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How to Make a Living as a Writer
It's the best time on Earth to be a writer
More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone.
Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing.
In How to Make a Living as a Writer, you'll learn the secrets of writing for profit and increasing your chances of making a living wage from your work. Here are some of the subjects covered:
- The 7 Secrets of Writing Success
- The 8 Essentials of Your Writing Business
- How to Reach Your Goals
- Keys to a Winning System
- How to Stay Relentless
- Unlocking Your Creativity
- How to Write More, Faster
- Comparing Traditional and Self-Publishing
- How to Go Traditional
- How to Go Indie
- How to Form Multiple Streams of Writing Income
- How to Write a Novel in a Month
- How to Choose Non-Fiction Subjects
- How to Keep a Positive Mental Attitude
- Resources for Further Study
And much more, all to help you write what you love and earn what you’re worth.
James Scott Bell has made a living as a writer for nearly two decades, and shares with you everything he knows about the best practices for turning your writing dream into a reality.
More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone.
Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing.
In How to Make a Living as a Writer, you'll learn the secrets of writing for profit and increasing your chances of making a living wage from your work. Here are some of the subjects covered:
- The 7 Secrets of Writing Success
- The 8 Essentials of Your Writing Business
- How to Reach Your Goals
- Keys to a Winning System
- How to Stay Relentless
- Unlocking Your Creativity
- How to Write More, Faster
- Comparing Traditional and Self-Publishing
- How to Go Traditional
- How to Go Indie
- How to Form Multiple Streams of Writing Income
- How to Write a Novel in a Month
- How to Choose Non-Fiction Subjects
- How to Keep a Positive Mental Attitude
- Resources for Further Study
And much more, all to help you write what you love and earn what you’re worth.
James Scott Bell has made a living as a writer for nearly two decades, and shares with you everything he knows about the best practices for turning your writing dream into a reality.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2014
251 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
James Scott Bell
127 books1,025 followersJim is a former trial lawyer who now writes and speaks full time. He is the bestselling author of Try Dying, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise and several other thrillers. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Inspirational Fiction, and was a fiction columnist for Writers Digest magazine. He has written two books in the Writers' Digest series, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure and Revision & Self-Editing.
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
Jim has taught writing at Pepperdine University and numerous writers conferences. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where he studied writing with Raymond Carver.
Series:
* Shannon Saga (with Tracie Peterson)
* The Trials of Kit Shannon
* Ty Buchanan
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 82 reviews
October 24, 2015
Honestly, if you're a writer and you want to grow as a writer, you can't go wrong reading anything written by James Scott Bell. HOW TO MAKE A LIVING AS A WRITER gives the basics of being a writer and making a living at it. If you can read through this book and still want to be a writer--to write, then you're on the right track. If, however, you read Bell's book and get discouraged, then being a writer is NOT for you. Bell lays it on the line and shares the hard truth: writing is NOT easy--it is HARD work and if we want to be successful, we have to pay the price to get there.
I'm willing to pay the price! Are you?!
I'm willing to pay the price! Are you?!
July 26, 2016
Lots of good, credible advice in here, but before I go on I must point something out that I found increasingly jarring as I read.
James Scott Bell repeatedly implores you to expand your reading, to challenge yourself, in order to become a better writer. He claims to do this himself, but there is avidence to the contrary.
I noticed that almost all of the writers he referred to throughout the book were men. The few women were Joanna Penn, K.M Weiland, Harper Lee, Suzanne Collins and a very few others - my edcuated guess is 3.
I got curious, so I started looking up every writer he mentioned, and sure enough, all of them were also white.
In the last list of recommendations (43 books, not-with-counting his recommendations of his own books) there are 6 recommendations written by women, 2 of them by Joanna Penn, and ALL are white.
It is also note-worthy that both To Kill A Mockinbirg and Rebecca are considered classics, books you would pick up because you sort of had to - especially To Kill A Mockingbird, which I hear is mandatory reading in the US.
So I implore you, James Scott Bell, to expand your reading to include people of color and preferably a few women as well. This is obviously an issue you haven't even noticed. I'm sure you have read more diverse stuff than white men and a few obligatory white women, but obviously they didn't really ring home with you, as you don't mention them. I find myself questioning whether you've really tried.
