21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
21 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is there a market for...

by Seatbelt99
17 replies
I've been writing online for people for a little over a year now and I believe I've become quite proficient at it. In 2012 I made about $26,000 doing it extremely part time (maybe 1-3 hours per day at most). This year my goal is to make somewhere in the neighborhood of $35-40,000 while still doing it only part time (maybe 4-5 hours of writing & marketing per day).

So yes, I'm not rich doing it but it is certainly enough that someone who is a good, Native English writer, can make a living at it. If someone wanted to do it full time they could make a real living at it.

So, I was wondering, is there any sort of market for an e-book on how to make money as a writer? If I wrote it it would be very comprehensive giving people the information they need on how to get started and how to make real money as a writer. It would include details on things like where to find clients, how to manage problems, how to increase your prices, how to manage your orders, how to write with different styles. How to negotiate new orders...Basically everything you want to know.

It will NOT be a 'get rich quick while writing' type of BS book. It will illustrate the fact that it does take hard work, time and dedication but for those who are willing to put in the time, it is possible to succeed.

Bottom line, is there a market for this do you think? If so, what type of price for the eBook and how many do you think it would have the potential of selling?

Thanks for any input.

Michael
#market
  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    I think that there is a market because there are a lot of writers who would love to make extra money with this but don't know what strategies to take or how to find customers.

    I see that you have experience so it would be a good idea to write an ebook about this and then sell it to others. But then you would spill all your secrets and have far more competition then what you have right now.

    I personally would just keep writing for others and keep a low profile and not sell this info unless you really want to.
    Signature

    ---> [URGENT] Here's How To Build Wealth With Gold And
    Silver And Earn Up To $7,000 Per Week!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882016].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Seatbelt99
      Originally Posted by talfighel View Post

      I think that there is a market because there are a lot of writers who would love to make extra money with this but don't know what strategies to take or how to find customers.

      I see that you have experience so it would be a good idea to write an ebook about this and then sell it to others. But then you would spill all your secrets and have far more competition then what you have right now.

      I personally would just keep writing for others and keep a low profile and not sell this info unless you really want to.
      I thought about the fact that having an eBook like this might add additional competition. I really think, however, that about 90% of people who say they want to be writers actually don't. They would buy my e-book, give it a try and realize that the money doesn't just fall from heaven and they actually have to do some writing, and to do high quality writing takes time and effort. They will quit within weeks because it is not the new 'shiny object' which promises to make them rich.

      The 10% that do keep doing it is no big deal. There are so many people out there who want/need an actually high quality writer. They keep getting stuck with sub-par, often non-native English writers that it is depressing.

      I don't know. It's just been something I've been considering for a while. Try to help some of the other writers out.
      Signature
      The ONLY Writing Team You Will EVER Need!

      Writing-By-Michael.com - High quality custom writing!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882053].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aerm85
    In order to scale your work you have to:
    Be good in what you are doing
    Write a book
    Make a Video Training
    Create a Membership using a Video Course
    Create a WebTv.

    Use the ebook to scale up your business my friend and you'll be succeed without any doubt. The world is yours.
    Signature

    Please do not use affiliate links in signatures

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882034].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    I would ditch the whole "how to make money part" (although I could be wrong) and sell it based on its merits.

    Fill it full of highly actionable content - stuff you've actually done, and your customers will love you for it.

    Be sure to include any document templates, checklists, spreadsheets or otherwise that will make their lives easier.
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882127].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ian Jackson
      Originally Posted by John Romaine View Post

      I would ditch the whole "how to make money part" (although I could be wrong) and sell it based on its merits.

      Fill it full of highly actionable content - stuff you've actually done, and your customers will love you for it.

      Be sure to include any document templates, checklists, spreadsheets or otherwise that will make their lives easier.
      Absolutely, and perhaps consider creating an affiliate program with, for example, Clickbank

      Embed you ebook with useful links, including an opt-in so that you introduce prospects to your range of writing products (that you are going to create )
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882168].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author fin
        This guy has one and makes money from it Leaving Work Behind

        You'll probably need a blog to drive traffic, or a high-converting sales page and some money to pay for ads.

        I doubt you'd make much on Kindle unless you get lucky.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882184].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    There's definitely a market and there are DEFINITELY many people serving that market. I have a really good guide about half written and decided I'd hold off. Just about every week or so I see someone offering a writer's guide as a Free Promo on Amazon. I've picked up a few and like anything else, there are the good, the bad and don't even ask...

    This isn't to say you shouldn't do it. Just that there's a lot of competition.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882191].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Travlinguy got in before me.

      Yes, there's definitely a market, but it's highly competitive, and there are very many people already serving that market (some of what they're serving it with is complete nonsense, undoubtedly, but that's probably true of most markets?).

