Here are three creative writing jobs that will let you flex your artistic writing muscles

We hope you’ll use the resources below to find some ways to earn money writing stories, creative prose or even poetry. 

Literary Journals and Magazines

Literary journals and magazines are a great place to submit your creative writing, especially if you’re trying to build a portfolio of published work. It may be harder to be accepted in some publications than others, but think of rejection letters as a way to work toward improvement.

If you want to start publishing your work, here are some journals and magazines where you can submit your stories or essays. 

OneStory

“ONE STORY publishes one great short story at a time. We bring people together through reading, writing, and learning about short fiction.” 

While ONE STORY accepts fiction, they do state that they accept literary fiction. As you start to write and submit, make sure you know the difference between literary and genre fiction and you understand what individual publications are looking for.

Submissions for ONE STORY should be between 3,000 and 8,000 words and they pay $500 and 25 contributors copies for First Serial North American rights. All rights will revert to the author following publication.

Check out their publication guidelines for more information. 

Strange Horizons

Strange Horizons accepts speculative fiction and also publishes fiction, poetry, essays, and interviews. Even better? They are open for submissions soon! For fiction, they accept stories up to 10,000 words and pay $0.10 per word. 

Check out their guidelines and get ready to submit. If you have speculative fiction polished and ready to go, this might be a great place for it! 

The Sun Magazine

We’re looking for narrative writing and evocative photography from all over the world. Send us work that maps the human landscape, where the light catches on the faintest joy, where darkness sometimes threatens to overwhelm, and where ✗ never marks the spot because the truth is never so simple.

The Sun Magazine pays $200 and up, depending on length for fiction and essays. Review their guidelines for their writing and think about submitting! 

Podcasts 

If you haven’t noticed, even the literary world is making the move to digital and a lot of people prefer to listen to their stories than read them. It’s time to get your piece of that pie and look at podcasting for viable creative writing jobs. Here are a few podcasts that will pay you for your stories and feature them on their podcast. 

PseudoPod 

“PseudoPod is always looking for quality fiction to feed our listeners. If you’re a writer with a short horror story that you’d like to hear narrated by one of our talented performers, we’d like to see it. Probably.”

PseudoPod seeks dark or weird fiction and pays $0.08 per word for original fiction, $100 flat rate for short story reprints, and $20 flat rate for flash fiction reprints (stories below 1,500 words). 

You can learn more about when they are open to submissions and their guidelines on their website. 

PodCastle is a fantasy fiction podcast from PseudoPod. If you write speculative fiction, this is the portal for you. Learn more here.

Cast of Wonders

Write young adult speculative fiction? Cast of Wonders is a young adult short fiction market, open to stories up to 6,000 words in length. Dig deep into the submission guidelines here, as they make it clear they are looking for a specific type of story. 

Clarkesworld Podcast

“Clarkesworld Magazine is a Hugo, World Fantasy, and British Fantasy Award-winning science fiction and fantasy magazine that publishes short stories, interviews, articles and audio fiction.” 

Clarkesworld pays $0.12 per word but claims first world electronic rights (text and audio), first print rights, and non-exclusive anthology rights for their annual Clarkesworld anthology. 

If you’re new to submitting your work, you’ll want to learn more about first rights and what that means for your work. They offer a resource here. Check out their submission guidelines to see if they are a fit for your writing. 

Thirteen Podcast 

“Thirteen is a monthly audio fiction anthology podcast featuring atmospheric, slow burn, spooky stories.

Thirteen Podcast is looking for, “stories that will make you smile, break your heart, and have you wishing for a night light.”

They have new episodes on the 13th of each month and feature one longer story each episode rather than several shorter ones. They are looking for stories of 5,000 words or more and a first-person narrator works best for their format. 

Authors of stories over 5,000 words in length will be paid $75 if accepted. Authors of stories under 5,000 words in length will be paid $50 if accepted. 

Review their guidelines and reach out, especially if you like your short, creepy stories on the longer side. 

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Podcast

 “Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine welcomes submissions from both new and established writers. We publish every kind of mystery short story: the psychological suspense tale, the deductive puzzle, the private eye case—the gamut of crime and detection from the realistic (including the policeman’s lot and stories of police procedure) to the more imaginative (including “locked rooms” and “impossible crimes”). We need hard-boiled stories as well as “cozies,” but we are not interested in explicit sex or violence. We do not want true detective or crime stories. We are especially happy to review first stories by authors who have never before published fiction professionally.” 

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Podcast offers accepted writers $0.05–$0.08 per word for works ranging from 250 to 20,000 words. Review their guidelines for more information. 

Greeting Card Companies 

Do you have a flair for one-liners? Do you always get asked to write notes for friends or loved ones when they have a special occasion or loss? Can you make someone sniffle in just a few words? Then writing greeting cards might be one of the best creative writing jobs for you. Some companies pay $100 for an accepted verse, so it’s a great way to add to your writing income. 

Check out these companies to get started. 

Blue Mountain Arts

Blue Mountain Arts is looking for rhymed poetry, religious verse, or one-liners. That said, they want, “contemporary prose or poetry written from personal experience that reflects the thoughts and feelings people today want to communicate to one another, but don’t always know how to put into words.” 

If you think you can capture a common sentiment in a new and unique way, give their submission guidelines a look. 

Oatmeal Studios

Oatmeal studios favors funny over feelings. They want “humorous greeting card ideas that appeal to a range of ages and interests. Review their guidelines page and see if their style meets yours! 

While there are options when it comes to submitting your work for creative writing jobs, we should make it clear that making money from in these non-traditional ways isn’t easy. It takes constant improvement, research, and patience. The landscape is always changing so continue to learn and, most importantly, continue to write! 

Every world needs its own distinct feel, whether it’s a microcosm of the one we already know, a distant past, a far-out future or a magical alternate world altogether. From Middle-earth, to Tatooine, to the scandalous world Bridgerton’s Regency London, it’s the author’s job is to make the world feel real and relevant to what’s happening with the characters and plot.

But what makes a fictional world feel real? There are a lot of different tools and approaches available to authors to help you in this important process.

What is world building?

When writing any story, one of the top jobs—and greatest challenges—the author takes on is to create a world that feels realistic and multi-dimensional.

Much more than a backdrop for the action, the story’s world is a crucial foundation to everything that takes place. What are the values in this world? What’s the structure of daily life look like? Who has privilege, and who’s left behind? What’s the economic system? What’s got value and what doesn’t? 

Whether it’s directly related to the plot of your story or not, these are the types of big questions that will round out your story’s world. You might be surprised at the ways these important dynamics emerge in subtle but important ways throughout the story.

How to start world building

There is no right or wrong way to create a world for your story. In fact, there are a lot of examples of incredible authors, all of whom go about the world building process in very different ways.

Here are a few examples:

E. Schwab: The author of “The Invisible Live of Addie LaRue” and other speculative genre fiction famously says she loves to write stories about outsiders — but to know who the outsiders of a fictional world are, one must start by understanding who its insiders are, and why. In this way, Schwab wisely starts to unfold her world from a characters-first perspective, starting with its most central values. To learn more about her process, start with this video. 

Margaret Atwood: The multi-award-winning author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” has said she starts her world building by thinking about how her character eats breakfast. What type of kitchen does the character have? Do they prepare their own food or does someone else? Where does their food come from? This process offers her a way to start peeking into the world’s economy and social structures, one step at a time. She shares how she builds out her world from this single moment of the day in this Fast Company article.

Chuck Wendig: Whereas many authors set aside time to map out their worlds before they begin writing, not all do! The author of “Wanderers” prefers to start tackling his stories from the characters and plot, and then revisits the draft to fill out the world building as needed. As he puts it, “the world serves the story, the story doesn’t serve the world.” He offers this and more great world building advice in this blog post.

Reading about other authors’ methods and talking to them about their process when you have opportunity is a great way to add to your own world building toolbox. But, as they say, your mileage may vary! Just because your favorite author does their world building a certain way, doesn’t mean it’s the right way for you to do it.

Give different methods a try, then don’t be afraid to stick with what works for you. In the end, all that matters is that the result is a world that brings the story to life for your readers.

8 tips for creative world building

If creating an entire world feels like a daunting challenge, here are some steps to get you started.

1. Study other authors at work in your genre

It’s important to read widely within the genre you write. As you do so, make a study of the ways other authors bring their worlds to life on the page.

How can you bring these lessons to your own writing?

2. Mix and match different worlds

If you need inspiration to get started, draw inspiration from the worlds you already know—whether those be fictional or real!

Then, use these elements as building blocks and start making it your own.

