Making Money Through Side Gigs as a Writer

If you’re a writer, you know how challenging it can be to build your name and generate a decent, steady income. As with other types of artists, being a writer requires you to think outside the box when it comes to supporting yourself financially. But at the same time, you don’t want to spend all of your days working a job that leaves you no room for creating. 

Fortunately, there are lots of different side gigs to consider that can both provide you with a reliable income and allow you to stay creatively productive. Check out these practical tips from Michael Thal for working side gigs as you develop your brand as a writer:

Determine What You Want 

As with any move you make in life, you’ll need to decide exactly what you want before getting too deep into the side gig process. Ask yourself some basic questions, such as:

• What type of work am I looking for?
• What kind of hours or workload is best?
• How much money do I need or want to make?

Figuring out your essential needs will give you a strong foundation upon which to build your job hunt. Once you have an idea of what you want, it’s time to do some research. 

Narrow Down Your Options 

There are loads of different side gigs that can help you stay afloat as you build your writing career, including those related and unrelated to writing. 

For example, you could start your own blog and/or become a blogger for other websites. You could get involved in affiliate marketing. You could write a newsletter or develop an authority website; if you go this route, it is essential to find a niche you can thrive in. Or you could start a podcast related to your niche of interest. 

Then there are things that don’t have anything to do with writing but that could help to supplement your income. For instance, dog walking could give you a chance to spend time outside and clear your mind. Pet sitting could provide you with flexibility and you might be able to work on your writing while watching the pets! Becoming a barista, server, or library monitor can also help you build your income on a flexible schedule.

Get an EIN

Whatever type of side gig you choose, consider turning it into a business/business entity. This can help you when it comes time to pay taxes, it can protect you from liability, and it can benefit your career in many other ways. Those starting a business will be assigned EINs (Employer Identification Numbers). This allows the IRS to identify your company and track your taxes. When it’s time to file taxes, the process will go much more smoothly when you have an EIN.

Find the Gigs

So, you have an idea of the side gig you will pursue. Now it’s time to make it happen. Start by looking at local resources for your gigs, such as the chamber of commerce, college administration offices, and your own network of professionals. And be sure to sign up on freelance job sites; there are many sites that cater to writers specifically. 

Learn as You Go  

While it’s important to prepare when looking for the right, side gig, you should also expect to learn as you go. That is, always seek to expand your knowledge and skills even after you land your job. Regularly evaluate your interests and expertise to see how you can broaden your skillset, read books, and take courses on how to become a better time manager. These are just a few examples of how you can constantly evolve and position yourself for long-term success.

If you have a passion for writing, chances are that few things other than writing (if anything) will prove to be the fulfilling career you dream of. The good news is that you have a lot of potential side gigs to choose from when it comes to supplementing your income. Consider the ideas and tips above, and keep researching to learn how you can make money on the side while you build a solid foundation for your writing career.

Would you like to read other helpful content or learn about my young adult novels? Visit michaelthal.com today!

About the Author

“Penny Martin is an advocate for rescue dogs. Her goal is to inform people of what to expect and how to react to their dog so that the relationship always retains love. She created fureverfriend.info to help new owners prepare themselves for new furry friends.”