Article Writing. Earning from Writing Can Take Many Forms, not just Internet Writing.

Writers write for one reason; they want to be heard, which in turn means they want to be published. Being paid for their writing work is also a priority for authors.

There are many helpful blogs, hubs and information on the internet about making money from writing for websites and article writing on 'the net'. Extremely competitive, lots of scamming and not very reliable as some of it may be, it is one way of making money from writing. It is also a very good way to make money from home. Home businesses are a growing industry and many writers have been able to utilise the internet for this type of business extremely well.

Many people are very skilled at using their computers and the internet, along with all the tools that come with them, but for those of us who were around before the internet there were other ways to earn money from writing.

Every writer wants to be published or a least recognised for their work. Many writers make a very good living from their craft and then there are many who enjoy the process of writing but struggle to actually be paid for their efforts. If you'd like to be a published writer your main aim may be to be a novelist but you don't have to be a novelist to be published, there are many different writing fields available.

In my case, as I have stated in my profile, I have made quite a comfortable living as a copywriter for Advertising and Public Relations companies. Copywriting as a career can be very lucrative, especially if you are able to work for the larger, high profile agencies and clients. Unfortunately I wasn't in that league but have done very nicely regardless. Getting paid to write, which is something I love to do, made going to work pleasurable.

To be a successful writer in whichever field you choose it is important to know the basics of spelling and grammar; understand what your audience wants, be able to enjoy writing on a variety of topics, be able to edit/plan your work and enjoy working on your own. Yes, writing can be a lonely occupation, just you and your computer most of the time.

Let's start with spelling and grammar, it is a must to be a good speller. "What about spell check" I hear you ask? Spell check is a great tool but it won't always pick up spelling errors.

For example:

• The principle said my school work was not up to scratch.
• You didn't do the write thing; how dare you?
• The Councilor didn't give the write advise, I need to see someone else.
• You told me the items were over their, why did you lie!

There are spelling and grammatical errors in the above sentences and if you don't see any then give up writing write now or go back to the basics! I could keep going with examples but then this hub would never end. So, an understanding of the basics is important.

Note: Another hubber who believes this is important is Rebecca E - Be Clear When you Write

The next thing that helps budding writers is to read....and read....and read. Seriously, it is important to read a variety of books, fiction or non-fiction, because this will help you to find your 'writing voice'. Consider a quote from Stephen King, "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time (or tools) to write. Simple as that."

Usually what you enjoy reading will be similar to what you enjoy writing and you will discover one particular style of writer, or writing style, you will want to emulate - maybe even Stephen King. Be careful not to plagiarise though, do not steal others' ideas and words, use your own imagination because if you use other writers' works whilst trying to make money from writing you will be caught. There are many high profile cases of plagiarism, so beware.

Writing can be a lonely occupation although those of us who do write enjoy the solitude. Focusing and concentrating on your work will help reduce the occurrence of errors and will (most often) make for a better story. Focusing will also help you to find your writing voice which essentially is your style of writing.

Something that is slightly harder to achieve than finding your voice is to know what your audience wants. Enjoying being a writer is not enough, you have to be able to connect with your reader, keep them reading and coming back for more. This takes a lot of practise and knowledge of how to market or advertise your product is also important.

Promoting and marketing yourself as well as your writing is essential in this day and age of internet writing, the market is now so much more competitive. Many writers are solitary souls and although this helps their work, the need to have readers is paramount. Learn how to market and promote yourself, if necessary do a marketing course or do some public speaking training.

Another important part of writing is planning and editing. When I write I tend to jot down ideas first (in pen/pencil) and write a rough plan of what I want to write. It is only after this step that I use my computer to actually write as I find having a plan clears my mind to focus on the story or copy at hand. There may be many drafts, depending on deadline, and I print out each version to edit. I will always leave the work for a few hours and go back to it later with a fresh mind and do more editing and writing in pen/pencil. The final version I type is usually better and clearer than my original hand written plan. It may seem a little old fashioned to write by hand first but I find the physical sensation of writing (hand to paper) actually makes for better stories.

