Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet
I’m just going to say it.
Real writers wouldn’t get caught dead blogging or writing web content.
photo credit: doubledareyaa
By real writers, I’m talking about print writers, folks. I call them real because, well, that’s how many of them distinguish themselves from us Internet writers. It’s also how most non-writers I’ve ever talked to distinguish between print and Internet writing. I don’t like it, and don’t think it’s right; but this kind of change takes time. So, for today, let’s just assume I’m writing real with a bit of sarcasm behind the keyboard, shall we? If you feel the need, substitute print for real.
At any rate, if you can get a book, newspaper column, or a regular magazine feature published, you’re ahead of the writing game. You’re a real writer. You’re a professional. And professionals don’t do personal. And Internet writing is all about the personal. Real writers don’t blog or write on the Internet.
There are exceptions. Orangette can get a column in Bon Appetit and Darren Rowse can get a book deal. Fantasy writers like my good friend Kameron Franklin (if you like Forgotten Realms novels, go buy his book right now!) and game designers like Monte Cook all blog regularly. You might find a Dave Barry, occasionally, who blogs. These are the exceptions, though.
Here’s another thing. Everybody knows that real writing pays a hell of a lot more than Internet writing. Certainly, if you’re Men with Pens, you can charge a premium rate of $.20 a word to write content. For the most part, though, great pay for Internet writing comes in at right around a nickel a word; average pay for Internet writing comes in at right around $.02 a word. Don’t believe me? Check out eLance, ScriptLance, Guru, or even the CopyBlogger Jobs board.
Print writing varies greatly in pay, but it starts out at around $.25 a word for most publications, and $1 a word isn’t unheard of, even for unknown writers.
James at Men With Pens calls this the Great Divide. Today, Freelance Writing Jobs is exploring the nature of that divide, spurred by James’ comments. In some ways, this discussion mirrors the WebComics vs. Print Comics debate that’s been raging for quite some time (Check here and here for a taste of that one.) I’ve a feeling that this discussion is going to be ongoing, and it should. This is an important discussion. The divide not only exists, it is rampant.
But, why is this? Why don’t real writers write on the Internet? I think part of it has to do with the fact that real writers get paid for every word they write that is published. Real writers write a heck of a lot more material than what is ever published. For each magazine article submission I’ve ever made that was accepted, I’ve written at least 4 different articles that weren’t. At $.50 a word that works out to about… well, a decent Internet writing rate of $.12 per word - at the high end of the midrange for Internet writing.
And that’s the biggest, or at least the most significant, difference: Internet writers get paid for every word they write. Internet writers are about volume. Real writers are about volume, too; but only a small portion of what they write ever makes it into print.
The market for Internet writing is very different, too. There is a solid market for, maybe, 3 to 6 Civil War-themed magazines. There is a market for thousands of Civil War-themed web sites. What does that mean for writers? Well, there are many implications, of course. Pay is just one. Beginning on Monday, I’m going to explore some of those implications including:
- Why Internet Writing is Better than Print Writing
- Why the Internet is the Perfect Market for Writers
- Writing Roles: Print vs. Internet Writers
- Toward Reformation: Bridging the Great Divide Between Print and Internet Writing
Stay tuned, true believers!
photo credit: demetri..thinking out loud
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42 Responses to “Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet”
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Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet…
Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet? At any rate, if you can get a book, newspaper column, or a regular magazine feature published, you’re ahead of the writing game….
You know I’d come comment on this one…
First off, to sound like a complete snot but to actually correct you on our premium rate, our usual rates for web content *start* at $0.30 a word. But we do play with our rates to suit our goals for the moment.
Secondly, web content writers have to realize that they *are* published writers. The definition of publish is to post something we wrote publicly.
Every single blogger, web content, ebook and article writer IS A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. You do *not* have to have a byline and a pay cheque from a big company to be a published author.
So let’s dispel that myth right now, shall we?
Thirdly, web content writers often make as much or more than realwriters. Take a 1k job once a month or 10 $500 jobs once a month… who’s winning money-wise now?
Walk a mile in each other’s shoes. I’ve *done* real writing. I still do as part of my job. But I’m damned proud to say I’m a web content writer and part of an emerging, innovative group. I’m not becoming obsolete… I’m becoming the future.
Quick off the cuff comment before my real comment, to back up James - we *are* the future. The status quo just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like music sharing.
James,
(Standing on a chair and cheering)
BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!!
I left the corporate world of a REAL writer…I like it here better..
Now to only be published and paid..there is another goal. hehehe….
I was out to lunch today with a friend who just found out about my blog, he knows I left my “real” writing job. Not two sentences in and he snickers and says, “How long til the book deal?”
ah well…..
