Introduction to writing as a career in India

You love words. Writing is one of your favourite pastimes.

But, as you grow older, you start to realise that there is often a fixed image surrounding the use of the words ‘writing’ and ‘career’ in the same sentence. The image of someone holed away in a dusty apartment struggling to make ends meet. The idea that writing isn’t a very profitable path often scares those away that harbor a real passion for it. To an extent that they don’t even realise the wide range of opportunities that are available to them.

Options for writing as a career in India

Writing as a career in India is one of the most rewarding experiences. Yes! You can use your love of the written word, and transform it into something that can support you for the rest of your life.

The following list of choices you can make as a writer, go on to prove how you have the scope and freedom to do almost anything with writing as a career, as long as you persevere.

Author 

This seemed to be the best choice for writing as a career to start off with, given it’s one of the first things that comes to mind when thinking about writing for a job. Pursuing writing as a career in this manner and writing books for a living sounds like a dream. If you’re thinking of becoming an author, chances are you know what you want to write about, or at least what genre you’re interested in, be it fantasy, adventure, romance, fiction, non-fiction. The possibilities are endless, and you shouldn’t have to find yourself constrained to just one type of writing if that’s not what you want. 

One of the best things you can do before setting yourself on the actual path and technicalities of becoming an author is to write. Write as much as you can, whenever you can. No matter how good, or how bad, everyone needs to start somewhere. Practice makes perfect, and the more you write, the more you know. Reading is also quite essential, especially as writing can get exhausting- if you find yourself in that position, don’t feel hesitant about picking up a book. The more you read, the more ideas you get, and the more you can learn about techniques to inspire your own writing as a career and content. 

Start writing your book.

This seems a bit obvious, but write as consistently and as regularly as possible. It may seem difficult at first, but it is imperative to keep trying. Everyone has different techniques when it comes to writing, but if it helps, try to plan out your story, decide what you’re going to say- or alternatively, you can also make it up as you go along, and see where that lands you. Regardless, the most important thing to do is to keep writing. Don’t try to go back to edit over and over again- remember, this is only your first draft and it doesn’t have to be perfect yet. 

Once you have your first draft down on the page, you can go back and self-edit. You may find that you want to remove whole chapters or add new ones, begin a different way, or kill a character- regardless, you have your first draft, and that’s an achievement. Ask people you trust for feedback.

You may also choose to hire a Beta reader, someone who you can hire to give you feedback on your manuscript, the idea being that this is an average person, no one professional, and can thus provide you with an opinion of an average reader, which may be something you value. 

Once you have a manuscript in your hands that you feel comfortable with, the next (and probably trickiest) step would be to find a publisher. Not being able to get published after all that hard work is probably an aspiring author’s worst nightmare. Though it may be difficult at first, if you truly believe your story is worth sharing, don’t let it deter you. 

Getting published in India all comes down to the type of publishing you want to do- do you want to self-publish, E-publish, or traditional publishing, where a publisher takes over the entire cost of publishing?

It may also be wise (especially if you’re a first-time author) to consider hiring a literary agent-someone who has contacts and someone who will be able to help you find your way around and pitch yourself. You can find more details on the specifics of hiring a literary agent in India here. 

Traditional publishing

If you’ve decided that you want to take part in traditional publishing, there are a few guidelines you need to meet. Finding an actual publisher is not hard work- all it takes is a simple online search, and a list can be provided. Make sure you do your research on each of these publishing houses by visiting their websites, as different companies may have different requirements. 

However, the basic formula generally includes three sample chapters, an ‘About the author’, a synopsis (sometimes chapter by chapter), and a query letter.  A good query letter will not be more than a page long and will contain the following sections: 

Writing a query letter 

• Section one: “Why?” 

In the introductory section of your query letter, you should be looking at the ‘why’-i.e, why you are seeking out this particular publishing house. Give a short introduction to your book- the title, the genre, the word count. 

• Section two: “What?”

Here, you should be concentrating on the content of your book itself. This part is important as it is responsible for drawing the publisher in and making them interested in what you have to offer. A short paragraph (between 150-300 words) should be sufficient. Talk about the main character, the conflict they are undergoing, what choices they are making. What is stopping them from getting what they want? How will they get what they want?  This is known as the ‘hook’.

You need to be able to grab the publisher’s attention here- remember, you do not need to reveal the entirety of your story. Only mention parts that are enticing, which will draw the reader in. Only include important details that help build your character and your setting. It becomes easy to get carried away. If you’re writing more than 300 words, chances are you’re being too detailed.

