The Journey to Becoming an Author: Steps, Time, and Financial Realities

Becoming an author or a writer is often viewed as a dream career, but it requires dedication, time, and sometimes a dose of reality. The path to becoming an author is not vastly different from becoming a professional athlete, involving rigorous training and a long-term commitment. However, while many athletes earn substantial incomes, aspiring writers frequently face a different financial reality. In this article, we'll explore the steps, time required, and the financial aspects of pursuing a career as an author.

Steps to Becoming an Author

Becoming an author or a writer involves several key steps, each of which is crucial to your success in this field.

1. Reading and Education

One of the first steps is to immerse yourself in literature. Read widely and passionately. This will not only provide you with inspiration but also a deep understanding of what makes great writing. In addition, completing an education in a relevant field such as literature, creative writing, or journalism can be very beneficial.

2. Writing Skills Development

Encourage regular writing, whether it's short stories, articles, or simply journaling. Join writing workshops, find a critique group, or take online courses to hone your craft. Continuous improvement is key to becoming a better writer.

3. Building a Portfolio

Collect a portfolio of your work. This includes published pieces, as well as samples of your writing that showcase your skills. A strong portfolio is crucial when you start seeking out publishers or literary agents.

4. Networking

Networking is essential in any professional field, and especially in writing. Attend literary events, writing conferences, and workshops. Connect with other writers, agents, and editors to build a professional network that can support you.

5. Publishing

There are several paths to publishing your work. Traditional publishing involves querying agents and submitting your manuscript to publishers. Self-publishing is another option that allows more control over the process. Literary journals and online publications can also be great starting points for emerging writers.

The Time It Takes to Become an Author

Unlike becoming a professional athlete, becoming an author can take many years, or it might not happen at all. The journey to becoming an author is often likened to the path of a professional athlete, requiring a significant time commitment and often substantial sacrifices.

According to both the and Inc Magazine, the average author spends around 1,000 to 3,000 hours on their first book. That's roughly 3 to 10 months of work, but this can vary widely depending on the individual's writing pace and the complexity of the project.

Factors that can affect the time it takes to become an author include:

The genre and niche you are writing in The complexity of the story you are telling The amount of research involved Whether you are self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher The feedback you are receiving and how you incorporate it into your work

However, it's important to note that becoming a successful author does not happen overnight. It often takes years of persistence, hard work, and continuous improvement to build a portfolio and get noticed in the writing community.

Financial Realities for Authors

Another critical aspect to consider when pursuing a career as an author is the financial reality. Unlike professional athletes, the majority of authors do not earn significant incomes. According to a Randall's Square Books report, the top 1% of authors earn millions, but the vast majority earn much less.

Average earnings for authors vary widely depending on factors such as:

The type of publishing (self-published vs. traditionally published) The genre of the work The size and audience of the publisher The number and quality of works published The sales of the books (both in print and digital formats)

The typical income for most authors is often not enough to meet the cost of living, especially if they are dedicating a significant amount of time to their writing. This is why many authors take on second jobs or day jobs, such as working at McDonald's, to supplement their income.

Many authors support themselves through:

Day jobs or freelancing Teaching or tutoring Adjunct teaching positions Publishing multiple works or diverse genres

Conclusion

Becoming an author or writer is a challenging but rewarding journey. It involves a combination of reading, writing, networking, and perseverance. While the road to success is long and the financial rewards may not be substantial, the joy of creating stories and connecting with readers can be a profound and enriching experience.