Ok, This was a great post, I look forward to the rest of the series!
followed you here trom Twitter
Actually…I got my start in print, worked for a magazine publisher for a dozen years and was a newspaper columnist for a year with a few magazine clips here and there. The web - for me anyway - is a much more lucrative market. Not only that, but the pickings are just better. I think the beauty of web writing is how there are opportunities for everyone.
As I told James and the rest of the world I don’t see it as a great divide. I think there are people who are set in their ways and I think there are people with a preference, but I don’t see the snobbery others speak of. I like to think writers are writers, we just have different niches and fortes.
At FWJ there are many print-only writers who mingle with us web writing peasants and I don’t feel the snobbery. We share advice and tips and it’s all good.
Hey…if the print writers don’t want to be bothered with the bloggers, is it safe to say they won’t read this?
@ Deb - LMAO! Now *that’s* a good question!
I propose that your last title in the list should be:
“Toward Reformation: Bridging the Great Divide Between Print and Real Writing”
In the meantime, what AM I doing starting a writing business? Clearly that was just a juvenile phase I was going through, along the way to offering “Text Based Internet Advertising”.
[…] Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet - where Bob shows us that he’s not afraid to tackle a controversial topic. […]
Serves me right for spending an evening out with the family. Come back and there’s people dancing and I’ve got James flailing away…
@ James - I stand corrected on rate. As far as the definition of “publish,” there are those that would argue the point. I wouldn’t. I agree with you. There are a lot of folks (common folks, non-writers and whatnot) that wouldn’t be willing to accept the expanded definition.
As far as the money question… you’ve got a good point; some Internet writers make more than print writers. I’m talking about averages, though. Neither of us, I suspect, have reliable statistical data on the question; my gut feeling tells me that 7 out of 10 Internet writers make less on average than print writers. Your gut feeling is that it is possible to make more writing on the Internet. I think we’re both probably right.
I agree, too, about being proud. That’s the subject of the next post, as a matter of fact.
And, yes, I knew you’d comment
Some people write link bait, I write James bait.
@Brett - Some are figuring it out. Really, I’m less concerned about what print writers think and more concerned about what regular folk (my clients and readers) think.
@ Wendi - WOO HOO! You’re my first chair dancer, congrats! Fun stories, to follow later in the week, about my experiences with telling people I write on the Internet for a living - I’ve had some very interesting responses myself. Thanks for following from Twitter, too!
@ Deb - Welcome. Excellent comment. I love hearing this sort of thing. It’s tremendously motivating. I think the snobbery, the divide, is often more prevalent among regular folks who aren’t necessarily writers. I think it happens among especially successful print writers, but it is also encouraging to hear that you’re not experiencing the snobbery. Of course, the nature of your association is based on the Internet; I think that may have an impact on the relationship. Could be wrong, of course.
@ John - Touché!
[…] Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet […]
I have been full-time freelance and sole support of my family for 26 years. If you get paid to write, you are a professional writer. Most writers do both–print and internet. So to me, that is sort of a silly distinction. But the low internet pay (James has smokin’ clients), by and large, is affecting the perception of the value a professional writer adds and of the perceived pay they can command. Affecting for the worst. May I amend your headline to say: People with a real writing business don’t write for peanuts. Exceptions: Those with working spouses and hobbyists. If that sounds elitist, well, maybe it is. This is why we started Writer’s Catablog–to restore respect to the profession through humor and mockery. Writers come up with ideas like this–this is why they are worth money.
If you don’t believe that web writing is a big part of the future, look at how many kids lit and YA authors keep blogs, interactive websites, and pages on Facebook and MySpace. The next generation of adult readers will be used to finding their favorite writers online.
[…] Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet at The Writing Journey. More on that Great Divide […]
I just quit one of my contract jobs today to focus on my book and print material. However, I also have a new contract to provide web content for an undisclosed website (kept private at the owner’s request). The decision to leave my contract job was difficult. The pay was steady, but it was less than 1/3 of what I normally charge, and it consumed too much of my time. Unlike the job I quit, which had basically no hiring standards, I was hired for this job based on referral and merit. Those are the types of web jobs I like because I know not everyone is working on the same project churning out low-quality articles for the sake of making money for the site owner.
I’ve just started pursuing print publication. That’s where my heart and passion is, because getting published in print is difficult. Not everyone can do it. In my opinion, there is a certain satisfaction of breaking through and being published in a national magazine/newspaper/book that you don’t get with writing web content. Does that make me a snob? Perhaps.
I’ll continue with the web content because it’s what helps pay the bills. But I also want the thrill of being published after weeks of hard work and months of waiting for an editor’s reply. Forgive me, but I don’t think just because one hits the “publish” button on a blog post makes him or her a writer.