Aaaaanyway -
Good, solid book with a lot of great information. I am not a fan of the milking non-fiction ideas circling in the self-pub world right now. Non-fiction, and fiction, for that matter, is for saying something important. Yes, let's make a living from writing, but we should also keep our integrity.
Other than that I highly recommend this book. James Scott Bell is sharp, witty and to-the-point, which is always welcome. He certainly is the kind of non-fiction writer who has something to say.
James Scott Bell repeatedly implores you to expand your reading, to challenge yourself, in order to become a better writer. He claims to do this himself, but there is avidence to the contrary.
I noticed that almost all of the writers he referred to throughout the book were men. The few women were Joanna Penn, K.M Weiland, Harper Lee, Suzanne Collins and a very few others - my edcuated guess is 3.
I got curious, so I started looking up every writer he mentioned, and sure enough, all of them were also white.
In the last list of recommendations (43 books, not-with-counting his recommendations of his own books) there are 6 recommendations written by women, 2 of them by Joanna Penn, and ALL are white.
It is also note-worthy that both To Kill A Mockinbirg and Rebecca are considered classics, books you would pick up because you sort of had to - especially To Kill A Mockingbird, which I hear is mandatory reading in the US.
So I implore you, James Scott Bell, to expand your reading to include people of color and preferably a few women as well. This is obviously an issue you haven't even noticed. I'm sure you have read more diverse stuff than white men and a few obligatory white women, but obviously they didn't really ring home with you, as you don't mention them. I find myself questioning whether you've really tried.
Aaaaanyway -
Good, solid book with a lot of great information. I am not a fan of the milking non-fiction ideas circling in the self-pub world right now. Non-fiction, and fiction, for that matter, is for saying something important. Yes, let's make a living from writing, but we should also keep our integrity.
Other than that I highly recommend this book. James Scott Bell is sharp, witty and to-the-point, which is always welcome. He certainly is the kind of non-fiction writer who has something to say.
January 7, 2019
Lots of good info here. I have a feeling I'll be re-reading my highlights often.
August 27, 2016
If you're a writer, buy this book. Simple as that. Inside its pages, Bell shares a wealth of information about making a living as a writer, exploring it from all angles and encouraging you to ditch society's idea of a successful writer and start making your career goals a reality today. I can't recommend this enough.
September 12, 2025
It's excellent.
This is a great read jam-packed with information about How to Make a Living As a Writer. I continue to read it after finishing it. The book cover is fabulous, the title is catchy, and the information within is good. I recommend this book, and I bought the paperback version of it.
This is a great read jam-packed with information about How to Make a Living As a Writer. I continue to read it after finishing it. The book cover is fabulous, the title is catchy, and the information within is good. I recommend this book, and I bought the paperback version of it.
December 7, 2014
He starts with,"I have this quaint notion that it's okay for writers to make money from their writing," and ends with, "Nourish a life outside your writing." Mr. Bell has packed a lot into this book, and it is well worth the writer's time to read it. Sure, as others have pointed out, much of the information here is easily found elsewhere, but here it is all in one neat volume--very convenient. I found several tidbits that tweaked what I was already doing, and big chunks that confirmed I was on the right track. And the author makes it easy to read and digest, so even new-to-me bits of information were easily understood. Overall, this is a great reference tool that I happily recommend to others.
May 21, 2018
Yet another book about how to be a writer and make money at it. In many ways it says the same as others (write every day, keep learning and growing, stay fit and healthy, don’t give up because of critical reviews) but he did offer some new-to-me ideas (e.g. if you write in the morning, also write a little bit right before going to sleep, so your unconscious is focused on the story while you’re drifting in and out of sleep).
Like most of these how-to books, there’s a lot of filler in between the nuggets of gold. However, I thought it was definitely worth buying.
Like most of these how-to books, there’s a lot of filler in between the nuggets of gold. However, I thought it was definitely worth buying.
March 31, 2020
James gives a lot of practical, actionable advice to writers such as myself that want to make this their career. I've changed the way I approach writing thanks to his advice. I'd recommend this book to every aspiring writer.