3. Draw a map of your story’s world

The geography of your world can be as important as the culture—and the two may even inform each other.

You don’t have to be an artist to develop a quick sketch that can help you navigate how the world comes together.

4. Consider what kinds of flora and fauna live in your world

What do the trees and other plants look like? Are some native to certain areas or only grow under certain conditions? What types of creatures exist there?

For worlds more like our own, this may require some careful research; but for more fantastical worlds, this can be an opportunity to set loose your wildest creativity. 

5. Outline your world’s background

How did your world become the way it is at the story’s start?

What is the government like? What about its financial systems? Are there different cultures intermingling? Are there fads or styles within this society?

6. Use all your senses

When we’re out in the real world, we experience it through our senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Your world will come to life for readers when you let them do the same in your fictional world.

If your character wanders through a market, what spices and herbs might mingle in the air? If your character is on a spaceship, what does the food taste like? If your character spends her weekends in the local coffee shop, how does her favorite table feel? These kinds of details within a world can help to make it feel more multidimensional and real.

A lot of writers fall into the trap of relying on just a few of the senses, like sight and touch. But as you revise your manuscript, look for opportunities to round out these details with the other senses, too. You don’t need to touch on all five senses for every aspect of your world (that would get tiresome pretty quickly) but added in at opportune moments, they can take a world that’s fine and turn it into something remarkable and memorable.

7. Reflect your world’s values

In the real world, values and bias are embedded so deeply we hardly even think about it in daily life—consider the ways in which the world is built for right-handed people, or, some of the phrases we still use from our history. Then of course, there are the complex consequences of racism, sexism other serious issues that continue to plague our society. For better or for worse, these all have connections to what’s really valued in our world. 

So what is valued in your fictional world? Who holds power and influence? Who doesn’t? How are these values reinforced? These small touches can demonstrate important things about your story’s world without having to hit pause and explain it all.

8. Explore thematic elements

Every story has a theme. Your world building should support a deeper exploration of those elements. Look for opportunities for the greater world of your story to reflect, build, and deepen these big questions.

For example, in “The Hunger Games,” the story isn’t only about Katniss. It’s also about power dynamics, control and what it takes to survive. As the series goes on, it also wrestles with themes of trauma and the costs of war and freedom. These themes are reinforced by the details of the story’s world from where we start with Katniss in District 12, to the Capitol, to their fight in the rebellion.

These are only a few examples of ways to explore your world and make it more multidimensional. With these and other exercises, you may surprise yourself with the ideas you come up with, and how complex your world becomes. The more you’re able to consider all aspects of your story’s world, the more dynamic and life-like it will feel to readers. 

World building tools and resources

There are myriad tools and resources for world building available to help you build your skills and flesh out your story. Here are a few excellent places to start:

• Brandon Sanderson’s BYU lecture series – This leading fantasy author is renowned for his complex fantasy worlds. In this six-part series for students at Brigham Young University, two of his lectures are dedicated to world building. They offer a wealth of information on building compelling worlds, as well as a peek behind the curtain of how a master (and bestseller) gets it done.
• World Building Reddit – This subreddit is an active community of creatives for all sorts of speculative fiction and world-building endeavors, from authors to gamemasters and more. It’s a great source for insights, support and inspiration within a community of like-minded creators from across the expanses of the Internet.
• World building software – Did you know there’s software designed to help you through the world building process? In fact, this great list from ProWritingAid lists multiple you can choose from, depending on your creative style.
• World building templates – Many have created their own versions of templates, questions and prompts to help authors build out their worlds—there’s something out there for everyone! But it can also be a deluge that’s hard to navigate. I like this organized list of points to consider from Amelia Weins on the Science Fiction Writers Association’s blog, which prioritizes considerations for diversity.
• Tracking tools for world building – Maintaining consistency within your story’s world is crucial for making it feel real. So how will you remember on page 227 the color of the wallpaper in a shop your character is revisiting from chapter two? There are tools for that. This article breaks down a few ways to approach it (full disclosure, written by this author).

How to reveal your world to readers

 Once you’ve built your world, you now must introduce it to your readers through your story. The best rule of thumb for sharing key details about your story’s world is to reveal it as it becomes needed.

While certain classic fantasy authors are notorious for their extensive detours into elaborate detours into backstory (looking at you, Tolkien), most readers respond better to brief glimpses into backstory, revealed as naturally as possible, as it becomes important to the plot and character’s development.

You may even find that full threads of your world’s history or culture never make it into the manuscript at all—and that’s OK! It was still well worth the effort if it helped you to create a world rich enough for readers to inhabit. You can even set these nuggets aside for use in a sequel, or as a special treat for newsletter subscribers. 

Further, look for opportunities for your world building work double time as characterization. What is your protagonist’s relationship to their world? How does this influence their feelings toward the world’s systems? Do they have special memories or associations with certain foods, places, or rituals? For better or for worse, this will color their perspective and how they move through the story’s world. This should be evident in the way world is described through the character’s perspective.

 Your world is, in many ways, a character as dynamic as your protagonist and supporting cast. It should shift and evolve as the story develops, too! “Game of Thrones” offers an excellent example of this: as winter draws near, so too does the looming threat of the white walkers. The world itself is a ticking clock on the story as it unfolds, and impacts everything taking place across its vast set of characters.

The greatest fictional worlds tell us about ourselves

 The world you create doesn’t just tell readers about your story, characters and the adventures you send them on. It also reveals important things about the real world, too—whether it resembles this one closely, or appears vastly different on its surface. Every story offers not just an escape, but also a mirror. 

How do you see the world? What do you have to say about it? What troubles you about it? Even if you don’t set out with the intent to take on these major questions, as an author, your take on these big questions is sure to seep into every aspect of your world. 

The more thought and imagination you’re able to offer to bring your world to life, the more clearly these messages and themes will reach your readers.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

Photo via Vitalii Bashkatov/ Shutterstock 

We’re in our digital era—where content is king and screen time is on an Olympic sprint. And despite the low-key threat of artificial intelligence and other tech innovations, the demand for skilled writers is needed now more than ever. Businesses need captivating content (whether it’s binge-worthy blog posts or compelling product descriptions) and are always looking for fresh voices. 

And that’s where you, the budding freelancer, come into play.

But of course, knowing there’s a need isn’t much help unless you know where to show up so you can fill the gap. And how do you stand out with all of the other aspiring wordsmith’s out there? That’s what we come in.

Buckle up and prepare to embark on a whirlwind tour of all things entry level writing jobs—where to find them, how to snag them, and what opportunities they could unlock for your career.  

Do I Need Formal Qualifications to Secure Entry Level Writing Jobs? 

Short answer? Not at all. 

Certifications and degrees are helpful, and certain markets will require advanced education (such as medical writing, which requires expertise in that niche) but they don’t guarantee entry in writing world. In general, having strong writing skills is much more important than academic education.

There are many different kinds of writing (e.g. business writing, personal essays, travel writing, food writing, etc.), so as long as you understand the assignment then you’re in good shape. Your writing skills are the essential ingredients but in order to secure the ongoing paycheck, you’ll want to know how to make successful pitches too! 

How Much Do Entry Level Writing Jobs Pay?

As you grasp the value of your work, learn to tailor your pieces to your target publications, and gain experience, you’ll find your negotiating power—and rates—moving upwards.

Freelance writers who publish in newspapers or magazine often are paid by the word. If this is the case for you, then your income is a balance between how fast you work and how long your commissioned pieces are.

If you write for businesses or online sites, then you may find yourself negotiating project rates. In this case, you’re looking for a win-win between their budget and your desired income.

In either case, the outlet or organization may set the rate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. Have a good idea of what you want/need to bring in so you only take on work that aligns with your business plan and values.

When you’re just getting started as a freelance writer you may not know how long a piece will take you or what it should be valued at, so it will be difficult to set rates. It will take some trial and error to figure out what type of writing best suits you, what you most enjoy, and what price point will help you reach your income goals.

Don’t worry too much if you end up taking a job where you realize later you’ve undercharged. Take it as a learning experience and raise your rates the next time this type of job comes up.

Wondering what writers are currently earning? Check out this post from Make a Living Writing

Where to Find Entry Level Writing Jobs

It’s one thing to have the desire to break into freelance writing. It’s a whole other thing to actually find quality writing jobs as a beginner! The good news is there are many ways to find and secure well-paid writing jobs, even if you’re just getting started. Here are a few suggestions to try out.

