I’m always curious about what kind of things people are searching for when they land on the Becoming A Fiction Writer blog, and luckily Google helps me out well there by providing detailed stats on exactly that. As you’d expect, the vast majority of people are searching on phrases like “being a novel writer” or “how to become a fiction writer”, and I hope they find something of use here.
But somewhat surprisingly, I think, is the fact that I’ve just noticed quite a few readers arrive here by searching for phrases like “average wage for fiction writers“. This is a topic I haven’t talked about until now (so I guess those web surfers might have been disappointed), but it’s interesting that obviously a lot of people are thinking about this.
I wonder if there is really a single fiction writer out there who does it for the money. I’m guessing the answer is no. Of course, if you are successful enough to be able to make a living out of writing fiction, then that’s fantastic, but these people are few and far between, right?
In fact, I’m guessing if you actually calculated the average income from fiction writing across all of the people across the world who write fiction, this figure would be pretty close to zero. A few J. K. Rowlings and Stephen Kings are probably not enough to get fiction writers above a minimum wage in any currency.
As for me, I would love it if one day my fiction writing provided a part-time income. My freelance writing already does, and I find that already really satisfying – but if I could swap that over and get paid to write novels I’d do it in a flash. But I actually wouldn’t want to make enough for it to be considered a full-time income. My theory is that, at least for me, working full-time as a fiction writer just wouldn’t work. I’d be lacking the interaction and stimulation I need to keep having good ideas for writing. I also know I tend to go a bit mad if I stay home alone in front of my computer for too many days at a time. Give me a part-time job with people around me, and the freedom to write novels the rest of the time, and get paid for them (I’m not expecting millions, just enough to get by okay), and I’ll be really happy.
What about you? Do any of my fellow writers out there have specific financial goals for their fiction writing? Is it important to you? Let me know in the comments.
I don’t have a specific number in mind, and I’m definitely NOT in it for the money. But I do want to make a full-time living off it (and a “nice” living would be, well, nice).
That said, I’m aware of the reality, and it’s like you said: the average wage for fiction writers is probably close to zero. I think, in America anyway, the 2000 average was something like $4,000 — and I think that was for writers who earned *something* (as in, more than $0) for their writing.
So yeah. Close to zero, haha. Which means I know it might take a while for me to get where I want to be, financially. But that’s where the “not doing it for money” comes into play. As long as I’m writing, I can be as patient as I have to.
.-= Kristan´s last blog ..This whole crazy writing thing =-.
okay so like am graduating from high school this year and everyone just waiting for me so say am going to college. Personal I don’t like college or aka school at all .But, I love to write and read I really want to get my work out there but, am a little lost on how to do so. ( the easy thing’s in life confuse me ) So as writer too writer could you give me a few tip’s or even step’s to get out there. I would be a pleasure to receive help from you.
thank’s!
Ashley