Being A Writer Sucks

From time to time I'm asked why I don't try to get myself "published." The below story should answer that question for the curious:

From the Atlantic:

Hi Nate — I completely understand your position, but our rate even for original, reported stories is $100. I am out of freelance money right now, I enjoyed your post, and I thought you’d be willing to summarize it for posting for a wider audience without doing any additional legwork. Some journalists use our platform as a way to gain more exposure for whatever professional goals they might have, but that’s not right for everyone and it’s of course perfectly reasonable to decline.

Thank you and I’m sorry to have offended you.

Best,

Olga

 

Comments

[Jeff Perren]

The profession has its pros and cons, certainly. A large income is rare - just as it is for working actors, fine arts painters, and others. One does it for the internal rewards, with the hope that someday one will be 'discovered' and elevated above the crowd of those who never make any money at it. It does happen, after all.

But you have to be really passionate about the work - and making a living at it - in order to persist. Otherwise, it's just a hobby and a form of self expression. That's not bad, but it's a different mindset from the goal of being a professional.