When would you go pro?

[Alverost]

What kind of success do you need to see before you consider going full-time with writing? What metrics would you use to measure your success? What number would you need to reach for you to think you can make it in the industry?

I'm going to guess most of the answer is going to be Patreon numbers but I still want to see what other answers you guys have.

 

[Yorth]

If I reach 2k followers either here on scribblehub (yes, I know that's a dream within a dream), or on RR, then I would feel much less stressed. From then on, I could continue growing that readerbase while also getting patreon money. Save up that money for future projects (VNs, comics, RPG games, etc...), and just overall create this virtuous circle (growing a fanbase, making money, investing that money in a project, growing that fanbase more, making more money).

 

[lnv]

What kind of success do you need to see before you consider going full-time with writing? What metrics would you use to measure your success? What number would you need to reach for you to think you can make it in the industry?

I'm going to guess most of the answer is going to be Patreon numbers but I still want to see what other answers you guys have.

Uhm, never? Unless my cat master demands it. Some things are better off as a hobby.

The thing about artistic stuff is that it is hard to make a career out of it because creativity isn't something that appears out on a time table.

Now of course everyone has bills to pay, and it's a good income for those who are students or an extra on the side and the like. But I don't like the concept of forcing myself to write to pay the bills... it would turn into generic word padded crap in no time. Of course that is just me, everyone is different so I am not looking down on those who wish to make money on it by any means. Just I don't want my writing to be a chore.

 

[weakwithwords]

"Never!" shouted the future bestseller.

Seriously, not applicable to me as I can't even bake, roast, fry, boil, broil, microwave a single chapter yet.

Maybe, I should try writing it. That might work.

 

[OneSixSeven]

Never (if only I know how to write Japanese, I would have done so and might give something better than a 'omega' male harem MC!)

Until the time prove there's such a thing as next life, I will see to it.

 

[gaylolis]

i don't think it fits me, so i have to pass on it.

i'd rather write for myself and whatever i want forever. i don't like to be bound by rules and contracts.

 

[Ace_Arriande]

What kind of success do you need to see before you consider going full-time with writing? What metrics would you use to measure your success? What number would you need to reach for you to think you can make it in the industry?

I'm going to guess most of the answer is going to be Patreon numbers but I still want to see what other answers you guys have.

For me, it was go at it 100% from the beginning and force my way into success within 6 months or end up homeless and in the red from not being able to pay my bills. I graduated from college and then, rather than look for a job, I survived off of leftover student loans and wrote for 60-80 hours per week. The only success I needed to see was that it was possible for others. Then once I made enough that I could pay my bills and student loan debt consistently, I stuck with it instead of giving up to go get a "real" job. Other than that, Patreon numbers (and Amazon numbers before the year ends) are the only metrics that I care about. If I'm making enough to live, it doesn't matter to me if 5 people like my stories or if 5000 people like my stories. I genuinely love writing, so all that matters to me is that I can do what I love while not being homeless.

 

[Glorious_Milfhunter]

For me, it was go at it 100% from the beginning and force my way into success within 6 months or end up homeless and in the red from not being able to pay my bills. I graduated from college and then, rather than look for a job, I survived off of leftover student loans and wrote for 60-80 hours per week. The only success I needed to see was that it was possible for others. Then once I made enough that I could pay my bills and student loan debt consistently, I stuck with it instead of giving up to go get a "real" job. Other than that, Patreon numbers (and Amazon numbers before the year ends) are the only metrics that I care about. If I'm making enough to live, it doesn't matter to me if 5 people like my stories or if 5000 people like my stories. I genuinely love writing, so all that matters to me is that I can do what I love while not being homeless.

 

[BenJepheneT]

Well, just like what Ace said, burry your head in the ground and work your way up to the point where you're capable enough to pay for both your hobby and your livelihood. Of course, that heavily depends on your situation. I might have to juggle a part time job at the side and write like fucking crazy back home to keep my ribs from looking like guitar strings.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

My case is a little different since I'm already a gatekeeper. My managing director loves what I'm doing and is excited that we could convert it to original fiction like Fifty Shades, which originally started as fanfiction. The thing is that I would have to finish writing it first!
Actually, I might want to submit it to a different publisher because our marketing department is . . . um yeah, what's marketing again? Unless one of the big names picks me up, I know I'll pretty much be responsible for my own marketing.
Publishing with my press might present a conflict in revealing my legal name too. There's a lot to think about!

 

[Moctemma]

I'm already writing full-time. Now it's a matter to see if I can make $300 monthly. I'm okay having another job for the time being, so if the opportunity presents, I'll endure the pressure and manage both.

 

[GDLiZy]

I sadly will never go pro because my passion is with more than one thing, and writing career is not that stable compared to the other passion I have, even stronger than writing. (it comes second)

Though I believe I'll still continue to write, it'll not be my main job any time soon, although it's quite romantic to write as the main job.

