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How to Make a Living as a Writer:

Go from Passion to Profit in 2025

An intensive yearlong program
Tuesdays, from January to December, 2025
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
Specific dates listed below

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Welcome to How to Make a Living as a Writer: Go from Passion to Profit, a comprehensive yearlong course designed to turn your passion for writing into a sustainable career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your writing business to the next level, this course will guide you step-by-step through everything from building a successful online platform to navigating the complexities of the writing industry.

 

With hands-on guidance and expert insights from a host of experienced faculty members and guest instructors, you’ll learn how to diversify your income streams and thrive as a professional writer in today’s evolving landscape.

 

Each quarter of the year will include a ten-week course that addresses a different aspect of your life as a writer, addressing the most relevant and proven strategies to build your career and your income. You can sign up for specific quarters, or register for the entire year and save!

Quarter 1: Starting a Successful Substack Column

In the first quarter, we’ll dive into building your personal brand through Substack, one of the most powerful platforms for independent writers. You’ll learn how to create compelling content, grow a loyal audience, and develop a strategy to monetize your work. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing idea, we’ll help you set up your Substack column for long-term success.

Quarter 2: Writing and Selling Short-Form Pieces

In the second quarter, we shift focus to the art of pitching and selling short-form content. You’ll discover how to craft engaging articles, essays, and stories that editors want, whether for magazines, websites, or corporate clients. And if you think blogging is passé, think again. You’ll learn how to build a blog that pays! Learn the ins and outs of querying, pricing, and navigating editorial relationships as you turn your words into profit.

Quarter 3: Managing the Business Side of Writing

Quarter three is all about understanding the business side of being a writer. From tax laws, contracts, and forming an LLC to working with virtual assistants and managing your time, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge to run your writing career like a professional business. We'll cover strategies for long-term growth and the essentials for managing your freelance income.

Quarter 4: Landing Side Hustles and Expanding Your Writing Platform

In the final quarter, we’ll explore creative ways to supplement your writing income through side hustles. Learn how to diversify your offerings by creating webinars, teaching classes, hosting live events, offering editing services, speaking in public, and more. This quarter is designed to help you maximize your skills and create multiple revenue streams that will support your writing career for years to come.

How to Make a Living as a Writer Class Dates

​First Quarter

  • January 21, 28

  • February 4, 11, 18, 25

  • March 4, 11, 18, 25

​Second Quarter

  • April 22, 29

  • May 6, 13, 20, 27

  • June 3, 10, 17, 24​

​Third Quarter

  • July 22, 29

  • August 5, 12, 19, 26

  • Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23

​Fourth Quarter

  • October 14, 21, 28

  • November 4, 11, 18, 25

  • December 2, 9,16

Please note: There is a break period between each quarter.

Image by Green Chameleon

Here’s how the year will unfold.

Each quarter spans ten weeks, with specific objectives for each week to ensure a structured and progressive learning experience.

Quarter 1: Starting a Successful Substack Column​

Objective: Learn how to build, grow, and monetize a Substack newsletter, drawing on real-world success stories.

 

Special Features: Substack is exploding in popularity as the platform for writers to build a following and generate sizable income. Starting a column is easy, but growing your subscriber base and making money from it requires a plan. We’ll bring in guest instructors who are successful Substackers to share their step-by-step strategies and show you exactly what’s worked for them. And after the class is over, you’ll have a chance to join a special Story Summit collaborative to help you promote your column along with other Summiteers!

​

Content will include...

Introduction to Substack and Personal Branding

  • Substack's role in independent publishing

  • Defining your niche and brand

 

Crafting Your Substack Identity

  • Choosing a name, tone, and visual identity

  • Writing your bio and welcome email

 

Planning Content and Creating a Posting Schedule

  • Developing a content strategy (types of posts, frequency, themes)

  • Balancing free and paid content

 

Writing Engaging Content

  • Writing with voice and authenticity

  • Engaging your readers through storytelling

  • Using audio and video

 

Growing Your Audience Organically

  • Leveraging social media 

  • Cross-promotion with other writers

Advanced Audience Growth and Networking

  • Building partnerships and collaborations

  • Utilizing guest posts and interviews

  • Implementing referral programs

 

Monetization Strategies for Substack​

  • Converting free subscribers to paid

  • Offering limited-time promotions and creating paid tiers

 

Analytics and Measuring Success​

  • Using data to refine your content and strategy

  • Tools for improving performance

 

Troubleshooting and Overcoming Challenges

  • Dealing with subscriber attrition

  • Keeping momentum in a long-term newsletter

 

Celebrating Your Substack

  • Finalizing a plan for moving forward

  • Reviewing and reflecting on lessons learned

​First Quarter

January 21, 28. February 4, 11, 18, 25. March 4, 11, 18, 25.

OR

Quarter 2: Writing and Selling Short-Form Pieces

Objective: Learn how to craft, pitch, and sell short-form writing.

 

Special Features: This quarter will include insights into blogging and content publishing to expand your short-form writing opportunities.

​

Content will include...

Introduction to Short-Form Writing

  • Exploring different types of short-form content: articles, essays, op-eds, etc.