1. Look for Websites In Need of Updating

Have you ever strolled around your local digital neighborhood and noticed the small businesses whose websites seem stuck in the 90s? Or perhaps, you’ve stumbled upon those big businesses with blog sections that look about as lively as a tumbleweed town.

It’s like spotting a cute fixer-upper house and you’re inspired to breathe life into the outdated landing pages or blog posts. 

You’d be amazed at how many companies have unoptimized About Pages or are missing testimonials or company stories. It’s probably on their to-do list, but it can be difficult to get to these details!

So here’s a thought: Why not inquire about it? Ask if they could use a freelance writer to update their website a bit. Include a few of your writing pieces that are similar to their industry if you can, it will give them confidence that you’re up to the task. If you don’t have relevant samples then you could mock up some examples to showcase your skills and how you can help. 

You never know, they might be waiting for someone like you to revitalize their website. 

2. Utilize Freelance Writing Sites

There is a lot of debate about platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr. It’s not for everyone. However, it can be a good starting point to get experience and build your writing portfolio.

Here are the pros: You can establish your profile and highlight your specialties. You can offer an array of services at different rates. Sites like these allow clients to reach out and for freelancers to bid on jobs. You won’t get everything you go for, but since sites like these are largely a numbers game, if you pitch enough eventually you’re bound to get something.

However, these platforms charge a service fee on each project, and they prefer if you keep communication within the platform rather than taking it private. Working with clients from these platforms may require time and perseverance to secure those big projects that offer a generous paycheck.

We recommend considering these types of platforms as stepping stones.

3. Work with Marketing Agencies

Agencies can be lucrative for writers, and they work especially well if you’d rather not deal directly with clients or find jobs yourself. Marketing agencies handle the administration and account management (for the most part) and pass the writing work to you as it comes in.

By searching online for marketing agencies within your niche, you may be surprised at how many work with freelancers and are looking for help in the near future. Agency work can be inconsistent but you’ll also likely gain a lot of experience on many different types of writing projects in a short amount of time. 

4. Network with Other Freelance Writers

It’s not about what you know but who you know, right? Established freelance writers will tell you most of their high-paying work is generated from referrals and networking. 

Whether it’s in person or on social media, be as proactive as possible in reaching out to freelance writers to gain fresh, new opportunities. 

5. Use Reliable Job Boards

While pitching can often secure you higher-paying jobs, it can be intimidating and overwhelming. You may choose to apply to postings on job boards instead, which is a bit more passive. 

The advantage with job boards is it puts you in control when it comes to filtering the type of writing job you want and the kind of company you’d love to work for. Some businesses will offer full-time positions while others will be seeking out freelancers so you can search, sort, and filter down to exactly what you want. 

Tips to Kickstart Your Writing Career as a Beginner

So now that we know where to find your first writing jobs and you have a bit of an idea for how much you can expect to be paid, here are some additional tips to help you land that job. 

Create a Writing Portfolio

Most clients will want to see some writing samples ahead of time. You’re probably thinking, “I’m new! I have nothing published!”

Fear not, there are other ways to showcase your skills, even if you’re just showing samples or mock-ups that haven’t actually been published.

Putting together a writing or social media portfolio shows the prospective client what you’re capable of and demonstrates your competence to do the job well. 

We recommend creating your portfolio online and sending a link to specific relevant pieces rather than to the entire package. This will help them see you as a professional. 

Dedicate Yourself to Continual Improvement 

Just because you’ve secured a writing job doesn’t mean the learning comes to an end. There are always things to learn, ways to improve, and techniques to try.

You may begin in blogging and realize you could earn more if you also add in search engine optimization (SEO) to your offer. And once you learn SEO, then you see how copywriting can make you even more valuable to clients. As you grow and gain experience with one type of writing, you’ll see even more stepping stones to keep improving. 

Personalize your Pitches

If you’re reaching out to clients via email or LinkedIn, then it will benefit you to find ways to stand out in a busy inbox. 

Here’s a pitch checklist to get you started

We’d recommend keeping your opening paragraph as concise as possible (you have something like seven to keep someone reading). 

Also, do your homework so you can mention things in your pitch that resonate with the recipient. Who doesn’t love an email where the sender actually has some idea of who they’re messaging? It will make a much bigger impact than sending a copy-paste generic cold pitch, trust us. Of course you don’t want to cross the line and come off as creepy—keep it professional, yet personable.

We won’t leave you hanging, of course. Fill in the form below and we’ll send you our pitch checklist, free! 

Summary

It’s an incredible feeling when you get that first paying writing job but here’s something even more exciting: Entry level writing jobs aren’t the end of the road for writers, they’re only the beginning.

This is your springboards for getting into the industry and opening up doors to MORE—more opportunities, more connections, more experiences, and more money. 

So, here’s to finding jobs that fit your skills, learning how to value your writing, how to negotiate, and how to grow your portfolio one sample at a time.

Keep writing, keep learning, and remember—every master was once a beginner. 

Here are some book publishing terms you should know

This serves as a light glossary of key book publishing terms for new authors unfamiliar with the phrases and abbreviations casually tossed around in the book-publishing world.

1. “It’s all about the comps”

When a literary agent or editor speaks about comps, they are not referring to computers, nor anything that may be complementary.

In book publishing, comps generally stands for competitive or comparative titles/authors.

A literary agent will often request two to three of these from an author to work into the literary agent’s pitch to publishers. None of this is ever to merely compare an author’s manuscript to similar works, but rather to hold an author’s manuscript in high esteem.

A good comp is usually a similar book genre/age group, published within the last three to five years, that was an award-winner or bestseller. Best to compare to success.

In the eyes of an editor, comps help to place the manuscript under consideration in its proper place on a publishing list and answers any questions for a publisher on where a book would fit in at a bookstore. This might also be a way of selling the book to readers.

However, you write a fantasy, don’t go and compare yourself to classics and masters such as J.R.R. Tolkien—that just gets eye rolls from literary agents and editors.

2. “This is a hurry-up-and-wait business”

An impatient author may want to hear back on their submission quickly, but publishing is generally a slow-moving business, as it takes time to read.

Three to four months is usually a reasonable amount of time to expect to hear from editors at publishing houses, once they’ve received a manuscript submission from a literary agent.

Especially after that three- to four-month period, it’s more than reasonable to expect a literary agent to follow up with editors still considering a submission.

Of course, just like writers, literary agents wish editors could read much faster. Apart from the submission process of book publishing, other functions can sometimes be slow as a result of this “mañana” attitude among some book publishers.

3. “Book publishing is a backward business”

One of the things that makes book publishing unique is people tend to stumble into book publishing as a profession, usually from a background in the humanities. (In recent years, this is changing with more undergraduate and graduate studies in book publishing being offered at colleges and universities).

So rather than having a bunch of business majors running publishing as a business, often there are English majors trying to make sense of a business landscape in book publishing.  

As you can imagine, that can make for some interesting results. Sometimes this type of precarious situation can unintentionally results in what might feel like an unprofessional business environment, and can be frustrating to a book publishing professional with more business savvy.

4. MS and MSS

No, I am not talking about that archaic notion of women in the 1950s attending colleges and universities to attain their “Mrs. Degrees.”

MS stands for manuscript and MSS is the plural of manuscript.

This abbreviation is widely used among publishers and literary agencies, often without even a second thought given to whether or not an author might know the term. It might be easy to miss MS as just two simple letters in an email, but whenever you see this, know that your manuscript is being referenced.

5. P&L

As far as book publishing terms go, you might be familiar with this term because many industries use profit and loss statements in calculating business decisions and expenditures.

P&L stands for profit & loss statement.

While you’d think book publishing was an exact science, it’s far more subjective. Publishers are sometimes surprised by books that become surprise mega-bestsellers. Or the opposite: books they thought would be mega-bestsellers that tragically underperformed.

Before a book publisher commits to acquiring a book, and therefore paying a book advance, they dogmatically run that P&L anyway. This is usually a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, containing formulas that calculate what the profits (royalties, special sales, additional advances from licensing, etc.) on the book might be, against the publisher’s losses (book advance, cost of production, shipping, warehousing, etc.).

You might then wonder where the publisher comes up with potential profits. That brings us back to those comps. Book publishers look to the comp titles for potential success of the book. They evaluate sales of a given title on Nielsen Bookscan’s reporting (now Power BI).

Now you can see why it’s all about the comps.

6. D&A

It’s ironic that this phonetically sounds like “DNA,” because this phase makes up much of the life structure of a book publishing deal and is one of the most commonly-used book publishing terms.

D&A refers to when the manuscript is delivered & accepted.

Usually a large portion of a book advance is placed on the delivery and acceptance of the manuscript to help incentivize the author and accounting easier for the publisher.