Here are some examples of Query letters if you are still struggling and some more tips on writing query letters. You can read all the exemplars you want, but at the end of the day, it is your book, and what you write in the Query letter needs to come from you. 

• Section three: The end 

This is the part where you thank the publisher for taking the time to read your query letter. A simple polite line or two will do fine. After sending your Query letter, try to keep in mind the fact that Publishers are relatively busy- they have several emails to get through, so don’t be discouraged if it takes too long for them to reply! Chances are they just haven’t seen your email yet, so give them the benefit of the doubt- and some time. 

Writing a synopsis 

Something else publishers might require from you is a synopsis. A synopsis is essentially a brief summary of your book- you should be able to perfectly capture the content, and make sure that it’s intriguing so that the publisher reading will be interested in finding out more. 

You will not find any straight answers about the length of the synopsis should be. Some authors recommend writing around 500 words, whereas others recommend writing something more detailed- ten to twenty-five pages, with each chapter being around 1-3 pages. Do research on the length of the synopsis on the site of the publishing house you are interested in. Do they have anything to say? Generally, one to two pages is considered ideal. However, instead of worrying about length, you should focus on the content- remember, the synopsis is a sales tool. It is an important asset in selling your book to the publisher. It should therefore contain the following elements, though in no particular order: 

1. Plot points: these include the inciting incident (cause of the main journey/conflict), rising action (an action or series of actions that build towards the point of greatest interest), climax (the height of your story), and the resolution (the ending). You need to reveal your ending here- don’t bother leaving it in a cliffhanger for the publisher (unless the ending is a cliffhanger). The plot points should also be able to cover character motivation- what is the character doing? Why are they doing it? (this should be included when discussing your ‘inciting incident’). Are they able to do what they set out to do? Why or why not? (resolution). 

2. Focus on the important things: focus on what makes your book unique. Remember, publishers probably read hundreds of manuscripts everyday. What is so special about your book? This can be developed throughout the synopsis- what elements in your story make it different? This can include a distinctive point of view, a juicy plot twist, your writing voice. 

3. Remember, this is not the actual novel itself. In this case, it is fine to tell instead of show. A synopsis may come across as boring to write (and read), but it is extremely important. Assuming that the publisher has read through the sample chapters provided and your query letter, they will move onto your synopsis- is your book actually worth it? Do they want to spend time on it? A synopsis provides them with a clear cut image of what they are going to be working with, so don’t worry if it sounds too dull or ‘boring.’ At the same time, however, keep in mind that your synopsis should flow well, and should be easy to read. 

It may take some time for your publisher to respond- the standard amount of time varies, but it can take up to two months or more. Don’t feel discouraged. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve a break. Be prepared for rejection, as that is oftentimes inevitable. It doesn’t mean that your writing or your book is ‘bad’- it just means you need to look for another publisher or try again, and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

E-publishing/ Self-publishing

E-publishing and self-publishing essentially come in the same boat. In the event that you decide to publish your book yourself, there are several ways you can do so. A small checklist to consider self-publishing might also be a great place to start with.

The following links will show you the specifics: 

For Ebooks 

• Self-publish your book to Amazon’s Kindle Store
• Ebooks from independent authors and publishers
• Publish your book on Google Play today
• Publish your book on Pothi today 

Ultimately, these will help you with proofreading, designing the cover of your title, finding a target audience, organising PR activities, and obviously, releasing the book for you. If you decide to self-publish (this is also applicable to traditional publishing) make sure you market yourself and your book on social media, or in any other manner, you see fit.

Publishing houses, in particular, will not spend a large amount of money or resources on marketing and that bookstores receive on average 10-20 new books per week. This means that finding your book on the front shelf of every bookstore may not be possible. Marketing, therefore, is imperative, in the case of E-books and hard copies- here are some tips to get you started. 

For print books 

• Self Publishing and Free Distribution for Books, CD, DVD
• Self Publishing and Print on Demand in India

You can also consider choosing to go with a self-publishing house in India. The list can be found here.

Average Salary of an Author

Becoming an author is a rewarding career- but keep in mind that it may take some time to be able to make a living solely off of writing books. Nevertheless, if writing books is something you are passionate about, don’t let anyone discourage you. 

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Content writer 

As demand for content in the market grows, so does the demand for individuals that are keen to write and are able to do so in a fun, informative manner that leaves readers engaged. Content writing, simply put, is mainly wordplay, creating content primarily for online marketing purposes.