Making some bucks off of it is good and all, but I don't think I can be a bestseller that can comfortably write and make a living out of it. It's far too risky when I already pave a path for myself with another more practical passion. —A to-be physicist

 

[Chaos_Sinner777]

Personally, I'm just writing for my own amusement, and, maaaybe the bit of social interaction I can have with the readers. Overall, I don't even want to set up a patreon thing, partly because I'd have to write a ways ahead to let the patrons read a little over the curve or some such. But I imagine I'm in the minority for that kind of writing motivation.

 

[Yorda]

My standards are very high, but if I made a series that I thought was genuinely original and that I approved of without doubt then it would indicate to me that I made a product 100% worth selling. Being able to produce something original, capable of passing my standards, and worth selling is all I need.

That being said, I am just a novice that is barely even writing anything, but I like the few chapters that I've written quite a bit. I'm happy to just have people freely enjoying my story. I wouldn't even think of accepting money until I was halfway through my story and satisfied with my work. I would hate the idea of accepting support money because of the pressure it would place on me to keep writing. If I did start accepting money one day I would be humble about it and just tell my readers that I interpret it as a voluntary thank you for the chapters I've written, not a plea for me to write more obligatory chapters.

Writing is only a minor hobby of mine and has not come close to approaching the level of an avocation.

 

[Yorda]

I'm already writing full-time. Now it's a matter to see if I can make $300 monthly. I'm okay having another job for the time being, so if the opportunity presents, I'll endure the pressure and manage both.

Each time somebody discloses that they are actually writing full-time with monthly income goals I'm just like, "WOW! This person is very WOW! AMAZING!"

Totally different from weaksauce forum scum like me.

 

[Kldran]

I don't have a job, so... I guess I've gone "pro" whenever I get enough money to call it a job instead of just a thing I do.

 

[Jemini]

As someone currently considering it, I can probably provide a good answer to this question.

The key thing to look at is what your publishing route is. If you want to be traditionally published, you're going to want to look at what the agents are looking for. I checked out a Youtube channel called Iwriterly and listened to what this agent in the industry had to say about what agents are looking for, and compared what she was saying to my own work. I found that I am not actually guilty of most of the things she said caused a work to be turned down, and I was also doing well with my readership here on SH, so that told me I might stand a fairly good chance with traditional publishing once I go over and edit my work through to correct some errors I know are there due to feedback I've been getting from my readers.

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeBsBrWDtIBrnrCkxHo5MQ

For self publishing, you have to weigh 2 different things. First is how much of a social media influence presence do you have, and 2nd is how well your story is doing in terms of readership. Both of these have to be pretty strong before you can consider self-publishing.

Finally, there is just sticking with the webnovel publishing. In this venue, the metric is quite simple. It's whether or not you are making enough off Patreon or whatever other funding route you have for your readers to give in order to quit your day-job. Pretty darn straight forward. (There are only a scant few writers accomplishing that.)

#1 thing to keep in mind with the 1st and 2nd items here, most writers do not make enough money to support themselves off royalties alone. They do still have a day job, even if they are published. The royalties just give them a little bit of extra spending cash. You have to either write a lot of books, make it REALLY big, or both in order to sustain yourself off your writing alone.

 

[AliceShiki]

Honestly, I feel the same as Ace... (Well, my situation isn't as dire as theirs was though! >.<) I currently am trying to make writing a career (though I really need to write more regularly... >.>), so... The only metrics I really care for are patreon numbers atm.

Gotta make money from it if I am to live my dream of paying bills from writing.

 

[TowerGuy]

IMO, the answer to OP from most people would be something that roughly translates as "whenever it starts paying my bills and giving me some measure of comfort while looking it won't stop anytime soon."

I mean, that's usually the chief reason to start any job, full-time writer included.

As for me, personally, I did something like @Ace_Arriande, in 2016. I took 1-year vacations (my loving mom paid my bills) and focused on writing. I'd either make it or give up on the dream of being an author for good.

I got lucky the LitRPG genre was just starting and people were thirsty for books. I released chapters on RR and had a successful launch on Amazon. Releasing more books in the series pays my bills to this day.

In my experience, besides sheer luck (like in my case), the secret to getting however many numbers you are aiming for is consistency, and being serious about improving your craft. You gotta release chapters and you gotta try to do your best in each of them.

Research creative writing, read/watch successful authors talk about it. Brandon Sanderson's online creative writing classes are great btw.

And don't. Stop. Writing.

Creative types (me included) sometimes get annoyed at the boringness of grinding chapters. I mean, it's great to have an idea and put it on paper at first, but then comes the part that feels much like any other work, and we hate it.

Guess what, you must work to get paid. If there's a perfect, grind free job in the world, I didn't find it yet.

 

[AliceShiki]

Creative types (me included) sometimes get annoyed at the boringness of grinding chapters. I mean, it's great to have an idea and put it on paper at first, but then comes the part that feels much like any other work, and we hate it.

I can relate to that far too well... T.T

Oh oh, and also the fear of releasing a new series and it not doing as well as you'd hoped even though you put your heart and soul into it, so you start procrastinating like crazy in the last few chapters you promised yourself to do before you start publishing! That feeling is so horrible! >.<

Guess what, you must work to get paid. If there's a perfect, grind free job in the world, I didn't find it yet.

Sad reality of life... T.T