How I Simply Became a 5-Figure Woman Writer Online
Keep believing that your voice, like many women’s voices who came before you, matters.
➡️ If the thought of promoting your writing gives you the heebie-jeebies, make sure to download my free 3-page guide, Sharing Without The Cringe.
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Something I wish someone would have told me earlier is: Building a successful writing career is not just about talent. It’s about fostering your work ethic and creativity in tandem.
In this previous post, This Writer Made $100,000 Last Year in Her Spare Time, it’s important to note that consistency is just as important of a factor as passion.
"The main lesson to take from Eve’s writing journey is just to keep getting your work out there with unwavering consistency. Not getting any response to your work? Just keep writing. Not seeing any life-changing increases in your earnings? Just keep writing. And, as Eve constantly reminds us, don’t pack in your day job in the meantime. If she can build a six-figure solo writing business in her spare time, so can you."
Society often imposes expectations and limitations based on gender, but this is not new news. For many women, the path to feeling empowered to write, work, and make money for themselves can be daunting.
Legendary female authors like Louisa May Alcott and Emily Dickinson were not supported for their work. It wasn’t until long after their passing were they praised for the genius of their storytelling and authorship. In fact, it is observed that they hid behind fake names (it has been said that Emily even allowed her brother to publish her work under his name) in order to make money and be read by people other than their close friends and family.
Yet, in 2024, Eve's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It reminds us that regardless of our circumstances, we have the power to shape our own destinies.
In today's world, where opportunities for writers abound thanks to the internet and the digital age, there has never been a better time for women to carve out their own paths in the writing industry.
Personally, I began writing and creating online over ten years ago. I’ve always loved making movies (even just with my mom’s camera), and when I started creating on TikTok, User Generated Content opportunities came my way. I got to monetize my personal creativity for advertising purposes to support brands. I did this not with a rulebook, but with a set of keys. The keys of my creativity, joy for storytelling, and consistency. Making videos online was fun for myself, and it was almost a magnet effect for businesses.
I made over $15,000 in video and writing creation in 2021 simply by following my values. Working for companies I believed in and that aligned with my personal preferences. Yet, I did not quit my day-job as a remote outsource editor for photographers. I continued to work hard and support myself in a more logistic manner, but carved out time each morning to create videos and write online.
I was just a girl who put herself out there online 2-3 times a week, and the support of the universe followed.
Another example is the renegade Glennon Doyle who started out as an online blogger; just a mom with a laptop and internet connection who is now a best-selling author, podcaster, and activist with a biopic in the making.
Glennon and Eve are fantastic examples of what it means to become successful by the ways of the internet. To have your voice and opinion heard. Whether it's through freelance writing, blogging, self-publishing, or content creation, there are countless avenues to explore and monetize our writing skills.
However, it's essential to approach this journey with a realistic mindset. As Eve wisely advises, it's crucial not to hastily quit your day job in pursuit of writing dreams. Building a sustainable income as a writer or creator online takes time and effort. It requires consistency, dedication, and a willingness to adapt and learn along the way.
So, if you're a woman aspiring to write for a living, remember: Just keep writing. Keep creating. Keep showing up online. Keep believing that your voice, like many women’s voices who came before you, matters.
And above all, don't give up on your creativity, because making a living is important, but not more important than making a life.
What’s next?
I’m ready and waiting to support you in the next stages of your creator journey. Here’s how I can help:
Start Your Podcast on Substack: A complete course guiding you from concept to launch, based on everything I’ve learned so far during my own podcasting journey. Learn to plan, brand, record, edit, publish, and promote your podcast while building an audience. Perfect for creators eager to share their voice with the world.
Sustainable Scalable Social Strategy: This 6-part, online, self-driven course will guide you through the same process I used to develop a strategy for my social media management. When you finish, you’ll have a sustainable social strategy in place that will help you scale your business properly.
One-To-One Coaching: Live coaching sessions over Zoom plus a full video audit of your Substack publication. Ideal for those who want to grow their online presence, identify their key strengths, and develop a long-term business strategy. Upgrade to VIP Membership for full access.
Promote to 19,000+ readers: Get yourself in front of a highly-engaged online audience via email, podcast and social media.
There are some beautiful ideas and things I needed to read here. I thought the final paragraph was particularly meaningful. God bless
Reading Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic helped me see that it is normal to keep a career and work as a writer. I am more productive when I have a schedule and financial security. I will keep writing. I will keep telling my stories. I will keep putting the work out there. Is it frustrating that others have financial success while I have none? Yep, but I keep at it. I keep becoming a better writer. I keep getting bolder and more vulnerable. And that serves both me and my audience.