‘Content’ refers to a wide variety of mediums, including blog posts, social media posts, newsletters- essentially, anything that can be marketed and conveyed to a wider audience. Though it may sound simple, it requires an in-depth understanding of the field that is being explored- different types of platforms require different styles of writing.

For example, Social media posts often require writing that is shorter, quicker, more to the point, whereas E-books generally require more thorough understanding and therefore more detailed writing.

Either way, your customers are online- you should be able to reach out to them using content formats, showcasing your own unique ideas and thought processes.  

Content writers are essential for businesses in order to attract potential customers. Content writing is especially popular as a career due to the fact that it doesn’t necessarily require a fancy degree or years’ worth of experience- though individuals with a degree in literature or journalism and mass communication are preferred, there are no definite qualifications.

The most fundamental skills required in content writing include the ability to communicate, good vocabulary, and good grammar. You need to be able to understand and listen to your audience, to be able to present your ideas in a clear, comprehensible manner.  If any of these qualities are familiar to you, this may be the job for you. 

There are several ways you can begin. Though it may seem a bit daunting initially- don’t give up! 

Building a portfolio

Before anything else, it is important to start gaining credibility, to establish your name. Research on different types of content- what interests you the most? What do you see yourself doing? Whether you view content writing as a temporary job or as a long-term career, invest your time in building skills around something that you truly enjoy doing.

Take up freelancing jobs- though you would not be a permanent employee, freelancing is an efficient way to start strengthening your skills and building your portfolio. There are several companies in India that offer freelancing opportunities, such as Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer, Myntra, and Larcks Life Link. Freelancing is an excellent way to start building your expertise and establishing a reputation for yourself as a content writer.

In the case of Fiverr and Upwork, you can start off by exchanging your material for free in return for reviews- once you have gained a solid standing in terms of reviews, you can begin attracting qualified clients. 

Blogging 

Another method to establish your reputation as a content writer is through blogging. Showcase your capabilities and authority- the specifics of setting up a blog in India will be discussed later on in the article, but blogging will allow you to experiment with different writing styles. Don’t start out with the sole intention of monetizing your blog- though this is definitely a plus, blogging is there to help you build your skills. 

Internships 

Internships are a great way to start experimenting in different fields of content writing in order to see where your interests lie. This mainly applies to those that are still in school or college, and applies to a career in writing in general- try to look for opportunities with local newspapers, websites, the blog your mum’s coworker runs. 

Online courses 

You should also seek to build your portfolio through additional qualifications, in order to show the passion you hold for content writing. This can be done through online courses- additionally, this will help you improve your skills.

Coursera offers several courses online in relation to content writing, and more broadly, digital marketing. It is well recognised in India, and the certification the courses offer will add value to your CV. 

Use LinkedIn 

You need to be on the lookout for any sort of job opportunities, which can be done primarily through LinkedIn. There are several digital marketing and advertising agencies that are looking for writers and new ideas- reach out to them. Learn to pitch yourself in a way that is clear and effective.

Refer to why you are interested and why you think you may be a good fit- remember to show, instead of telling. Give examples as to what you as an individual can contribute, provide links to your blog or whatever another medium you are using to express yourself. 

Facebook groups 

There are several Facebook groups meant specifically for content writers, where people post requirements for content writers. In addition to LinkedIn, it is a great way through which you can find opportunities, as well as reach out to a community that has similar interests as yours. 

Average salary for a content writer in India 

Though it differs from company to company, the average salary for a content writer amounts to Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month, and with time and experience, this can extend to Rs 40-50 thousand. 

Content writing is a fulfilling career, and though it may take some time, the end result is definitely rewarding. 

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Journalist 

If you have a thirst for knowledge and you love writing, Journalism may be the right career for you. Journalists are imperative- they are responsible for providing insight, for shaping public perception. Journalism is one of the most exciting prospects within the writing field. With the advent of social media and technology, Online Journalism, in particular, is becoming more sought out. 

You have to be well-versed and interested in current affairs, as well as have in-depth knowledge of them,  be able to communicate well, have basic analytical and investigative skills, and have a strong command of language.

Journalism in India does require a degree, which will further allow you to gain technical exposure within various fields as well as a basic idea as to the requirements of journalism.

You will need to complete a BJMC degree (Bachelor of Journalism and mass communication). Several colleges in India offer undergraduate degrees in Journalism, such as the Indian Institute of Journalism and New media in Bengaluru.

A full list of colleges can be found here and here. It is also advised that you pursue a master’s in Journalism and mass communication post-graduation. 

