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2/3/2011 10:15:59 AM
 
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Section 18: Outdoor Writing Subject: Writing For A Living Msg# 768492
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Joe et al.--I would pretty much support what Bryce says about the possibility of earning a decent livelihood as an outdoor communicator. I'm fairly comfortable with my role in that regard, although I'm certainly not getting rich. the key to whatever modest succes I have is diversification--at least a book a year, magazine articles as I can find outlets (I hold some masthead positions and have columns, so that helps), consulting, public speaking, appraisals (collectibles in turkey hunting and books), selling out-of-print books, two newspaper columns and a weekly one for an Internet site, etc. They keys are hard work, a modicum of talent, hard work, diversity, hard work, self-marketing, and hard work. Obviously I think possession of a pretty good dose of what Max Weber styled "the Protestant ethic" is critical. We no longer live in the golden age of Russell Annabel, Robert Ruark, or Charlie Elliott (and obviously man more could be named), but it isn't time for total wailing and gnashing of teeth. Productivity can mean prosperity. Jim Casada |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: Bryce, here's what I wrote to begin this discussion: I'm wondering if the opportunity still exists, except perhaps for a few exceptions, to make a reasonable living selling stories to outdoor magazines. I never suggested no one could make a living at it, and that's why I mentioned exceptions. Also, I never mentioned selling books, and this is a way for writers to make additional income, but generally not in the amounts one might associate with national best sellers. Now, let's look at the phrase "reasonable living" and the difference between gross and net on writing/photography income. Definition of the former could vary widely from individual to individual, and overhead can be high, even with free trips and free equipment. Today I'd put the number at $100,000 per year in taxable income. Others might put the number at substantially less or substantially more. Nor am I discounting the value of doing what one wants to do. At any rate, I'll stand by my highlighted statement above. Every profession sees changes over the years, and outdoor writing is no exception. Hard work, dedication and talent are not unique for success in outdoor writing; those attributes are required for success in any business. However, any reasonable person must recognize the financial rewards for outdoor writers is not generally commensurate with financial rewards in many other professions, especially NFL players. Then again.... money isn't everything.... or so someone said. |