By allocating different portions of the advance on a signing payment, D&A payment, and/or publication payment, rather than paying out all the money on signing, book publishers are able to spend their money more easily on other projects and book publishing functions that require financial resources.

Most book publishers will not release the delivery and acceptance portion of a book advance until the manuscript is accepted and made press-ready for final copy editing and proofreading stage, before printing. This also helps to ensure the publisher finds the manuscript in a suitable shape before publication.

7. Pub date

No, your literary agent or editor is not asking you out for drinks…

Pub date is short for “publication date” or the day that a book publishes.

For any happy author, this is your book’s most important day, its birth date.

Oddly enough, many book publishers choose to publish on Tuesdays to time their publications with certain bestseller lists and other publications entering the marketplace. The three-to-four months leading up to publication and the three-to-four months thereafter are crucial times for sales of a new book on the market.

The fall/winter season is usually when the biggest books of the year are published, since it leads into the gift-giving season of the major holidays.

This also makes for the most competitive time of year when a book can be published, so it’s usually advisable that an author trying to make their debut publish in a quieter season. Less competition might be found in the winter/spring season, when books are still bought in large numbers for gift-giving holidays like Easter, Father’s Day, etc.

The quietest time of the year is usually in the spring/summer season. That’s when a book will experience little competition, but this is also a popular beach-reading season, as many readers have free time and school’s out for summer.

Getting started in book publishing means much more than knowing how to write a novel, how many words are in a novel, and how to write a book proposal. This list of key book publishing terms will hopefully help you navigate some of the tricky lingo of our quirky industry!

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

The writing industry is vast and many people will have, at some point, wondered if they should bother to pursue a career within it.

With writing being an essential part of everyday life, the opportunity to translate that experience and knowledge into an income has greater potential than many other industries, but it also means it is more competitive.

But what does it actually take to become a freelance writer? And how exactly does one go about it? Is there a freelance writing for beginners guide?

In this article we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll break down the ins and outs of freelance writing as a career path, examining the skill set required, the steps to take and the knowledge you need. 

By the end, you’ll be in a position to ascertain whether or not a freelance writing career is for you as well as how to break into the industry.

What is freelance writing?

Freelance writing is a dynamic profession where individuals, known as freelancers, offer their writing services on a project-by-project basis, unbound by long-term commitments to a single employer. 

As independent contractors, freelance writers cater to diverse clients, producing content across various genres and platforms. This flexible career allows writers to choose their projects, set their schedules, and work from virtually anywhere. 

From creating engaging articles and blog posts to crafting marketing copy and technical documents, freelance writers navigate a vast landscape of opportunities. 

Success in freelance writing often hinges on a blend of writing proficiency, business acumen, and adaptability, empowering writers to pursue their passion while meeting the unique needs of clients in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

What skills do you need to become a freelance writer?

Becoming a successful freelance writer requires a diverse skill set to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.

Here’s a guide to key skills essential for freelance writers:

• Writing proficiency—Strong writing skills are the foundation. A freelance writer must convey ideas clearly, concisely, and creatively
• Research skills—The ability to gather accurate information efficiently is crucial for creating well-informed, credible content
• Adaptability—Freelance writers often work on varied topics and formats, demanding adaptability to different styles, tones, and industries
• Time management—Meeting deadlines is paramount. Effective time management ensures timely delivery of quality work
• SEO knowledge—Understanding search engine optimization helps writers create content that performs well in online searches
• Communication—Clear communication with clients is vital. Freelancers must interpret client needs and convey progress and challenges effectively
• Editing and proofreading—A keen eye for detail ensures the delivery of polished, error-free content
• Creativity—Creativity adds flair to writing, making content engaging and memorable
• Self-motivation—Freelancers must stay motivated to meet goals and navigate the uncertainties of freelancing
• Attention to detail—Precision in details, from grammar to formatting, contributes to professional, high-quality work
• Marketing skills—Effective self-promotion is key. Understanding marketing strategies helps freelancers attract clients
• Client collaboration—Building strong client relationships fosters repeat business. Collaborative skills ensure client satisfaction

By honing these skills, aspiring freelance writers can embark on a rewarding career, delivering valuable content to diverse audiences.

How do you find work as a freelance writer?

Acquiring freelance writing work requires a proactive approach to showcase skills and attract clients. Here are several ways emerging freelance writers can secure opportunities:

Create an online portfolio

Develop a professional website or blog showcasing a portfolio of your best work. This serves as a centralized platform for potential clients to assess your writing style and expertise.

Join freelance platforms

If you are brand new and have no idea where to start, register on freelance job platforms like Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr to find a variety of writing opportunities. Complete your profile with relevant details and samples.

Networking

Connect with fellow freelancers, editors, and content creators on social media platforms like LinkedIn and other professional forums. Networking can lead to referrals and collaborations.

Pitch to job boards

Many websites, especially in the writing niche, post job opportunities. Regularly check job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs and BloggingPro for new listings.

Guest blogging

Contribute guest posts to reputable blogs within your niche. This builds your portfolio and establishes credibility and attracts potential clients.

Utilize social media

Actively participate in writing communities on platforms like Threads, Facebook and Reddit. Share your expertise, engage in discussions and make connections that may lead to job opportunities.

Cold pitching

Identify potential clients or publications and send personalized pitches. Clearly articulate how your skills align with their needs.

Freelance writing agencies

Join agencies that connect freelance writers with clients. These platforms often handle administrative tasks, allowing writers to focus on their craft.

Attend networking events

Attend local or virtual events related to writing, publishing or freelancing. Networking with professionals in these spaces can open doors to opportunities.

Offer free workshops or webinars

Showcase your expertise by hosting free workshops or webinars. This not only positions you as an authority but may attract clients seeking your services.

Remember, persistence and consistency are key when establishing a freelance writing career. Building a strong online presence and actively seeking opportunities will contribute to a steady flow of work.

Entry routes for new freelance writers

Freelance writers just starting out can explore various creative ways to pitch and acquire work, especially in the initial stages of their career.

Here are some entry-level examples:

Social media management proposal

• Pitch small businesses or startups on improving their social media presence
• Offer to create engaging content, manage posting schedules, and respond to audience engagement

Website content rewrite

• Approach local businesses with outdated or poorly written websites
• Propose a website content overhaul to enhance clarity, SEO, and overall user experience

Blog post packages

• Create a package of blog post writing services
• Offer businesses a set number of monthly blog posts to improve their online visibility and showcase their expertise

Newsletter creation

• Target businesses without an active newsletter
• Propose a newsletter creation service to help them connect with their audience through regular updates and promotions

Email marketing campaigns

• Pitch e-commerce businesses on crafting compelling email campaigns
• Highlight the potential for increased customer engagement and sales through effective email marketing

Resume and LinkedIn profile writing

• Offer resume and LinkedIn profile writing services
• Target individuals looking to enhance their professional profiles for job applications

Product descriptions for small e-commerce stores

• Reach out to small online shops without optimized product descriptions
• Offer to revamp their product descriptions to boost sales and customer understanding

Local event coverage

• Propose event coverage for local businesses or community events
• Offer to write event summaries or promotional content

Guest blogging for startups

• Approach startups in your niche and offer guest blogging services
• Provide them with valuable content to showcase their expertise and attract a wider audience

Editing and proofreading services

• Advertise editing and proofreading services on platforms like Craigslist or local community boards
• Offer assistance with resumes, essays, or any written content

Remember to tailor your pitches to the specific needs of your target clients and showcase the value you can bring to their business or personal brand. As you gain experience, you can expand your services and reach a broader clientele.

Freelance writing for beginners

Breaking into the freelance writing industry then can open up a world of opportunities for creative expression and financial independence. As you navigate the marketplace of freelance writing, remember that persistence, continuous learning and adaptability are your greatest allies. 

The diverse entry points discussed, from social media proposals to blog post packages, showcase the varied paths to success. Every pitch, rejection and acceptance contributes to your growth. 

Building a freelance writing career requires patience and resilience, but the satisfaction of seeing your words make an impact is unparalleled. 

Take the lessons learned, refine your skills, and embrace the journey of becoming a freelance writer.

While many of these conferences are on location, there are also online options so be sure to check those out too!

Here are 55+ writers conferences to check out

We’ve broken the list of writers conferences into categories, including blogging, freelancing, fiction, and more to help you narrow down on what interests you most.

Writers Conferences to Consider

General Interest

Ready to connect with literary agents, editors, and fellow writers at a writers conference or writing retreat?