Studying Journalism in a college environment allows you to gain further insight into the workings of the field, with qualified professors and ample opportunities for internships.

Interning should also a something you, as an aspiring journalist, should always be on the lookout for any opportunity to build your career is one that should be taken, and an internship is one of the best ways to showcase your skills and show prospective employers your commitment.

Internships, oftentimes, have little to no pay, the experience gained from working is priceless, especially alongside professionals. LinkedIn is a great way to remain informed about rising internship opportunities- here is a page to get you started if you have reached the stage where you are seeking out work experience.

Of course, internships will also help you decide which area you want to choose to specialise in, which should be your next step. Given that Journalism is such a broad field, there are various concentrations you could be looking at: such as political Journalism, sports, Environmental, science, health, etc.

The media fields within Journalism include print and electronic, but both will require a similar depth of knowledge and understanding- as a result, it is advised that you spend as much time as is possible researching and gaining experience with an area that you are passionate about and enjoy writing about.

Make sure that you are spending all this time constructing your portfolio- this includes your CV, a short personal profile, samples of your work, and possibly, your social media details. Having a strong portfolio will aid you when looking for a job, which is presumably the next step. There are several leading recruitment companies that aspiring journalists can find work at, including the Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Outlook, Zee network, and more.

Though the requirements may differ according to the organisation, the basic necessities include experience, and publishing stories regularly. It is therefore important, as you are making your way in this stream, to ensure that you are gaining as much experience as possible, which will also allow you to receive on-the-job training. 

Average salary for a journalist in India 

Though the salary range depends on the type of work you do as well as the level of seniority, generally speaking, you can expect to earn around 3.5 lakhs per annum. Journalism is a career that can be challenging and demanding- you will have to persevere and remain committed, but it is a career that is eye-opening and will allow you to learn new things about yourself and the world around you. 

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Editor 

An Editor’s main job is to read over and approve any final text that is to appear in a magazine, website, or in the form of a book. It is your job to decide what will most appeal to an audience- as a result, you should have a flair for language, which includes in-depth learning about things such as style, tone, and grammar. 

Regardless of which type of Editor you want to become, the first and foremost skill, you must be in command of is language. As a result, it is ideal to hold a bachelor’s degree in English (or in any other language of your preference/the language you will be editing in), communications, or Journalism. 

Becoming a Book editor in India (Publishing company) 

A book editor is someone who will be editing words, punctuation, and the overall formatting of the manuscript. Most editors usually have a Bachelor’s degree in English or literature. A graduate degree is not necessarily required- above all, you should be passionate and have an aptitude for editing, which you can depict through your language proficiency. In terms of informal education, one of the best ways through which you can ensure your skills as an editor is by reading.

Read as much as you can, whenever you can, in order to truly gain an understanding of writing. That is one of the first and probably most essential steps. If you are truly invested in becoming an editor, you should work on improving your English and communication skills.

Having good communication and writing skills is the bare minimum necessity for any editorial job. You can find an online course conducted by Coursera here that may be of help if this is a field that you think you may need to work harder in.  

One of the best ways to gain more skills in the field of editing is through work experience through an editorial internship. There are some opportunities on LinkedIn that might be of interest to you linked here and an Oxford University program that runs for eight weeks in India here.

If you are having trouble finding a formal internship, there are several colleges in India that conduct courses on publishing editing, which is a great place to start- you can find a list here.

Remember that in terms of internships, they are often unpaid or poorly paid, so it would be a good idea to be able to support yourself by working part-time.

Look online for internship opportunities, reach out to people that you know that may be able to help you. Communication is key, and don’t be hesitant to ask someone for advice.

Remember, jobs can be scarce, so if you’re unable to find any openings, consider improving your skills by doing freelance editing online- a list can be found here. You should also consider joining LinkedIn so that you will always be up to date about any new job openings. 

There are several publishing houses that you may want to start researching on, including: 

1. Penguin Random house India 
2. Harper collins 
3. Hachette 
4. Macmillan 
5. National book trust 
6. Rupa publications 
7. Roli books 
8. Orient longman 
9. Scholastic 
10. Cambridge university press 

Work experience is the best way to increase your chances of being hired as an editor. One of the best ways to do this would be to join Linkedin, which is an important asset in terms of networking as well as informing you about different job opportunities. Outside of work experience and paid courses, you can also improve your skills by reading. Here are some book recommendations that can help you hone specific skills: 

1. What editors do- Peter Ginna 

3. Getting the words right by Theodore A. Rees Cheney 

4. The Chicago manual of style 

5. The Copyeditor’s Handbook by Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz 

Try to look for part-time jobs, internships, or entry-level job openings at publishing companies. This way, you can gain exposure to the editing environment and network. This networking can help you in a number of ways, by giving you more opportunities, as well as the ability to freelance in the future via all the valuable insight you have gained through your experiences. 

