How Has the Business Environment for Writers Changed?

"I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

We opened the POMA (Professional Outdoor Media Association) panel discussion on business planning for writers in changing times by acknowledging that things indeed are different.

Image: "Crystal Lake, Garnett, Kansas", by Flickr.com user Kansas Poetry (Patrick), shared under Creative Commons Attribution No Derivative Works License. Thank you, Patrick!

When I talk to freelancers and read writers' posts here and there around the Web, I hear things like:

- My usual reliable markets have dried up;
- The editor likes it but doesn't have the budget;
- The magazine I used to sell a lot of work to has folded;
- They're doing everything in house now;
- They're only offering an online version;
- Ad revenues are way down for print.

Where are the Opportunities for Writers?

It's somewhat individual, since each writer has a target market of his or her own. However, here are a few things I picked up at the POMA conference, both in my own panel session with Jay Cassell of Field and Stream and Tack Robinson of Mossy Oak, and at some of the other sessions, and also in hallway conversations here and there.

A Good Story Can Still Find a Home

Maybe that's a platitude, and maybe it's not adding much to what you already know, but it does give hope to writers. That original angle may still open a door. Keep on top of developments in your field, whatever it is. Work with what you're good at, and keep pitching.

When your customers are going through lean times, maybe you create opportunities by finding ways to work with them. If the idea of cutting your per-word rates is totally unpalatable, then try to think of some other way of making your work more affordable.

Is Going Online an Opportunity for You?

It's no secret that I have my feet planted in the online world these days, but I do realize that online writing is not for everyone. However, I would like to say, don't knock it until you've tried it.

I work part-time as an editor for the online site Suite101.com. At the POMA conference, I met two long-time writers (called "Guides") from About.com. While these sites are distinct and different from each other, they do share a common approach to writing, particularly in that most readers find the stories on those sites through search engines. So, if you are willing to learn how to write stories that search engines will find, online writing may work for you.

Another option writers who've done it have recommended is to own your own website. This message comes through loud and clear, but it comes from people whose first objective is to make a living, not necessarily to write for the sake of writing. If that seems like a non-distinction to you, so be it, but for some I think it will hit home.

This takes us back to the self-analysis. In looking over your personal Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, and the ones that seemed most important to you, does it seem like you are desperate to make a living any way you can? Does that outweigh your desire to make a living by writing?

This is a really hard thing to face. One opportunity for you may be to cut your cost of living so you can afford to write. Are you prepared to do that? Or does it seem like a great sacrifice?

One person's opportunity is another's threat.

Next time: we'll do some digging around the Internet for online and offline writing opportunities.