WriterCon

When: Annually in August

Where: Oklahoma City, OK

WriterCon is a community of writers working together to build skills, exchange knowledge, make connections, and achieve their writing dreams. The conference aims to provide knowledge and opportunities designed to push you forward along your writer’s journey.

San Francisco Writers Conference

When: Annually in February

Where: San Francisco, CA

Held annually in February, the San Francisco Writers Conference is a “celebration of craft, commerce and community.” Connect with industry experts, bestselling authors, agents, editors and leaders in both self-publishing and traditional publishing.

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

When: Annually in July

Where: Fort Collins, CO and online

The Northern Colorado Writers Conference provides support and encouragement to writers of all genres and levels. The group also offers monthly meetings, classes and other networking and social events.

The in-person events are open to limited attendees, so you’ll get a more intimate experience.

Association of Writers and Writing Programs

When: Annually in February

Where: Various North American cities

Each year, the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) hosts the Annual Conference & Bookfair in a different city. The event celebrates authors, teachers, students, writing programs, literary centers and publishers in the region hosting the conference. With more than 12,000 writers and readers attending each year, AWP is the largest literary conference in North America.

Las Vegas Writers Conference

When: Annually in April

Where: Las Vegas, NV

Each year, Henderson Writers Group hosts the Las Vegas Writers Conference. The organization also hosts three meetings per week in Las Vegas. They’re open to the public, and members can read their writing for critique by attendees.

Midwest Writers Workshop Super Mini-Conference

When: Annually

Where: Muncie, IN and online

The Midwest Writers Workshop is a day-and-half conference and one of the more affordable option for writers at all levels. They offer a variety of in-depth small sessions in craft taught by published authors. You’ll also get to mingle with other writers and industry experts.

Writing Day Workshops

When and Where: Year-round throughout the U.S. and Canada (in person and online)

Writing Day Workshops presents day-long workshops offering a crash course on how to get your book published, with classes and presentations on everything from writing queries to working with an agent to marketing your book.

Missouri Writers Guild Conference

When: Annually

Where: St. Louis, MO

The Missouri Writers Guild is a 100+-year-old organization for professional writers in all genres across the Midwest. Join the Missouri Writers Guild Conference for writers at all levels for breakout sessions and masterclasses covering the craft and business of creative writing.

Fiction Conferences

Romance Writers of America Annual Conference

When: Annually in July/August

Where: Location varies

Romance writers gather at the Romance Writers of America Annual Conference to learn more about the business of being an author. Get an opportunity to meet and mingle with budding and successful romance authors, as well as workshops and events to boost your author career.

SleuthFest

When: Annually

Where: Boca Raton, Florida

SleuthFest is an annual conference for mystery, suspense and thriller writers sponsored by the Florida chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

This conference includes writing and marketing workshops, networking events, and pitch sessions with guest agents and editors. It even includes hands-on forensic workshops!

Worldcon and North American Science Fiction Convention

When: Annually

Where: Various locations around the world

The World Science Fiction Convention (“Worldcon”) is an annual gathering of the science fiction and fantasy community, held in a different location around the world each year. When Worldcon is held outside of North America, the corresponding NASFiC is held in North America.

This five-day international conference is attended by thousands of writers, artists, fans, editors, publishers, academics and dealers. The event embraces science fiction in all the forms, including film, TV, art, comics, anime and manga, and gaming.

Killer Nashville

When: Annually in August

Where: Nashville, TN

While attractive to mystery/thriller authors and screenwriters for its unique crime-focused sessions, Killer Nashville welcomes writers of all levels and genres. 

“Imagine hearing a CIA Analyst, an FBI agent on terrorism, Dr Bill Bass on The Body Farm, bestselling CJ Box on how he juggles his writing and plans his days, Heyward Gould on screenplays, and so much more. They even had a crime scene, with awards to those who studied the clues and figured out the mystery.”

Mystery author C. Hope Clark, reflecting on her 2012 Killer Nashville experience

Virtual Winter Thrills (Thrillerfest)

When: Annually

Where: Manhattan, New York and online

“It is the only conference where I really feel at home—and [International Thriller Writers] is truly the tribe I belong to…. I can talk about ways to murder people and weapons of choice and not feel weird. I can learn from some of the biggest names in the business, whose hours of writing experience number in the many thousands.”

Thriller author J.F. Penn at The Creative Pen

Virtual Winter Thrills is the latest iteration of the popular Thrillerfest writers conference from International Thriller Writers. It includes the perennial Practice PitchFest sessions and Master Class with best selling authors, plus a new series of craft and business classes called Winter Thrills MBA.

Blogging

We All Grow Weekend Fest

When: Annually in the spring

Where: Near Los Angeles, CA

We All Grow is a unique professional conference for Latinas working in the digital space. If you’re an online influencer or creative entrepreneur, this conference can help you network with others, learn strategies for personal and business growth, and connect with brands that want to reach your community.

Alt Summit

When: Annually in March

Where: Palm Springs, CA

Originally the Altitude Design Summit for design bloggers, Alt Summit has expanded since its founding in 2009 to include thousands of creative entrepreneurs, content creators, artists, and influencers. The emphasis is on connecting and collaborating with fellow creatives, and you’ll also get to attend keynotes, panels, and TED-style talks from high-caliber celebrities of popular culture and the online business world.

South by Southwest

When: Annually in March

Where: Austin, TX and online

South by Southwest has become the country’s premier event for the music, comedy, film and digital technology industries—basically, any creative person or fan!  In 2021, they launched the first SXSW Online, a digital extension of the massive convention. In October 2023, Australia hosted its first South by Southwest conference.

“What I love about SXSW—it always brings out my spontaneous side. I don’t make any plans until five minutes beforehand, and I love it.”

Jenny Blake, Life After College, The Number One Tip for SXSW Newbie

BlogHer Creators Summit

When: Annually in summer

Where: Various cities in the United States

Previously known simply as BlogHer, the reimagined Creators Summit promises to bring all the heat of thought leaders and influencers that the conference has been known for for nearly two decades. Attend workshops, panels and keynotes for anyone who wants to level up their online business. You’ll even get to engage with popular beauty and wellness brands.

Freelancing

American Society of Journalists and Authors Annual Conference

When: Annually

Where: Various cities in the United States

Attend the American Society of Journalists and Authors annual one-day conference to learn how to manage a freelance business or publish a book in the new media environment.

You can also find other one-day events throughout the year, covering various topics relevant to nonfiction writers, journalists, and authors. For example, in January 2024 there was a national convention of professional ghostwriters called Gathering of the Ghosts, a collaboration between ASJA and Gotham Ghostwriters.

Society for Professional Journalists Spring Conference Series

When: Annually in Spring

Where: Various cities in the United States

The Society for Professional Journalists day-long professional development meetings take place across 12 regions throughout the United States. They draw pros, students and educators for networking and training in topics ranging from writing skills to using new technologies.

Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing

When: Annually in Spring

Where: Various cities in the United States

Learn about new media for journalists, writing for various industries, managing your freelancing business, and more in this three-day conference from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing for journalists, business writers, and editors. Also keep an eye out for focused virtual and in-person trainings around the country.

Children’s Book Writing and Illustrating

SCBWI Annual Conferences

When: Various dates

Where: Various locations

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) hosts a slew of regional conferences around the world throughout the year, including the Annual Summer Conference in Los Angeles each August, and the Annual Winter Conference in New York each February.

Christian Writing

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference

When: Annually

Where: near Asheville, NC

Held annually at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is the premier training and networking event for both seasoned and aspiring writers and speakers.

Renewal Conference

When: Annually in April

Where: Bothell, WA

This annual conference by the Northwest Christian Writers Association celebrates and cultivates writers who are Christians. Hone your craft and engage your faith at the same time through keynotes, workshops, Q&A panels, networking events, and one-on-one appointments with professional writers and industry leaders.

Indie Publishing and Self-Publishing

Author Advantage Live

When: Annually

Where: Online

Author Advantage Live is a three-day interactive virtual experience contains all the information you’ll need to be successful as a self-published author—no matter your genre or goals! Author Advantage Live brings a vast list of expert speakers to the table. For example, Jenna Kutcher and Steven Pressfield were keynote speakers in 2022 and Amy Porterfield was the keynote speaker in 2023.

SelfPubCon: The Self-Publishing Advice Conference

When: Annually in Spring and Fall

Where: Online

SelfPubCon is for authors interested in self-publishing. It runs fringe to the London Book Fair and Digital Book World.

The conference is free and contains 24 sessions—one an hour for 24 hours. You can register to learn how to attend the next conference, and you can attend sessions live or catch up on your own time.