Ultimately, becoming an editor is about hard work, and though this may begin to sound repetitive, experience. In addition to LinkedIn, you can also visit the following sites to find opportunities that appeal to you- Internshala,  Homegrown, and Glassdoor.  

Average salary for an editor in India 

The average salary for an editor in India is anywhere INR 18-25,000/ monthly (freshers) and goes up to INR 50,000-1,00,000 (depending on experience)

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Blogger 

Blogging is an enjoyable pastime, and with a growing number of Indian internet users, an enjoyable career too! It is a great prospect to consider as you will primarily be in control, and will be writing about something you are passionate about. 

A blogger is, simply explained, someone who produces content, and communicates it to an audience. This content ranges according to each individual

One of the biggest mistakes made early in blogging, however, is an immediate focus on money. Though you may be going into blogging with the sole purpose of making a career out of it, remember that monetization options shouldn’t be so high on your list in the early stages.

It is one of the ways through which you can become easily demotivated and driven away from blogging- eager to make money, you start to sign up for cheap ad networks, but not seeing results, you eventually give up.

Remember, before anything, you need to be able to connect with and form an audience. Networking, therefore, is an important aspect of blogging- you need to be open to talking and connecting with people. 

• The first step is to figure yourself out and establish where your interests lie before attempting to share your ideas with an audience. What are you passionate about? What do you want to write about? You need to have a clear cut idea about your purpose with your blog, and what you want to achieve with it.

Do you want to write about your experiences with traveling like Shivya Nath’s ‘The shooting star’,  or a guide on how to use tech software like Amit Agarwal’s ‘Labnol’, or about interior design, like Rukmini Ray Kadam’s ‘Trumatter’?

Think about ideas that you are passionate about, that you could potentially build an audience on. Assuming that one of your main goals is to be able to make a stable profit with blogging, your niche should be something that attracts people and that has monetary value.

• Once you’ve picked out a topic you’re interested in, there are several ways you can test its value. Use Google trends to search up the amount of interest in your niche, and whether it seems like this interest will last in the long term.

Look online for bloggers that made be writing around your niche- do they seem to be successful? Ask your friends and family what they think- is it something that they would be interested in reading about? Why or why not? Make a list and try to come up with content ideas. 

• After you’ve decided what you want to write about, the next step is to construct the blog itself. There are several blogging platforms that are popular in India today, including WordPress, Tumblr, Wix, and Linkedin. The most popular site used by a majority of bloggers is self-hosted WordPress.

Consider buying a hosting plan- a hosting provider will be able to allocate space on a web server for a website to store its files. Essentially, Web hosting allows you to publish your website on the internet, and is important for dependability- virtually all serious websites require web hosting.

You may need some help deciding which companies to pick. Sharing a list below that has proved to be extremely reliable. 

1. A2 hosting 
2. Hostinger 
3. Hostpapa 
4. Bluehost 
5. Hostgator
6. SiteGround 
7. Greengeeks 
8. Inmotion 
9. DreamHost 
10. Ipage 

You will be required to pay a monthly fee, with the costs varying across different companies. If you are unwilling to start paying initially, you can check out websites such as WordPress.com, and Blogger.com, but neither of these allows you to place ads on your blog, which may prove to be a disadvantage.

Buying a hosting plan will definitely prove to be of help, and will offer you a sense of security. All of these hosting plans are also able to handle increased trafficking- i.e, 10-15k views per day. 

Even if you choose to go with the option of a free blog, buying a domain name is highly recommended. A domain name is the address of your website that people type in the browser to visit your website. It essentially crafts the identity of your blog and the brand you want to promote, which will help attract an audience.

Choose something short, memorable, and easy to spell. A recommended website for buying a domain name is Namecheap. Make sure your domain name is relevant to what you will be writing about. 

• Keep your blog design simple. Stick to a colour scheme and keep your design goal-driven- remind yourself about what you’re writing about and what you hope to achieve, as that will serve to be an important guide when it comes to design. But remember to take your time.
• You don’t need to set up your blog immediately- take time to decide what it is that you want to convey to people, as this will play a useful part in deciding how to convey it. 

Once you’ve bought a hosting plan and a domain name and feel comfortable with the feel and design of the blog, all that’s left is the content.