August 2, 2019
This book had general information. I was hoping to learn more on where the author gets his ideas and creativity as well as what his daily life looks and his writing process (perhaps samples of his notebook scribblings would be interesting). Also, I've previously read about most of the information in this book from other sources and therefore the information wasn't "new."
January 22, 2024
Outstanding!
February 17, 2016
Un guide qui en couvre large, mais n'approfondit à peu près rien. L'auteur donne quelques "recettes" qui sont seraient garantes du succès. Un gros bof, je n'ai à peu près rien tiré de cette lecture, à part peut-être quelques trucs pour rédiger son "pitch de vente" sur des sites comme Amazon et Kobo. C'est de toute évidence une publication destinée aux véritables débutants, mais je n'oserais même pas recommander cette lecture à ceux qui commencent, justement à cause de la présence des recettes qui génèrent parfois de sérieux malaises.
February 25, 2016
There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this book. Every single one of James Scott Bell's writing how-to books are must-reads for writers. This one is ideal for those who want to push themselves closer to full-time status. In today's writing climate it isn't a pie in the sky notion to make a living with your writing, and Bell explains the tools you'll need to get there. James Scott Bell is always encouraging, entertaining, and trustworthy. This one is worth reading more than once. In fact, this is my second time through.
August 29, 2016
Want to become a writer but don't know where to start? Start by reading this book.
Full of insights, advice and examples, James Scott Bell keeps you engaged with the book in a casual yet sensible manner. He puts all the cards on the table and clearly tell you all there is to writing. Some chapters are eye-openers, while some are motivational. There is not even a single bit that is not useful. Ever chapter is a gem in itself.
A must read for all writers :)
Full of insights, advice and examples, James Scott Bell keeps you engaged with the book in a casual yet sensible manner. He puts all the cards on the table and clearly tell you all there is to writing. Some chapters are eye-openers, while some are motivational. There is not even a single bit that is not useful. Ever chapter is a gem in itself.
A must read for all writers :)
February 2, 2015
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to start a career (or side-career) in writing. It provides a broad overview of activities and options. It fits in nicely with other books on the subject that I have read.
April 15, 2015
Really good book. James Scott Bell writes clearly and sensibly, giving advice you can use the moment you set the book down. It is definitely a resource I will keep close at hand.
October 1, 2015
Just what I needed!
Great! I picked up some pointers from this book. Well worth the read. If you're thinking of becoming a writer, you need this book.
Great! I picked up some pointers from this book. Well worth the read. If you're thinking of becoming a writer, you need this book.
August 17, 2025
Another book of helpful tips and insights from James Scott Bell.
You may be one of the rare people who have already published an eight-figure book. Perhaps your goals are less lofty and you are satisfied with wherever you stand on the ladder of success (nothing wrong with that, everyone has his or her own measure of success).
For the rest of us, the writing field is crowded with many talented folks. The good news is you can greatly increase your odds by adding to your knowledge and skills. That's where "How to Make a Living as a Writer" can make a difference in your career.
Author James Scott Bell offers what I call a "blue collar approach" to becoming a successful writer. In other words, be ready to get your hands dirty. Mr. Bell firmly believes that the the skills needed for a career of writing can be learned, and he lays out the step-by-step path to reach that goal. He includes sections on both creativity and business savvy. Nothing in the book is hard, and can be broken down into two categories: learning your craft and writing. The author cautions that this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Even the most industrious writer will probably spend years gaining the knowledge and skills necessary, but if you do it right, the journey can definitely be fun.
If you have never used a planner or received training to help with scheduling your tasks, the rudimentary steps included in Chapter 23 (Managing Your Time) are priceless. No matter whether you write fiction or non-fiction, there are multiple chapters that will aid you in your endeavors. If you're like me and usually check out an author's suggested resources, there are enough books listed to keep you reading for the next year. Have fun!
This is one of those must-haves that should be kept on a bookshelf within arm's reach. Five stars.
You may be one of the rare people who have already published an eight-figure book. Perhaps your goals are less lofty and you are satisfied with wherever you stand on the ladder of success (nothing wrong with that, everyone has his or her own measure of success).
For the rest of us, the writing field is crowded with many talented folks. The good news is you can greatly increase your odds by adding to your knowledge and skills. That's where "How to Make a Living as a Writer" can make a difference in your career.