Orlando Reads Books

When: Annually in Fall

Where: Orlando, FL

Orlando Reads Books is a four-day event that includes workshops, panels and social events for indie, hybrid, and traditionally-published authors. It features sessions on craft and marketing, as well as events that let you mingle with readers and fellow authors.

Writer’s Digest Annual Conference

When: Annually

Where: Various locations

The Writer’s Digest editors bring you the Writer’s Digest Conference with resources for craft, career and creative inspiration. Nearly 50 agents and editors participate in the infamous Pitch Slam, and dozens of industry experts lead educational sessions.

International Writers Conferences (Outside of the United States)

Canada

Surrey International Writers’ Conference

When: Annually in October

Where: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

The Surrey International Writers’ Conference is the “most comprehensive professional development conference of its kind in Canada.” Open to writers of all levels and genres, the conference offers an opportunity to show off your work to the international literary marketplace as well as to hone your craft and business skills.

Vancouver Writers Festival

When: Annually in October

Where: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

In the cultural heart of Vancouver, B.C., on Granville Island, the Vancouver Writers Festival invites authors, poets, spoken word performers and graphic novelists to celebrate the art of the story. It takes place for six days each October and continues throughout the year through special events and the Incite reading series.

“The Vancouver Writers Fest turns reading into a community experience, bringing people together to share thoughts, explore ideas and witness brilliant conversations.”

Vancouver Writers Fest

Kingston WritersFest

When: Annually in September

Where: Kingston, Ontario, Canada

At Kingston WritersFest, writers and readers in attendance will get to participate in thought-provoking discussions and unique events that champion artistic expression and development.

Hosted in a notably literary city, this festival is all about “the power of the written word to create a strong, engaged community.”

WordFest

When: Annually in April and October

Where: Calgary, Alberta 

A not-for-profit charitable arts organization, WordFest “brings readers and writers together through a premier international writers festival and year-round literary events.” Throughout the year, book clubs and other activities are available to those who want to engage with fellow writers and readers. Guests can enjoy readings, workshops, panel discussions and presentations that work toward connecting Calgarians through transformative ideas. 

Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival

When: Annually in April 

Where: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

The Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival is a bilingual (English/French) festival features programming for adults and children. Attendees enjoy workshops, readings and lectures from speakers across genres of writing and art.

The festival is free to attend, but you’ll have to pay a fee for select activities.

gritLIT

When: Annually in April 

Where: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

gritLIT is a four-day festival is a celebration of Canadian authors. Its purpose is to highlight local writers and engage with the community.

“gritLIT brings the best contemporary Canadian writers to Hamilton to engage with local booklovers, to inspire and to be inspired by Hamilton authors, to promote a love of reading in young audiences and to celebrate the exchange of diverse ideas, experiences, and viewpoints.  ”

gritLIT

International Festival of Authors

When: Annually in October

Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Since 1974, the International Festival of Authors has highlighted authors of contemporary literature. It includes 11 days of readings, interviews, artist talks, round-table discussions, book signings and several special events.

IFOA features novelists, poets, playwrights, short story writers and biographers from Canada and around the world.

The Toronto Star called this Canada’s “premier literary festival” and “a top destination for both international superstars and up-and-coming writers.”

Lakefield Literary Festival

When: Annually in July

Where: Lakefield, Ontario, Canada

The Lakefield Literary Festival includes author readings and masterclasses in writing for all ages. Admission price per event ranges.

“[The festival is] a celebration of the rich literary heritage of Lakefield and the surrounding area which includes the works of Catharine Parr Traill, Susanna Moodie and Isabella Valancy Crawford, among others, all of who lived and wrote in Lakefield.”

Lakefield Literary Festival

LitFest Alberta

When: Annually in October

Where: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

LitFest Alberta celebrates nonfiction through readings, lectures, panel discussions and workshops. It covers diverse topics—from food writing to feminism. Several events are free.

Ottawa International Writers Festival

When: Annually in October and May

Where: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Ottawa International Writers Festival celebrates ideas and imagination! Programming includes a poetry cabaret, town-hall style discussion, and fiction and nonfiction readings. To celebrate writing “outside the pages of books,” the festival often includes staged play readings, feature films, documentaries, CD launches and songwriter circles.

“Twice a year, we convene an international celebration of ideas to recharge our imaginations. From politics to poetry, science to music, history to thrillers, we celebrate the full diversity of the word and the gifted writers who guide us in our exploration of the world.”

The Ottawa International Writers Festival

When Words Collide

When: Annually in August

Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Readers, writers, editors, publishers, agents and other artists attend this festival, which highlights commercial and literary fiction. When Words Collide welcomes writers of most genre fiction, YA, children’s books, nonfiction, and poetry.

UK and Ireland

The London Book Fair

When: Annually in Spring

Where: Olympia, London

The London Book Fair brings together authors, publishers and readers in the cultural hub of London to explore and understand the rapidly-changing publishing world.

“The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content.”

The London Book Fair

The International Dublin Writers’ Festival

When: Annually in June 

Where: Dublin, Ireland

From open mic readings to illuminating presentations, The International Dublin Writers’ Festival will give you the opportunity to attend training sessions led by renowned authors and industry experts, where you’ll learn about the craft and business of writing, as well as connect with fellow writers.

“This conference will help you to improve your writing craft, publish successfully, and plan the marketing necessary for any author to achieve success whether traditionally published or self-published. This conference provides practical support, valuable training and an opportunity to meet and get to know fellow writers in one of the world’s great literary cities.”

The International Dublin Writers’ Festival hosted by Books Go Social

Listowel Writers’ Week

When: Annually in May/June

Where: Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland

Running nearly 50 years, Listowel Writers’ Week is an annual literary festival for YA literature. It includes writing workshops, readings, interviews, forums, book launches and masterclasses. Enjoy tours of the historic Irish town and access to local and international writers.

The festival also includes several writing competitions for novel, short story, humor, and playwriting. Awards even exist for sports journalism, writing for readers with special needs and writing in prisons.

Stoke Newington Literary Festival

When: Annually in June 

Where: London, UK

The Stoke Newington Literary Festival celebrates the diverse, “radical, rabble-rousing and literary history” of the Stoke Newington area of Hackney in London. Free and paid events feature readings and performances across genres and media. Admission to paid events ranges from £3 to £10.

Strokestown International Poetry Festival

When: Annually during the first weekend in May

Where: Strokestown, County Roscommon, Ireland

The Strokestown International Poetry Festival has been celebrating poetry since 1999. Its mission is to “showcase contemporary poetry, local, national and international, foster the development of emerging writers and consolidate poetry in local cultural life bringing it to the widest possible audience.”

The weekend includes readings from several established and up-and-coming poets, a poetry workshop and poetry competitions for poems in English and Irish.

Hay Festival

When: Annually in Fall and Spring

Where: Hay-on-Wye, Wales

President Bill Clinton dubbed this festival “Woodstock of the mind,” according to The Telegraph.

The Hay Festival in Wales joins coinciding festivals around the world to celebrate writing of all kinds through panel discussions and lectures.

“Hay celebrates great writing from poets and scientists, lyricists and comedians, novelists and environmentalists, and the power of great ideas to transform our way of thinking.”

Hay Festival

Kent Arts Conference

When: Annually in July or August 

Where: Canterbury, Kent, UK

Originally the Warnborough College Conference on the Arts and previously the Canterbury Arts Conference, the Kent Arts Conference has grown to accommodate an international audience. It welcomes artists in all disciplines and media, academics, students, historians and other professionals.

Participants have the opportunity to share and publish research, and network with peers. The conference includes creative writing and visual art workshops, as well as presentations of art in a variety of media.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

When: Annually in July

Where: Ledbury, UK

The Daily Mail called this festival, launched in 1997, “the world’s most diverse poetry festival.”

It really has something for everyone. The Ledbury Poetry Festival features an array of community events to celebrate the writing and performance of poetry. Attend readings, writing workshops, panel discussions, musical performances, craft seminars and open mics in the “lively and picturesque market town” of Ledbury.

It also includes programs for new writers and a poetry competition.

Europe

Geneva Writers Group

When: Various dates throughout the year

Where: Various locations in Geneva, Switzerland 

The Geneva Writers Group is brimming with opportunity. It offers several informative events throughout the year: the biennial Geneva Writers’ Conference; a “Meet the Agents” weekend on alternate years; monthly Saturday workshops from September to June that include masterclasses and critiquing sessions; coordinated writing groups; and an annual literary cruise on Lake Geneva. 

