When we think of writers, we may have various images in our mind –
The struggling writers, sitting freezing, finding it hard to make ends meet as they give their all to their writing.
The successful writer, appearing on TV talking about their books, having their name everywhere. Perhaps films being made of their books.
Really, the reality for most writers if probably somewhere in between.
Recent research actually suggests that only 4.4% of writers are unemployed, which does sound good, but what does that actually mean?
Working Writers
Whilst we hear that only 4.4% writers are unemployed, this does not necessarily mean that they are all working full time as writers.
- Many writers may do it for enjoyment.
- Some may write part-time or “on the side” having another job as their main job.
Recent figures suggest that –
- 68% writers are self-employed
- 8% write informational writing
- 9% create technical, professional and scientific writers
- Educational writing represented 3% of writers
- Grant writers, religious writers and other types of writers represent the last 2%
These figures suggest that the majority of writers work for themselves.
This is not unexpected. But this does not mean that they are writing full time either. They might be doing other roles as part of their working life.
Freelance Writing Work
The five main types of freelance work writers have is –
- Article or feature writing
- Copy writing and content writing – this mainly relates to writing for marketing purposes
- Social media posts and creating content for social media
- Blogging
- Editing and proofreading work
Another common type of writing a freelancer does is ghostwriting, where they write for other people. For example, a celebrity may want to share their experiences in an autobiography, but lack the writing skills. They may use a ghostwriter to write and tweak their story.
They may also carry out academic writing, such as –
- Course writing
- Textbook writing
- Writing educational articles and content
Some writers write –
- Full time
- Part-time
- Writing “on the side” of their full time role
- As a hobby
Some writers can be lucky, but it can be difficult for writers to gain enough paid work to make writing a full-time job.
This is when they might look at other options –
- Other writing opportunities
- Opportunities outside writing, such as other types of work.
Have you considered your own writing school?
- Are you looking for more opportunities within the writing industry?
- Would you like to teach others how to write?
A writer might also consider setting up their own writing school. This offers a writer the opportunity to –
- Share their experiences and knowledge with others
- Add an additional income stream
Share their experiences and knowledge with others
If you enjoy writing and want to share that enjoyment and love with others. Setting up your own writing school can be a way to do this.
An online education school can be a way of setting up a writing school in a flexible and convenient way.
With an online school, you can support your writing students –
- Working from home or in a location convenient to you
- At a time that is convenient to you, fitting in around your existing work commitments
Add an additional stream of income
As well as sharing your own writing school and sharing your love of writing with others, setting up your own writing school can provide an additional income stream to supplement your income from your own writing.
If you would like to –
- Expand your writing business by helping others to improve their writing
- Set up an online writing school, working at a time and location to suit you
- Provide yourself with another income stream from your writing
- Share your love of writing and enthusiasm for writing with students
How Can ACS DE help?
ACS Distance Education offers a range of writing courses that you can use to set up your own writing school.
Great Writing Courses
We have courses such as –
- Dramatic writing
- Editing courses
- Poetry
- Technical writing
- Freelance writing
- Creative writing
- Biographical writing
- Copywriting
- Writing for children
- Efficient Writing
- And more.
We offer our affiliates –
We are always updating our existing courses and adding new courses to our stable of courses.
Experts in Online Learning
We were established in 1979 and have decades of experience in distance and online learning. We can share that knowledge and experience with you.
IT Support
We can provide –
You decide on the courses that you want to market and sell!
The opportunities are limitless.
Start Your Own Writing School
If you are interested in starting your own online writing school, please get in touch with us