Author James Scott Bell offers what I call a "blue collar approach" to becoming a successful writer. In other words, be ready to get your hands dirty. Mr. Bell firmly believes that the the skills needed for a career of writing can be learned, and he lays out the step-by-step path to reach that goal. He includes sections on both creativity and business savvy. Nothing in the book is hard, and can be broken down into two categories: learning your craft and writing. The author cautions that this is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Even the most industrious writer will probably spend years gaining the knowledge and skills necessary, but if you do it right, the journey can definitely be fun.
If you have never used a planner or received training to help with scheduling your tasks, the rudimentary steps included in Chapter 23 (Managing Your Time) are priceless. No matter whether you write fiction or non-fiction, there are multiple chapters that will aid you in your endeavors. If you're like me and usually check out an author's suggested resources, there are enough books listed to keep you reading for the next year. Have fun!
This is one of those must-haves that should be kept on a bookshelf within arm's reach. Five stars.
June 6, 2020
James Scott Bell has authored numerous books on how to write and fiction novels both in the tradition and self-publishing markets. He is a lawyer as well and wrote his book, How to Make a Living as a Writer, as a guide for those who love to write and would like to make a living from it.
Bell begins by looking at how to write successfully and the need to understand that if you want to make a living as a writer, you need to understand that this is your business.
He goes on to explain how to set up a system, to set goals, how to “unlock your creative genius,” and the need to write more faster.
Then he explains the different pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing, and how to successfully market your book.
From there, he explains how to write fiction, how to write a novel in a month, how to self-edit, and the biggest mistakes you may make.
Then, how to write a novella, a short story, and non-fiction, and he explains the benefits of audiobooks.
Bell explains that entering this journey is not just about “making a life, but making a living,” and time management is key. Because you need to write, write, write. Making a living as a writer is not easy (with the rare exception) it takes voluminous writing and consistent and steady work. But it can be done.
This book ends with an extensive reading list – both to see what good writing is like and for resources to help make your writing better.
I am using Bell’s book in my own writing quest. He may help you with yours.
[This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
Bell begins by looking at how to write successfully and the need to understand that if you want to make a living as a writer, you need to understand that this is your business.
He goes on to explain how to set up a system, to set goals, how to “unlock your creative genius,” and the need to write more faster.
Then he explains the different pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing, and how to successfully market your book.
From there, he explains how to write fiction, how to write a novel in a month, how to self-edit, and the biggest mistakes you may make.
Then, how to write a novella, a short story, and non-fiction, and he explains the benefits of audiobooks.
Bell explains that entering this journey is not just about “making a life, but making a living,” and time management is key. Because you need to write, write, write. Making a living as a writer is not easy (with the rare exception) it takes voluminous writing and consistent and steady work. But it can be done.
This book ends with an extensive reading list – both to see what good writing is like and for resources to help make your writing better.
I am using Bell’s book in my own writing quest. He may help you with yours.
[This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
November 27, 2017
In this useful guide, James Scott Bell covers the professional side of writing, from business essentials and strategies for reaching your goals, to different publishing models, to tips on writing in different genres. If you've been around writing circles for a while, you will have heard a lot of these tips before. However, it's always good to have a refresher. As it's a fairly short book, there wasn't a lot of detail on some topics, but it did give me some new ideas. It helped reinforce for me the importance of diversifying your income streams if you hope to make a living as a writer. The chapter on self-publishing was particularly useful, though some information would get out of date fairly quickly regards e-publishing.
Overall, a useful guide to whet your appetite, but not as comprehensive as it could be.
Overall, a useful guide to whet your appetite, but not as comprehensive as it could be.
March 20, 2022
A Must-Read for Every Writer
This review is long overdue. I kept stopping to implement the steps. James Scott Bell packed this book with knowledge, how-to advice on various subjects from fiction to nonfiction, and best practices.
Loved every chapter!
I originally bought the book to outline a business plan. What I found changed how I approach my entire career. I'm amazed by the results already, and I still have things left to implement, like blocking off time for designated tasks. Which I will start immediately. That chapter alone sounds like the answer to a more restful sleep, rather than my busy brain keeping me awake half the night.
Whether you're writing your first or your twentieth book, do yourself a favor and buy this incredible craft book. It's a must-read for every writer.