Though this sounds easy enough, it can be easy to get discouraged. Set steady goals for yourself- don’t try to achieve too much all at once or you will find yourself burning out.

It is always quality over quantity.

• Don’t feel pressured to write twenty new articles every month- two or three will do fine, as long as they’re regularly, and as long as they’re of value.
• When writing your blog posts, it is important to think up a catchy headline, something that will attract a reader’s attention, alongside a short, engaging introduction that will prompt them to read further. Think about your target audience when writing, and shape your content primarily to fit their needs and interests. 

Promoting your blog 

Promoting your blog is the next essential step. Now that you’ve gained confidence with content, it is time to advertise your blog to get more people interested. One of the best ways to do this is through social media- use Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, websites such as Quora and Reddit. The list is endless.

Be where your customers are. If you choose social media as your main form of marketing, make sure you stick with it- don’t try to change tactics too often, put your time and effort into one or two methods. 

Another way to promote your blog is through SEO (Search engine optimization). It essentially involves improving your site and increasing visibility when people search for it. A few extremely effective ways to do this is to primarily ensure that you have a catchy headline that will generate more online traffic.

Use vivid, descriptive language, and try to use certain phrases and words that you think will resonate well with your audience. You could also try to incorporate images in order to make sure that the reader is more engaged.

Word count is also relatively important, especially if your niche is one that is more ‘dense’-i.e, it has a lot of content surrounding it already. In this case, your main focus should be to be as informative as possible- for a general information-based blog, the standard tends to be between 1000-1500 words.

Write engaging content, which will help you attract an audience and increase your ranking- one of the best ways to ensure this is to communicate with your readers after publishing a few blog posts, and ask them what it is that they are interested in. 

Monetizing your blog 

One of the best ways you can monetize your blog is through Display ads- they are relatively easy to use, and are low maintenance. One of the best ways to do this is through Google Adsense. The reason why monetizing is one of the last things on this ‘to-do list’ is because you need to have original, high-quality content before you can apply for Adsense- so focus on that first. Google Adsense essentially works by matching ads to your site based on your content and visitors.

When your Adsense account is approved, all you will then need to do is copy the code provided, and your ads will start displaying. The main idea is that the more that more people see your ads, the more people click on them and are led to your blog, and the more money you make. Learn more about how to sign up on Google Adsense here.

If your Google AdSense account doesn’t get approved, however, you can choose to use Infolinks which is the next best alternative.  

You can also choose to sell affiliate products- i.e, products that are relevant to your niche. In order to do this, you will need to do research and join affiliate programs conducted by websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, DGM, Yatra affiliate, commission junction, etc. These websites will then link you to affiliate networks that are relevant to you, which you can then join.

When affiliating products, don’t be too ‘salesy’ or pushy- in order to prevent this from happening, make sure that you only choose products that you are comfortable with and products that you truly believe should be endorsed. Ask yourself- what am I promoting, and why? You may also choose to promote your own products- but again, remember to do this in a way that is suggestive, and isn’t so intense that it scares your readers away. 

Another great way to monetize your blog is to offer your services, especially if you’re just starting out. Several blogs have a ‘Hire me’ section where the author lists down the skill set that they have and what they can offer- e.g. writing services, logo services, or creation of any other kind. You can also choose to start promoting info products, such as video services, which may be about specific skills in your niche that you have that others can learn from.

Another form of info products can be through one on one coaching services that you may offer in the form of workshops, which is what the Himalayan Writing Retreat has done, by conducting workshops targeting different areas of writing, such as creative writing, non-fiction, etc. If you’re at a stage where you think you have attained the expertise to conduct such workshops, it has proven to be one of the most efficient and effective ways to monetize your blog and build trust within your audience.

You should also aim to build trust within your audience by personalizing emails to them- i.e, when it comes to your most loyal readers, make sure that they stay engaged. This doesn’t mean just sending them an email or two about a new blog post try to find out and research on what they’re interested in, and send them emails relevant to those specific aspects. 

Average salary for a blogger in India 

Blogging is an incredible career prospect to pursue, but is one that will definitely require hard work, time, and commitment- but given that you are perseverant, you can definitely achieve success in this area.

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So, what does writing as a career in India mean?

There is nothing more deterring than being told that doing something you are passionate about will amount to nothing. There is a high chance that you will feel this way when pursuing a career in writing, but that is how almost everyone feels at the beginning of trying something new.

Don’t be scared to follow your dreams, and do what you love.