Smart writers recognise that the web can help them expand their audience globally.
Potential readers can find out about your work, read some exerpts and later buy your books.
That’s how it worked for me with a number of authors including Christine Feehan and Kelley Armstrong.
I’d come across a review of one of Feehan’s books online, followed the link to her web site and over time, read excerpts of her books.
I didn’t think much about her until a couple of weeks ago when I had a six hour lay over in Zurich.
I was looking for something to kill time, came across a novel by Feehan and was familiar enough with the author’s work to buy it.
She wouldn’t have stood out among other authors if I hadn’t read samples of her work before.
I’d actually passed her over when buying books at my local bookstore. Now when I shop, she’s on my list of authors I specifically look for.
As for me as a journalist and author, every day I enjoy benefits of writing for online media (in addition to print).
Companies in my niche from all over the world send me news leads, tips and media statements about their activities. They schedule interview for me when their executives come to South Africa ( and yes they know the articles are published online).
They wouldn’t bother doing this if I only wrote for print pubs because they wouldn’t have known of me or my work, and there would be no benefit for them to be featured in a publication outside their country.
Online pubs, on the other hand, have no geographical barriers and people in your industry read your work if it has relevance regardless of where they are.
So I guess my view is, REAL writers are welcome to eschew the Internet. I’m sure SMART writers welcome the opportunity to finish eating their lunch.
Enjoyed your take on this. I earn more freelance blogging than many print writers. I see snobs everywhere (kinds like the 6th sense kid with the dead people)…. Too many divides, too many snobs. I’ve learned to laugh (and like you, mock through sarcasm). Their bad perception doesn’t really hurt me, nor do the non-writers who feel I’m not “real” because I don’t write for magazines. But of course, I do think it would be nice if we could all play nice. And no, I don’t think most of the snobs will read this. They’re too busy busting balls of ad posters over low rates.
Good article. Real writers are falling behind because they don’t really understand the economics of the Internet. Yes, it’s about volume, but it’s also about results and you can track Internet results. You can’t always track print results. In time, the economics of the Internet will force writing fees up and the best Internet writers will make a lot more money than the best print writers do today. It will be similar to print journalism salaries, which range from the low $20,000s to six-figure incomes. Also, Internet writers are more entrepreneurial, which means they’ll start off with lower pay but there is no ceiling.
[…] Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet […]
Hello all, and welcome to all of the new commenters (as well as old friends!) Excellent discussion, folks.
@ Star - I’m with you. I think good writers do both, but I’m not sure about the numbers.
@ Rachel - Excellent perspective. I’m, obviously, not in the YA or kids lit realm, but that’s really neat. Thanks for sharing!
@ Lis - I get what you’re saying here, to a degree. There is something magical about the first time (or any time, for some folks) you see your name in print. Still, for others, the thrill is the same in seeing your name on a byline online (say that five times fast). Hitting publish doesn’t make you a writer, but hitting publish doesn’t mean you’re not a “real” writer, either.
@ Damaria - excellent comment. The international aspect adds a whole different dimension, doesn’t it? Cool story.
@ Amy - you’re right. Like James says, the money is there. I like your confidence, too: that’s part of what Writing Journey is about. Being who you are, being good at it, realizing the value of it, and then making a living doing it.
@ Allen. The tracking aspect isn’t something I’d considered. I like that, I like it a lot. I’ve met some Internet writers, though, who aren’t so entrepreneurial. Of course, they don’t last long, either.
Interesting article and interesting blog. Now subscribed. I slogged it away at the writer for hire game until I found linkbait. Now I’m a linkbaiter for hire and have not looked back.
Thanks for another plug, Bob.
I have a strong desire to write, and the medium is of little consequence. Because I want to profit from my ability/talent, I do make choices about where I want to submit certain material. “Profit” doesn’t always mean “dollars,” however. Sometimes it’s just a tool to increase visibility.
As a genre novelist, I’m familiar with those condescending looks and tones from the “literary types.” Add to that the fact I write media tie-in, and I get the same looks and tones from “real” sci-fi/fantasy writers. What is it about the writing community that causes these elitist divisions? Ours is such a solitary occupation, you’d think we’d bend over backward to engender inclusiveness.
[…] Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet […]
It certainly does feel like a great divide. It is much easier to be hired for online writing jobs than print media. I think that respect for internet writers will slowly grow.
While it’s fun to be able to hold a magazine with one of your articles as the feature of the month, I like the instant gratification (and quick pay) of online publishing.
@ Lyndon - Welcome, and I’m very glad to have you! Thank you for your kind words.
