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1/31/2011 11:37:46 AM
 
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Section 18: Outdoor Writing Subject: Writing For A Living Msg# 767922
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Sorry Joe, but continuing to perpetuate this old myth is a mistake. I have made a damn good living as a full time freelance writer and photographer for two decades. I am the principal bread winner in our household making double what my wife makes at a good health care job. I have heard this same thing my entire career and if I listened to it I would still be climbing telephone poles for a living. It’s a crutch for those too lazy or untalented to survive in the real world. Sure it’s hard and only a few survive. But, how many pro ball players are there compared to the wannabees? It’s a tough business and it requires hard work, dedication and talent. But, it’s not impossible as proven my me and many other full time writers every single day. Sorry, I really don’t have time for posting here, but felt I had to jump in and correct this long standing myth. Any aspiring writer who listens to the naysayers is doomed to failure. Believe in yourself and ignore the rest. Bryce |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: Thanks for the thoughtful response. A good friend was editor of American Hunter and he mentioned the typical pay for a feature was cut in half over about a 5-year period. That was over 10 years ago. I have no idea what outdoor magazines, if any, are paying $1000 for a feature now, but selling one a month would gross $12,000. Two a month would not even get one out of the poverty level. The overhead costs in travel, food etc, even if much of it is picked up by tourism agencies, etc., can be a killer. A fulltime freelance writer needs a wife with a good job, independent wealth, or the ability to live in poverty. |