Whether you’re an established author or just starting out, GWG welcomes writers from around the world and offers a supportive community that encourages creative writing. 

Paris Café Writing

When: Various dates in April and November

Where: Le Marais, Paris

Patricia Tennison, a professor and author of award-honored books, leads a small group of eight writers in a week-long workshop. Accompanied by her husband Joseph Prendergast, a poet and teacher, Tennison guides writers of all experience levels through five morning seminars and a private writing session. 

Some meals and activities are included in the registration fee for Paris Cafe Writing, but guests are responsible for lodging and transportation. 

Frankfurt Writers’ Conference 

When: Annually in March

Where: Höchst, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The Frankfurt Writers’ Conference began in 2018 and anticipates organizing an even bigger and better event each year. In two fun-filled days, the conference hosts an interactive workshop and discussions led by an accomplished list of German and English-speaking literary agents, publishing representatives and writers. 

Expect to learn ways to improve your pitch, receive insider knowledge on the world of publishing and more. 

Middlebury Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference

When: Annually in September 

Where: Erice, Sicily

Middlebury Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference is a seven-day writers conference in the beautiful, ancient town of Erice.

Attendance is limited to just five groups of six participants for an intimate experience. The conference includes small-group workshops, plus classes and lectures for all attendees. It’s open to fiction, poetry and nonfiction writers.

For additional options, check out sister Bread Loaf conferences in Ripton, Vermont.

Information, Medium & Society: International Conference on Publishing Studies

When: Annually in July

Where: Venice, Italy

Since 2003, this evolving research network has brought writers, readers, publishers, emerging scholars and more together to discuss “investigations on the nature and forms of information, and publishing practices as distinctive modes of social knowledge and cultural production.”

When you attend the International Conference on Publishing Studies, make sure to attend a range of sessions and presentations that allow opportunities for networking and learning more about key issues in the industry.

Iceland Writers Retreat

When: Annually in Spring

Where: Reykjavik, Iceland

Whether you’re an aspiring, published or hobby writer, you’re welcome to join the Iceland Writers Retreat. It includes small-group workshops, dinner and receptions for networking, and tours of the area.

This program focuses on literary fiction and nonfiction books, so it’s not a good fit if you want to learn more about freelancing, online writing, genre fiction, poetry, or other media.

Asia and Oceania

NonfictioNOW

When: Annually in December

Where: Wellington, New Zealand 

NonfictioNOW features roundtable discussions and keynote speakers that highlight a variety of nonfiction, including memoir, essay and literary journalism. There are also multimedia presentations, including graphic and video essay.

“The NonfictioNOW Conference is a regular gathering of over 400 nonfiction writers, teachers and students from around the world in an effort to explore the past, present, and future of nonfiction.”

NonfictioNOW

Melbourne Writers Festival

When: Annually in late August/early September

Where: Melbourne, Australia

The Melbourne Writers Festival is for readers, writers, and thinkers and engages participants through, storytelling, discussion, intellectual debate, educational programs, live performance, music, and art events.

Enjoy writing workshops, lectures and panel discussions on all forms of creative writing.

Asian Festival of Children’s Content 

When: Annually in May or September 

Where: Various Southeast Asian countries

Guests joining the Asian Festival of Children’s Content get to have unique and culturally rich experiences, hosted in a different Southeast Asian country each year. Workshops, masterclasses, presentations, panels and other events organized by the Singapore Book Council explore the world of children’s publishing, from creation and distribution to consumer consumption. 

Whether you’re an academic, a writer, editor, agent, publisher, teacher, parent or anything in between, guests are encouraged to partake in the celebration of Asian content for children and young adults, plus take advantage of opportunities to network and hone their craft.

Central and South America

San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival

When: Annually in February

Where: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Established and emerging writers are welcome at the San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival.

Attendees will get the chance to network with writers from around the world at this prestigious multicultural, bilingual (English/Spanish) writers’ conference and literary festival. Prepare to hone your craft through workshops, masterclasses, keynote presentations, panel discussions and seminars.

And don’t forget the beautiful location! Bill Maxwell, opinion columnist at Tampa Bay Times, said of his experience in San Miguel:

“Rarely have I fallen in love with a landlocked city. … This is a magical place, starting with its colonial architecture. Many of its large and colorful homes are nestled among jacaranda and decorated with bougainvillea. As I walked the narrow cobblestone streets, music and gaiety greeted me.”

Bill Maxwell, opinion columnist at Tampa Bay Times

Storyteller Within

When: Annually

Where: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

The Storyteller Within Women’s Retreat is a nine-day conference specifically for women. It includes daily yoga and writing sessions and encourages women to do self-reflective, inner healing work. Conference participants are selected through an application process.

Cuenca International Writers Conference

When: Annually in August (note: we’re unable to verify if this conference is still happening)

Where: Cuenca, Ecuador 

Ready to learn, network and recharge? At this conference, “you’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll meet new friends who understand the writing life, and you’ll return home with a fresh perspective that allows new ideas to flourish.” 

Tucked away in what’s considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America, the Cuenca International Writers Conference provides writers of all backgrounds intimate networking opportunities with distinguished presenters, stimulating workshops, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

Photo via Matej Kastelicg/ Shutterstock 

Think about it. Any time you bring up your writing, you’re met with predictable, annoying responses, showing the ignorance of everyone you know to the intricacies of the writing life.

Here are some of the things I’d love to shout from the rooftops to non-writers. And some advice for educating your own loved ones in a less-dramatic fashion.

1. Everyone has an idea for a novel or screenplay

As soon as you tell someone you’re a writer, they’re excited to tell you about the novel or screenplay they’ve “been working on.” Dig a little deeper, and you realize they’ve had this idea since high school. I always feel a little disrespected when someone brings up their story like we have something in common. Do they think my job is just me wistfully going about my day with big ideas?

If you find yourself cornered by someone else’s half-baked dreams, try to steer the conversation toward the reality of your career and lifestyle to help them understand that you’re more than fantastical ideas. Explain what your day really looks like, and the deadlines and commitments that drive your work toward the finish line.

2. I’m a professional writer, not a hobbyist

It drives me crazy when someone replies to my declaration of my profession with, “Oh, yeah, I love writing, too.” Writing is writing. But writing for fun in your free time is not writing for a living, and it’s offensive that they don’t see what I do differently.

Tactfully pointing this out in polite conversation isn’t easy; it can pretty quickly paint you as condescending. But you can slide the distinction in there while still accepting their perceived common ground. Try saying something like, “I’ve always loved it, too. It was a lot of work to make the jump to freelancing, where it feels a lot more like a job than fun sometimes.”

3. Blogging is real writing and a real job

When you say, honestly, that you make your living blogging, they make that face. Maybe it’s just for a second, but it’s unmistakable: They’ve pinned you for a fraud, not a real writer. Or, worse, they say it out loud, “Oh! I didn’t know you could be paid for THAT.”

Thankfully, this misconception is fairly simple to clear up. Just provide a description of the work you do—the types of companies you blog for, the kind of knowledge you have to possess, etc.—and you can effectively re-frame blogging as a legitimate career option in their once-ignorant minds.

4. My work is worth paying for, just like yours

Obviously, the old, “Would you ask a doctor to work for free?” argument isn’t getting through to some of your friends, because they’re constantly asking you to “take a look” at something they’ve written, offer feedback, edit, toss around ideas. It’s uncomfortable. They think your professional-level consultation is just a conversation between friends.

When a friend approaches you with a writing-related request, say, “Sure, I’d love to help you out. No charge this time!” Mentioning money casually reminds them you’re a professional, and helps you avoid the slippery slope that turns innocent conversations into dozens of unbilled work hours.

5. I’m working right now—so, no, I can’t do the laundry, chat, or run errands

You’re in the middle of a quiet, productive writing sesh, and your spouse/roommate/neighbor/etc. appears in the doorway and just starts chatting. Or, worse, they hit you with a honey-do list as they whisk off to the office, out the door before your cry of, “But I’m working!” can even leave your mouth.

Even if writing isn’t a money-maker for you, you deserve the freedom to take it seriously. (Click to tweet this idea!) When the people in your life don’t value your writing time, you have to take control of it. Claim your space—whether you get a whole office, or a corner of the living room — and explain to everyone that when you’re there, you’re working. Stick to it, and don’t be afraid to ask someone to leave you alone.

6. I’m not responsible for my significant other’s writing needs—unless they hire me to help them

This seems to be a gendered issue, but maybe only because I’m a cis female. If you’re the writer in a relationship, people will assume you take care of the writing needs of your husband’s “real” job. What’s that about?