      If you can do it well and market it well (and I think the income you'll get from it will depend mostly on your marketing skills rather than on the content, to be realistic), it's certainly possible ... but understand at the outset that it's also very competitive and (as so often) the best-quality product usually isn't the best-selling product!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882246].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Seatbelt99
    Thank you to everyone. I think I'll hold off for now as well because while I'm doing fairly well marketing myself as a writer, marketing an e-book is whole other beast which I know little to nothing about. I don't know how to set up affiliates and all that so I think it would really be a lot more work than it is worth at this point.

    Maybe I'll just put this on the back burner for some day when I have time to really dedicate myself to the marketing side of this type of work.

    I really appreciate all the answers though!

    As always, you warriors are the best!

    Michael
    Signature
    The ONLY Writing Team You Will EVER Need!

    Writing-By-Michael.com - High quality custom writing!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882627].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Bradley McK
      Originally Posted by Seatbelt99 View Post

      Thank you to everyone. I think I'll hold off for now as well because while I'm doing fairly well marketing myself as a writer, marketing an e-book is whole other beast which I know little to nothing about. I don't know how to set up affiliates and all that so I think it would really be a lot more work than it is worth at this point.

      Maybe I'll just put this on the back burner for some day when I have time to really dedicate myself to the marketing side of this type of work.

      Michael
      To bad! Might help a lot of people. How about just doing one big post about it. Like top 20 tips to make money as an article writer. Just 1 or 2 sentences per tip. I doubt it will make much competition for you because there is a huge market for quality content. Especially post panda/penguin. Maybe they'll make it a sticky post?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882697].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
      Originally Posted by Seatbelt99 View Post

      Thank you to everyone. I think I'll hold off for now as well because while I'm doing fairly well marketing myself as a writer, marketing an e-book is whole other beast which I know little to nothing about. I don't know how to set up affiliates and all that so I think it would really be a lot more work than it is worth at this point.

      Maybe I'll just put this on the back burner for some day when I have time to really dedicate myself to the marketing side of this type of work.

      I really appreciate all the answers though!

      As always, you warriors are the best!

      Michael
      Here's something to think about. There are a lot of people on this forum who write, let's say, okay. Spend a day or two looking at the numerous threads about writing, article marketing and related topics. That'll give you a feel for what people want.

      Also check WSOs on writing as well as who's selling what types of writing services. Then tailor your guide for this market. That could be a big winner. I've seen many writers (mediocre writers at that, not saying that's you ) do very well selling writing guides on this forum.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7883329].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Why hold off?

    If a market is competitive, that means that its worth pursuing.

    Its not going to make you any money sitting on your hard drive.
    Signature

    BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7882953].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thatjc
    The more the competition, the more the people making money in that niche. That should prove that there certainly is a market for you - so I hope you do it. You can hire the marketing done for you and also use Clickbank (or another such) to handle the transactions and affiliates for you, while you concentrate on your current work and on building a list and adding value to your eBook offer.

    I write American English well and love doing it - yet I don't know how to make that pay (except by writing eBooks, as I'm doing). In other words, I'd buy your eBook in an instant for $20.
    Signature
    "You can count the seeds in an apple, but you can't count the apples in a seed."
    Online Visual Communication expert
    Visual Marketing Info signup: Visual Marketing Online
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7883150].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    The truth is that the competition is intimidating in practically all fields online. You have to believe that you have different solutions to give to the world, and trust your work.

    It’s nice to make money by selling your products. You should do it, without fearing the competition so much. Since the market is big, you will find customers.

    You had to be afraid if your topic was something complicated and not so demanded online. There are many people looking for ways to make money writing.


    Signature
    Join my Affiliate Program and Sell Original eBooks
    Scientific Dream Interpretation – A Solution to All Problems

    How to Be Extremely Successful in Life
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7883292].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ymest
    Hi there,

    There is of course a market for it! I have done the same as you--I bought Tiffany Dow's Ghostwriting Cash, so why not give it a try!

    There are lots of people who start off and get burnt/ ripped off! Since you have some expertise on the subject, please don't hesitate! In fact, don't hesitate at all! Just go for it!!!

    I learnt a lot-- and still learning-- by writing for others! There is definitely a learning curve ( a steep one in fact) and I'd be glad to read it when it's finished!

    Good luck

    Yoan
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7883724].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Stuart Walker
    You could but it'll be a fair bit of work that might be better spent on spending more time writing to double your profits. It's not as simple as just creating a book (which there is a demand for) you have to factor in there's already other people doing this, you need to build a site, sales funnel, find affiliates, market it, get traffic and so on. It might flop.

    Maybe better to spend that time writing more articles.
    Signature
    ATTENTION WARRIOR: INCREDIBLE NEW POST AT NICHEHACKS.COM
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7884408].message }}

Trending Topics