articles for magazines, short stories for anthologies, and politely asking people to give your work a chance.
It’s about investing in your talent, not letting others bring you down, and aiming for the day when you can write “AUTHOR” on your tax forms without feeling like a fraud.
The Shrinking of Grin
by J. Edwin Skinner
When young Grin is cut down to size by an experiment gone wrong, he finds himself in a strange new world full of danger and odd characters. Grin must find a way to regain his full height and a way back home.
C.A.A.B Publishing
CAAB Publishing Ltd is a traditional, small, indie company helping unknown authors have a voice and inspiring new writers to take that first step into the world of publishing.
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Article originally Published in the Spring 2025 Issue: Genres in Bloom.