By Monique Berger
You don’t need to be a bestselling author to make a living from writing. But you do need to be seen. The digital era has cracked the gates open wider than ever, offering writers endless ways to connect with readers, editors, and publishers—if you know where to look and how to move. If you’ve been wondering how to stop writing in the dark and start turning words into income, this guide is built for you.
Fuel Your Passion
Working in a field that genuinely excites you changes everything—it makes the grind feel like growth and the setbacks feel worth it. You bring more energy, more ideas, and more resilience when you care deeply about the work itself. Having a deep understanding and enthusiasm for what you love can pave the way to success, because that mix of knowledge and excitement draws people in and pushes you forward. Passion keeps you curious, hungry, and willing to go the extra mile without anyone having to ask.
Find Your Voice Before You Chase an Audience
There’s a temptation to shape your style around what’s popular or what you think might sell. That instinct can steer you wrong. When you write in a voice that’s genuinely yours—sharp, strange, subtle, whatever it is—it rings clear to anyone reading. The more you lean into what makes your work different, the more it stands out in a crowded sea of sameness.
Build a Body of Work That Lives Online
Even if you’re still working your way up, having your work easily accessible matters. Personal blogs, Medium, Substack, and even platforms like Wattpad can act as digital portfolios. These aren’t just content dumps—they’re proof of consistency, style, and growth. When someone Googles your name (and they will), you want them to land on something that says, “This writer shows up and delivers.”
Leverage the Power of Short-Form Writing
Long-form novels might be your dream, but short stories, essays, and even social media threads can open unexpected doors. Flash fiction contests, op-eds, Twitter poetry, micro memoirs—they all have their place and can get your name in front of editors and readers alike. Sometimes, a 300-word piece can do more for you than a 300-page manuscript no one’s seen. Treat short-form like a playground and a billboard.
Design Memorable Business Cards
When you meet someone who could open a door, a well-designed business card can do more than share your contact info—it can make sure they remember you. Think of it as a pocket-sized first impression, a tiny billboard that reflects your style, your tone, and your creative edge. If you’re ready to create something that stands out, utilise an app that lets you design and order stunning custom cards using high-quality templates, generative AI, and intuitive editing tools—check this out to learn more.
Be Seen in All the Right Rooms
You don’t need to attend every writing conference, but you should know which communities and spaces actually matter for your genre or niche. Virtual meetups, local writing groups, online forums—these are where relationships start. Editors talk. Agents refer. Fellow writers share calls for submissions. If no one knows your name, you’re not in the game. Being visible doesn’t mean selling out; it means showing up.
Treat Rejection Like a Data Point, Not a Verdict
Every writer has been turned down more times than they can count. You won’t be the exception, and that’s not a bad thing. Rejection is a sign that you’re actually submitting, actually trying, and actually in motion. The only way you’ll never get discovered is if you give up. The ones who get found are the ones who kept pressing forward even when the inbox was full of “no thanks.”
Collaborate Before You Compete
The writing world isn’t nearly as cutthroat as people assume—most writers are rooting for each other. When you share someone else’s work, beta read for a peer, or co-write a piece, you’re building bridges. Those bridges often lead to new readers, referrals, and unexpected gigs. Helping another writer doesn’t mean pushing yourself back—it often moves you forward. Lift someone else, and chances are, someone will lift you too.
Monetise Without Apologising
There’s a weird shame sometimes tied to charging for creative work. Shake that off. Your writing has value, and you’re allowed—no, encouraged—to find ways to earn from it. Whether it’s launching a paid newsletter, freelancing, ghostwriting, or running workshops, money and creativity can coexist. If you don’t treat your writing like work, no one else will. Passion is great, but passion with a price tag pays the bills.
Get Your Work Published with the Right Support
Eventually, if you’re serious about levelling up, you’ll want to see your work in print or on shelves. That next step often feels overwhelming—navigating submissions, formatting manuscripts, and figuring out who to trust. You don’t have to do it alone. Mystery Publishers specialise in elevating emerging writers and giving fresh voices the support they need. Sometimes, the right partner is one who sees your potential before the world does.
Every writer dreams of being discovered, but it’s not about waiting to be chosen. It’s about doing the work, showing your face, sharing your words, and refusing to back down when things get quiet. The road from writing for passion to writing for a paycheck isn’t paved with luck—it’s built on consistency, visibility, and bold, everyday choices. You don’t need permission to start—you just need to stop hiding. The readers are out there, and so are the publishers. It’s your move.
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About the Author
With over a decade of hands-on experience launching and scaling successful small businesses, Monique has established herself as a seasoned entrepreneur and insightful business strategist. As the driving force behind Biz Beginner Bootcamp, she expertly blends her passion for entrepreneurship with her deep understanding of business development. This unique combination allows her to offer invaluable advice and practical guidance tailored specifically for first-time small business owners. Monique’s approach is rooted in her own journey, navigating real-world challenges and celebrating the victories of building businesses from the ground up. Through Biz Beginner Bootcamp, she channels her dedication to empowering new entrepreneurs, providing a comprehensive resource designed to transform their business aspirations into tangible realities.
