Skip to content

Methods to Capitalize Financially as a Writer, Here's the List:

In my native Ghana, penning down words often holds a casual, recreational appeal over a career. Individuals who craft captivating realms unknown to us typically engage in writing as a pastime, rather than a means of earning a livelihood. However, this mindset is swiftly evolving...

In the region where I originate, Ghana, writing is predominantly viewed as a pastime instead of a...
In the region where I originate, Ghana, writing is predominantly viewed as a pastime instead of a career. Typically, individuals with the ability to craft captivating narratives unveiling previously unknown realms are usually encouraged to write for enjoyment, rather than financial gain. This perspective is rapidly shifting...

Methods to Capitalize Financially as a Writer, Here's the List:

In today's Ghana, writing isn't solely viewed as a pastime; it's becoming a profitable profession. The days of writing merely for enjoyment are fading as we witness an evolution in the types of writers sprouting up. Some are demonstrating that there's real money to be made through the power of words and compelling narratives. After all, every person is brimming with untold stories, brimming with potential.

In 2004, JK Rowling made history as the first billionaire author – proving that monetizing your passion is indeed possible. So, what are the ways for a budding or established wordsmith to reap financial rewards?

  • Writing a Book (Making the manuscript yours or ghostwriting)

The very first, and perhaps most traditional, method is to write a book. Stories are bursting from the seams of every person, waiting to be told in various genres – fiction, non-fiction, you name it. Got experiences or observations you'd like to share? Put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and immortalize your ideas and thoughts while making some coin. Today, it's not merely about the hardcopy book; e-books are becoming increasingly popular. The best of both worlds can be achieved when your book is available as an e-book and a traditional hardcopy.

While JK Rowling has sold over 400 million copies of her books, James Patterson, author of Along Came a Spider, made headlines as the first published writer to sell one million e-books. And who said writing a book doesn’t pay? Just look at how quickly Yvonne Nelson's memoir flew off the shelves - even the rapper AMG Medikal dropped a cool GH¢100,000 on a copy! When it comes to writing your own book or assisting someone else with one, there's potential to strike gold.

  • Teaching Writing

We all possess knowledge that can be passed on to others, and as a wordsmith, you can teach them the art of storytelling. There's a vast number of people yearning to learn the craft, and your expertise can make you a beacon for them. Today, we don't have to limit ourselves to classrooms – various online platforms, including Selar, Udemy, Teachable, etc., provide access to a wider audience and the freedom to sell courses competitively. Create your unique selling proposition, hone your craft, and start teaching.

  • Ghostwriting

The practice of writing for another person isn’t new, as far back as secondary schools, someone would write love letters on behalf of someone elses, or help a classmate with a dissertation in exchange for some coins. Nowadays, ghostwriting still exists, and it's a thriving market. Many popular books we've come to love and cherish were ghostwritten by someone else who was paid for their work, while the named author took credit. It's a great way to make a living, and with platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Twine, it has become much easier to find clients in need of written material.

  • Blogging

Blogging has been touted as one of the ultimate moneymakers for writers. A blog is a platform for sharing stories, information, and poetry with the world. The possibilities are endless – there’s nothing too mundane or irrelevant to write about.

The money comes from monetizing your blog by embedding various ads for products within your content. The more views an ad receives, the more money you'll earn. Building a vibrant community that enjoys your content is essential for success. Another option? Affiliate marketing – promoting products with links that drive traffic and lead to sales, meaning a commission for the blogger. It's a win-win situation.

  • Becoming an Editor

Lastly, editing is another way to leverage your writing skills to make a living. Every author needs the help of a professional editor to polish the final manuscript – from grammar and spelling corrections to plot improvements and character development. As a fellow writer, you're already equipped with the perfect skillset for the job. platform can brimming with clients. The unique selling points of each type of editing – developmental, copy, and proofreading – should be leveraged, making you an indispensable part of any author’s journey.

  1. With the growing popularity of online education, wordsmiths can capitalize on their skills and create courses to teach others the art of storytelling on platforms like Selar, Udemy, and Teachable.
  2. In the world of online education, expert writing can translate into substantial income as bloggers earn money through ad revenue and affiliate marketing by sharing stories, information, and poetry, driving views and sales.
  3. Many established authors rely on ghostwriting as a thriving market, with platforms such as Fiverr, Upwork, and Twine connecting writers with clients seeking assistance in creating compelling narratives.
  4. As a lifelong learner, one can continuously develop their writing skills for career growth through online-based skills training and continue to adapt to the evolving demands of the market.
  5. Not only can authors preserve their ideas and thoughts by writing books, but they can generate revenue by self-publishing e-books on popular platforms or engaging in traditional publishing, much like JK Rowling and James Patterson have done to earn significant financial rewards.

Read also:

    Latest