@ Kam - Ours is such a solitary occupation, you’d think we’d bend over backward to engender inclusiveness. Couldn’t have said it better. This summs it up so well.
@ Angela - Thank you so much for the visit, and for your comment! I think that respect is growing. Hopefully you’re right, and it will continue.
[…] Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet […]
I saw the smoke and ran toward the source of the fire.
Whoo hoo, way to heat up the blogosphere. I had a solid business/marketing background when I started writing full time. I didn’t have a clue what “real writers” charged or how they differed from “web writers.” Had not even read a blog before I started “writing.” Ignorance has been bliss. I used Writer’s Digest and other writing guides for rates and just charged them. Some people thought it was high, and I thought well you’re not my market. I work, I eat and I’m not homeless so I guess not knowing the difference has worked in my favor. So perhaps you are as you think. 
@ Karen - I’ve always been a bit of a pyromaniac. I once burnt off my eyebrows playing with a can of aerosol air freshener and a lighter.
Aaaah, capricious youth.
at any rate, thanks for sharing your perspective. I like what you’re saying here, in essence: know your own value and don’t settle for less.
Every single blogger is not a “published writer” in the traditional (read “real”) sense. That’s wishful thinking. The “great divide” lies not with the writers but with editors. There must be gatekeepers who insure the quality of what is published. I know that runs counter to today’s culture that says everyone’s opinion is equally valid (Thanks a lot, Oprah), but it’s the hard, cold truth. It’s the same principal that keeps the gravel in my driveway from being worth the same as the diamonds in the jeweler’s display case. Billions of words on the web are not worth the same as thousands on a bookshelf, especially since those thousands have been scrutinized by brilliant minds.
@ Tony: what you say is true, from a certain perspective. Everyone’s opinion *is* equally valid. Everyone’s circle of influence is not. Like in a traditional company. The janitor may be right about something, but until the VP raises the point up to the CEO, it’s not going to happen.
And unfortunately, sometimes the CEO is *not* smarter than the janitor. Just came from a better neighbourhood, had better schools and so forth.
Because something is popular doesn’t mean it is better (although it can definitely be worth more money). Consider pop music, for example…
it may be worth more money to a music publisher, but I wouldn’t use it as litter in my cat’s litter box.
Brett:
I agree that there are plenty of bosses out there who couldn’t carry their workers’ water when it comes to expertise. And there is certainly a lot of published garbage in bookstores because, as you point out, the market dictates its publication. But this debate is multi-leveled. You can’t really compare a blog and, say, “The Remains of the Day.” So the debate needs to be limited to like-writing (if I may coin the term). Still, to argue that anyone who posts his novel online is automatically “just as published” as Kazuo Ishiguro is just ridiculous.
Tony - agreed.
@ Tony
Sorry, but every blogger is a “real” publisher. The legal definition of published is when a work is first made available to the public on an unrestricted basis.
That said, there are a lot of bloggers, writers and authors that have no more business publishing their work than my toddler. She probably writes better and makes more sense, too.
Let’s play nice, boys.
Couple of things
[…] the Great Divide Between Print and Internet Writing Why Real Writers Don’t Write on the Internet Why the Internet is the Perfect Market for Writers Some random articles from Others Not WritingThe […]
The term “real” is a label and a judgement. what is
important is what is said and how it influences the reader. someone who writes on the internet including
myself does so to take advantage of an opportunity
to say something that needs to be said, However a “realwriter” is not on top of things and we need to buy his or her books in order to read the “real”
writing they offer. So which one is “real”?
what is “real” is what does not require payment
and is immediately available to influence the reader
who is also available to read what is written.—
—Doug Rosbury
I have been “real.” I did a six hundred page non-fiction book on raising capital 500k to 5 million. Ten letters to publishers and three offers later the book was bought but not published after a market rule change. The important thing was, that real work was REAL boring. It also took months to get any feed back on anything. Here, my site http://plotdog.com has some comments, from real people, real readers, and it is the type of fiction I love to write and the blog posts are a blast. I get SO much more everything from my readers. God I love a comment ☺ Thanks for yours. Blogging, serializing a novel, writing comments, to me it is all writing.
Plot Dog
PlotDogs last blog post..How to Do How-To Books
This post is like raising a child…….you swing from one emotion to another in a matter of moments. The reader that is…….anyway, I’m glad to hear that internet writers stand a chance. I was beginning to get depressed.
Magnolias last blog post..I see old people…….
Any writer who claims that blogging is not publishing should try writing a libel on their blog. They’ll soon discover what the law has to say on the subject.
I’m about halfway through the transition from real writer to virtual writer. You should write wherever you want. Except on walls.
John Ms last blog post..Waiting For A Parcel
What’s wrong with writing on walls?
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