In a previous hub "Is Freelance Writing a good Career choice?" I have a short list of some choices in which to head if you want to profit from your writing. This is by no means your only choices but it is a start. An obvious career for a writer is one of journalist and even within this category there are so many places to start - sports writer, finance journalist, entertainment writer, the list is endless.

When I entered the workforce (as a fresh faced 17 year old) I had no idea I would be writing for a living from my very first job. Television gave me a start, initially as a junior secretary, then advertising sales secretary and then public relations. It was in the PR department that my writing found a voice and has continued ever since.

My voice is what I would describe as 'fluff pieces', you know the type, advertising and PR blurb such as -

Ads

• Reduce wrinkles in just two days, yes that's right, 2 DAYS, with new, oxygen enhanced Nirvana miracle face cream.

• Bring a huge smile to your loved one's face with magnificent jewels from Adamsons Jewellers, the world's best jeweller selling the world's best jewellery.

• Drink and be healthy with Nature's Pleasure fresh and tasty juices, freshly made with fresh ingredients daily. Stay fresh, be fresh with Nature's Pleasure.
  

PR

Designs which emulate the seasons of Summer and Spring with fresh, breezy colour schemes, Telles Designs' latest summer fabrics will entice your senses. Hues of roses, fresh greens and fun violets and blues await you at Telles' three city stores. VIP customers will avoid the crowds as these fabrics will be featured at our special, once-only ever VIP event on Wednesday 3rd .... and so on.

Generally, I write short copy for ads and longer, story telling style for PR media releases. I guess another name for 'fluff pieces' is creative copy which, although I enjoy writing (and it pays many bills), I long to be able to write a full length story one day. Yes...dare I say it, a novel. Looking forward to a time when I will achieve this dream.

Once you start looking at jobs which involve writing skills there will be a myriad of choices -

• Business writing - Financial, Resume, Cover letters, Business and marketing plans, etc.
• Educational - Text books, University related text, Teacher's manuals.
• Historical -This area may include archeological, ancient and modern history. Historians can become very well known.
• Publishing - From popular to business to romance. The publishing industry is huge and a great place to start.
• Magazines and newspapers - Editorial writing. This industry is always on the look out for good writers but a word of warning, stick to their guidelines or your work won't even get a look in. Visit their websites to find guidelines and where to send articles.
• Medical - Writing about medical breakthroughs, pharmaceuticals, medical procedures and anything involved with the medical industry. Pharmaceutical companies pay very well for good writers.
• Technical - Now this is one for all the internet writers. This area of writing can involve anything from mobile phones to robotics. There is good money to be made in this area if you are able to write for the technical and non-technical audience.
• Trade - Similar to technical but for the trades industries such as building, construction, etc.
• Radio and TV - Copywriting for the electronic media, for either agencies or the stations themselves, is a very rewarding career, both creatively and financially.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but does give an idea of how broad the writing industry is, so go ahead and earn money from your writing. Thanks to Stan Fletcher for asking me about this topic. Good luck on your writing journey Stan.

The Internet is the newest way for writers to make money and has created a plethora of so-called writers, scammers and downright crafty individuals who want to take whatever they can get - usually from the unassuming novice who thinks they have WON!!

There are good and bad points in any career you wish to pursue and unless you really understand the internet and how to earn from it, its a case of 'user beware'. Of course I'm not against the internet but I am wary of what can happen when something is written and is taken the wrong way or is meant to cause harm to someone. Take care with your writing because sarcasm doesn't easily translate in words so if you are making a joke then be clear about it.

Oh and just another small point, the internet has in no way improved anyone's spelling.

Whether you earn from the internet or conventional methods it is important to enjoy what you do, we all spend a lot of time working. Happy writing everyone.

Hubpages is one place you can start to write and earn - http://hubpages.com/