  • Understanding what editors are looking for

  • Setting personal goals 

 

Researching Markets and Identifying Targets

  • Finding paying markets 

  • Researching magazines, websites, and corporate clients

  • Matching your style to the right publication

 

Crafting a Strong Pitch

  • Elements of an effective query 

  • Writing compelling subject lines and hooks

 

Writing for Different Markets

  • Tailoring your voice to the market

  • Understanding style guides and editorial expectations

  • Writing for creative, corporate, and blogging platforms

 

Pricing Your Work

  • Setting your rates

  • Understanding contracts and negotiating terms

  • Avoiding common freelance traps

Managing Rejections and Building Relationships

  • How to handle rejection 

  • Building long-term relationships with editors and clients

  • Following up on submissions 

 

Perfecting Your Short-Form Writing

  • Writing with precision and clarity

  • The power of revision: editing tips and tricks

 

Diversifying Your Writing Portfolio

  • Exploring new formats: listicles, personal essays, interviews

  • Building a portfolio that showcases your range

  • How to present your work to potential clients

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Copyright and licensing 

  • Plagiarism, ghostwriting, and attribution

 

Review and Reflection

  • Reviewing successful pitches and pieces

  • Final thoughts on pitching and selling short-form work

  • Setting future goals for consistent freelance income

​Second Quarter

April 22, 29. May 6, 13, 20, 27. June 3, 10, 17, 24.​

OR

Quarter 3: Managing the Business Side of Writing

Objective: Learn the ins and outs of running a writing business, from contracts to invoicing, featuring industry experts.

​

Special Features: Guest instructors from the Authors Guild and the Independent Book Publishing Association will share their expertise on contracts, rights, and more. 

​

Content will include:

Understanding the Business Side of Writing

  • Shifting from hobbyist to professional

  • Building the right mindset for success

  • Overview of essential business practices

 

Freelance Writing as a Business

  • Legal structures for writers: Sole Proprietorship, LLCs, etc.

  • Managing business expenses and deductions

 

Taxes for Freelance Writers​

  • Tracking income and expenses for tax purposes

  • How to file taxes as a freelance writer

 

Contracts, Invoices, and Payments

  • How to create and read contracts

  • Best practices for invoicing clients

 

Managing Your Time and Workflow​

  • Tools and techniques for productivity and focus

  • Balancing multiple projects and deadlines

Hiring Help: Virtual Assistants, Accountants, and More

  • When to hire help and why

  • Delegating tasks effectively

 

Building a Professional Network​

  • Attending conferences, workshops, and online groups

  • Collaborating and cross-promoting with peers

 

Managing Long-Term Growth​

  • Building a consistent client base

  • Setting financial and professional goals

 

Branding Yourself as a Professional Writer

  • Creating a website and portfoli

  • Marketing yourself to clients and collaborators

 

Final Review and Business Planning​

  • Creating a business plan for long-term growth

  • Setting up your business for future success

​Third Quarter

July 22, 29. August 5, 12, 19, 26. Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23.

OR

Quarter 4: Landing Side Hustles and Expanding

Your Writing Platform

Objective: Redefine what it means to be a writer by exploring side hustles, ghostwriting, public speaking, and building a business platform from your book.

​

Special Features: This quarter includes guest instructors who have built thriving companies from their books and screenplays. Rather than relying on royalties and options, they’ve expanded what it means to be a writer and are making a living through speaking, workshops, editing, ghostwriting, special events, and more.

​

Content will include:

Introduction to Side Hustles for Writers​

  • Exploring the different types of writing-related side hustles

  • Setting realistic goals for extra income

 

Teaching and Leading Webinars​

  • Structuring a webinar or online course

  • Tools and platforms for delivering educational content

 

Hosting Live Events and Workshops

  • Planning and promoting workshops

  • Creating engaging live experiences

 

Offering Editing and Proofreading Services

  • How to market yourself as an editor

  • Setting up editing packages and rates

  • Working with clients on revisions and edits

 

Offering Coaching and Consulting Services​

  • Creating a coaching program

  • Setting boundaries and rates for consulting services

Creating Digital Products

  • Writing eBooks, guides, or templates

  • Marketing your digital products

 

Ghostwriting as a Business

  • Understanding the ghostwriting process

  • Marketing yourself as a ghostwriter

 

Public Speaking and Speechwriting

  • Crafting speeches that resonate

  • Building a business around public speaking

 

Building a Membership Community

  • Creating membership models 

  • Providing exclusive content for subscribers

  • Managing and engaging a loyal community

 

Creating a New Model for What It Means to Be a Writer

  • Using your book as a platform to build a business

  • Long-term strategies for diversifying your writing career

This syllabus ensures that by the end of the year, you’ll not only have mastered essential writing skills but will also be prepared to manage your writing career and explore various avenues for income.

​Fourth Quarter

October 14, 21, 28. November 4, 11, 18, 25. December 2, 9,16.

OR

Faculty

Quarter 1: Starting a Successful Substack Column

Quarter 2: Writing and Selling Short-Form Pieces

Quarter 3: Managing the Business Side of Writing