If someone hits you with that question: “So, do you edit all his memos?” *condescending wink* kindly explain that he has colleagues and employees responsible for such things. You’re too busy with your own work, and your partner probably couldn’t afford your services. *payback wink*

Maybe you want to become the next Sarah Dessen of YA fiction, or perhaps you created a series you know will rival the book-to-movie successes of “Hunger Games” and “Harry Potter.”

Either way, you should know that no road to authorship is paved with gold. It doesn’t matter which road you choose—there are pros and cons to both routes.

While authors who self-publish boast the wonders of creative control and higher royalties, they also bemoan the uphill climb it can be to reach an audience. Authors who publish traditionally say mainstream success is the only way to go, all the while they relinquish the ability to have a say in final book decisions and lose creative control. 

That means the answer to this age-old debate: “traditional vs. self-publishing” is inconclusive. The right path for you depends entirely on what you want from your author experience. 

Of course, you will ask yourself more than five questions about whether it’s better to self-publish or get a publisher, but these essential questions ought to provide you foundational answers for a complex and often confusing process.

Once you’ve worked through these questions, I recommend researching more on the topics that resonate with you. The world of publishing seems to change on a monthly basis, so it’s to your advantage to research your decisions before fully committing.

Now, let’s discuss five essential questions to ask yourself about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.

• How soon do you want to release your book?
• How many people do you want to reach?
• How much control do you want over your book?
• How much do you want to earn?
• What is your primary goal?

1. How soon do you want to release your book?

Generally speaking, a traditionally published book takes at least one year to be published.

That doesn’t include the writing of the manuscript or the laborious and time-intensive process of pitching agents and waiting on a publishing house to accept your book. Timelines do vary, as smaller publishing houses can move faster, but it’s a safe bet that once a publisher has accepted your manuscript, it’ll be another year before it’s on sale.

In my experience as a co-author on the traditional publishing side, we needed a year before a publisher bought our book. It was another year until the book was on sale. All told, we waited two years after its writing to see the book in bookstores.

In stark contrast, you could self-publish your book tomorrow.

If all of your essential prep work was complete—editing, cover design, formatting—and you knew how to upload the correct documents to your preferred self-publishing platform, your book could be available to the masses within a day.

I wouldn’t recommend doing this, but quick-turnaround self-publishing is possible. (That benefit is also a deficit: Self-publishing suffers from drivel overload because the barrier to entry is too low.)

If your primary goal for your book is to release it as soon as possible, self-publishing is your choice.

Winner: Self-publishing.

But speed-to-market shouldn’t necessarily be your only deciding factor. Take these other questions into consideration before you make a firm decision.

2. How many people do you want to reach?

Most every writer wants the world to read their book. Or, at best, they want their target audience to find their book, read and review their book and become ardently devoted fans for the rest of the author’s life.

But, with rare exceptions, such fandom doesn’t just happen. It has to be built from the ground up, whether you plan to self-publish your book or seek traditional publishing. These days, both processes demand that the author has a platform.

For authors without a sizable platform attempting to reach readers, self-publishing can be a black hole. In “Publishing 101,” Jane Friedman wrote the blunt truth: “When writers chase self-publishing as an alternative to traditional publishing, they often have a nasty surprise in store: No one is listening. They don’t have an audience.”

If you don’t believe that, believe this: As of August 1, 2018, the Kindle store sold 6,922,403 titles. (Thanks to Claude Forthomme for helping me find that number.)

And because Amazon sells the majority of ebooks among all retailers, those millions of titles are your competition. Yes, you have the opportunity to reach Amazon’s millions of daily customers, but you also have to figure out how to get those customers to find your one-in-a-million book.

Unless you’re knowledgeable about the many publishing outlets available to self-publishers, you will likely rely on Amazon’s ecosystem for your sales. But that carries one looming caveat: little to no bookstore distribution.

Sure, your book could be ordered by a bookstore if a patron specifically requests it, but the likelihood of your self-published book being distributed to major bookstores across the nation is, well, slim.

The relationships that traditional publishers have with distributors and bookstores may be their greatest benefit to authors. 

Side note: Don’t fall for the lie that a traditional publisher will provide ample marketing dollars to back your masterpiece. They likely won’t. Even if they do front some money, your book better do very well in its opening week and first few months to warrant them investing any more.

Again: every author needs a platform. Don’t wait for anyone to build it for you.

Winner: Tie. It depends on your platform.

3. How much control do you want over your book?

If you want complete control of your book, you will self-publish. But it’s important to think through exactly what you’re taking on—or giving up—when talking about controlling your book.

Controlling your book means being fully responsible for every aspect of the book. This extends far beyond just writing the book.

You will have to spend time or money to ensure that your cover design, interior design, editing, rights, distribution, pricing and marketing are all accomplished to a level that can compete with traditionally published books.

You will either have to apprentice yourself to the many aspects of self-publishing or pay someone—or many someones—to help you. In “Publishing 101,” Jane Friedman calls self-publishing “a ton of work, like starting a small business (if you do it right).”

Still, you retain creative control. The freelancers you may hire work for you. You get to tell them what to do because you’re signing their paychecks.

In contrast, consider what else Jane Friedman advised: “When working with a traditional publisher, you have to give up a lot of power and control. The publisher gets to decide the cover, the title, the design, the format, the price, etc. You have to go through rounds of revisions and will likely have to change things you don’t want to change.”

To some authors, that’s terrifying. They wouldn’t be able to abide by changes that went against their creative sensibilities. It’s their book, after all.

Joanna Penn wrote about her friend Polly Courtney, who “famously resigned from her publisher on publication day because she was marketed as chick-lit when she writes gritty novels about social issues. She was angry and upset about losing that creative control. You may also get an editor you don’t agree with, especially as many of the more experienced editors move up in the company or are working freelance for more money.”

But, for other authors, giving up that control is freeing. They don’t have to spend the time, money or brainpower on the seeming incidentals of getting a book published. They can focus on writing, then on writing the next book.

Whether you pursue self-publishing or traditional publishing, you’ll have to give up something: time, money or control. Which of those are most important to you?

Winner: Self-publishing.

4. How much do you want to earn?

Unfortunately, we can’t all be John Scalzi, who accepted a 10-year, 13-book deal for $13.4 million from Tor Books after a rather well-known and lucrative move from self-publishing to traditional publishing.

Today, earning a living from book sales is hard, but it is an uphill battle.

While the average self-published author can’t make a full-time living from their books, there are outliers—Rupi Kaur, Andy Weir, Hugh Howey, E. L. James, etc.

But the same can be said for the majority of traditionally published authors. Most aren’t making a full-time living from their books, especially when the average book advance is between $5K-$20K.

What I’m trying to unsubtly suggest is what Jane Friedman says so well in her book: “Anyone in it for the coin should find some other field.”

Now that I’ve warned you against the lure of publishing riches, here are the frustrating and unhelpful facts about earnings per book when it comes to self-publishing versus traditional publishing.

With royalties ranging from 30 to 70 percent, you stand to make more per book by self-publishing.

The challenge for you self-publishing will be distribution. It’s easy to get into Amazon where 70% of all book sales happen. But it’s tough to get eyeballs unless you have good ads, a good platform, and good keywords and categories.

In contrast, traditional publishing offers increasingly lower advances (unless you’re famous or have written a book that leads to a bidding war). Royalties are lower than in self-publishing as well—that is, if you even earn out your advance. Up to 80 percent of books never earn back their advance, meaning that the author never receives royalties (“Publishing 101”).

The frustrating, confusing aspect is that traditional publishing offers better distribution. Simply put, your book is available in more places.

The question comes down to this: Would you rather earn more per book but have to drive your own distribution by self-publishing, or would you rather earn less per book and hope the traditional publishing process helps your reach?

Winner: Tie.

5. What is your primary goal?

This is the tiebreaker question.

What if you’ve read this far and each of your answers has canceled out the previous answer? What if, by this point, you’re more confused than when you began?

Consider your primary goals:

• If you want to get your book to market as fast as possible, self-publish your book
• If you want to reach the most readers, learn how to start building your author platform because that’s the key to selling books whether you self-publish or traditionally publish
• If you demand creative control over every aspect of your book, self-publish

Your primary goal may not even be listed in this article, but you need to define what success looks like for your book. Then work backward from there.

In the end, no matter which route you take, pursue that path with as much passion and care as you placed into the writing of your book. No one will champion your book unless you’re it’s first and greatest champion.

The original version of this story was written by Blake Atwood. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

Photo via Dean Drobot / Shutterstock