This review is long overdue. I kept stopping to implement the steps. James Scott Bell packed this book with knowledge, how-to advice on various subjects from fiction to nonfiction, and best practices.
Loved every chapter!
I originally bought the book to outline a business plan. What I found changed how I approach my entire career. I'm amazed by the results already, and I still have things left to implement, like blocking off time for designated tasks. Which I will start immediately. That chapter alone sounds like the answer to a more restful sleep, rather than my busy brain keeping me awake half the night.
Whether you're writing your first or your twentieth book, do yourself a favor and buy this incredible craft book. It's a must-read for every writer.
September 7, 2019
James Scott Bell is a master writer and a master teacher. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make writing their day job. (All of his writing books are top-notch.) This book is appropriate for all levels of writers--from those just starting out on their journey to those of us who have been plugging away for some time. As Bell says, we writers must always continue learning more about our craft. Any of his books are a great place to begin. :)
November 8, 2019
Because you want to understand and get back to writing
If you're a real writer, and you've doubted yourself, or maybe need some insight, Mr. Bell has got you with this book.
I laughed, I learned, and chapter 26 literally brought tears to my eyes. (And this is nonfiction folks!)
So, shut up and buy it. You'll thank yourself, Mr. Bell got writing it, and even me for the peer-pressure.
And since I know it's coming: You're welcome.
If you're a real writer, and you've doubted yourself, or maybe need some insight, Mr. Bell has got you with this book.
I laughed, I learned, and chapter 26 literally brought tears to my eyes. (And this is nonfiction folks!)
So, shut up and buy it. You'll thank yourself, Mr. Bell got writing it, and even me for the peer-pressure.
And since I know it's coming: You're welcome.
May 12, 2020
This was okay! There were some good and interesting ideas, and I appreciated the emphasis at the end about not getting so caught up in writing and productivity that you don’t enjoy just..living. But there was also some prescriptivism that I didn’t love, and some unacknowledged privilege that made some of the advice, to me, fall short.
On a neutral point: a lot of it was geared toward self-publishing which wasn’t particularly useful for me, but others may definitely find that helpful.
On a neutral point: a lot of it was geared toward self-publishing which wasn’t particularly useful for me, but others may definitely find that helpful.
November 4, 2017
A Book Every Writer Should Read
James Scott Bell hits another home run with this overview of the publishing industry and how to make a living in it. Readers will be well rewarded with insights on everything from plot to marketing. I got more than the cover price for this book. Happy reading!
James Scott Bell hits another home run with this overview of the publishing industry and how to make a living in it. Readers will be well rewarded with insights on everything from plot to marketing. I got more than the cover price for this book. Happy reading!
August 1, 2018
James Scott Bell nails it in this book. He covers every aspect of writing and publishing and being an entrepreneur. He gives great advice, shares wisdom, and gives encouragement to writers at every stage of their careers. I'll be reading more of his stuff because I like his engaging style, his subtle wit, and his positive outlook on life.
November 28, 2021
I have to say there's not much Bell didn't tackle in the 25 chapters when it comes to both craft and publishing. I enjoyed getting his perspective on how the industry has changed and what today's writers are doing to be successful. He peppers the read with plenty of golden nuggets, too. Definitely one to put on your reading list.
August 22, 2017
Wise Advice
Wise, engaging and lots of information you can use. A favorite writer on the craft and publishing. Love the info on short stories. Novellas and such and time management.
Wise, engaging and lots of information you can use. A favorite writer on the craft and publishing. Love the info on short stories. Novellas and such and time management.
October 7, 2018
A great resource to pick and choose as you need information for the different areas of writing. My 15-year old is planning her first NaNoWrMo next month and I will have her read the NaNoWrMo section. I really enjoyed this book.
February 5, 2019
So much practical advice and great inights
I always worry that these kinds of books will be 70% common sense, 25% fluff, and 5% valuable insights. Not this book! From the first page to the last, the author truly delivers on his subject: How to make a living as a writer.
I always worry that these kinds of books will be 70% common sense, 25% fluff, and 5% valuable insights. Not this book! From the first page to the last, the author truly delivers on his subject: How to make a living as a writer.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 82 reviews