The recent survey results confirmed the impression we were getting from a number of sources (writers' magazines, forum posts, blog posts, letters from subscribers etc): that is, writers are looking at a variety of ways to use their skill with words to earn an income.

Some writers don't care what they write, as long as they get paid for it. Some writers want to know more about adding a second source of income via non-fiction. Some are primarily interested in non-fiction, but would like to know how to 'cross over' to fiction as well.

And some want to stay with fiction, but want to learn as much as they can about how to make themselves and their work more marketable.

Here is one comment that seems to sum up what many writers feel about where fiction and non-fiction meet:

"I find that the one bounces off the other, from a writing aspect. Ordinary people do extraordinary things which in turn makes fiction more credible. And let's face it, fiction and non-fiction have to keep the reader reading. But both have particular elements which challenge the writer. I enjoy the different challenges."

Therefore, over the next twelve months, we'll be adding more articles and 'how to' advice on all writing genres and income opportunities. Whatever you write, there'll be something for you.

Here's a quick summary of the survey results. When you read the following, keep in mind that respondents were able to check 'everything that applies' for each question, and some respondents skipped a question.

Question 1: Is your main writing interest Fiction, Non-Fiction or a combination of the two?

• 52.5% say that fiction is their main interest
• 7.2% say that non-fiction is their main interest
• 40.8% say they are interested in a combination of the two

Question 2: 1. How important is it to you to earn money from your writing? You can indicate that this is not important, somewhat important, important,very important or urgent! (Please feel free to add details about what it is you'd like to do, and what you feel you need to know, to earn money.)

52% said that being able to earn money from their writing is important or very important. 3% said that it was urgent. Of the remainder, only 4% said that earning money was not important. The rest said that it was 'somewhat important' or 'would be nice'.

Question 3: NON-FICTION: I am interested in earning money from my writing in the following ways:

36% said this did not apply to them. The remaining 64% ranked non-fiction methods of earning an income as follows (listed from the most popular to the least popular):

1. Writing articles for print magazines
2. Any freelance writing
3. Writing obtained through websites such as elance.com and guru.com
4. Being a ghostwriter - books, articles etc
5. Writing my own 'how to' books to sell online
6. Writing e-courses in my area of expertise
7. Providing a service writing resumes and job application letters

Question 4: What do you need to know about writing and selling fiction?

1: Making a living as a fiction writer / How to pitch my book to an editor or agent (ranked equal first)
2. How to find or attract an agent
3. What kind of advance I might expect
4. How often royalties are paid
5. How long it takes before royalties are paid

Question 5: The "How To" of writing and selling non-fiction:

30% said that this question did not apply to them. The remaining 70% who are open to writing non-fiction ranked their needs as follows (most popular first):

1. Articles on non-fiction writing
2. A 'how to' critique using a member's work as an example
3. Interviews and podcasts with editors/agents
4. A step-by-step e-course (with assignments) on writing non-fiction books and articles
5. A step-by-step e-course (with assignments) on setting up with guru.com or elance.com
6. Interview and podcasts with published non-fiction writers
7. online tuition (webinar) on how to get work writing non-fiction
8. a teleseminar (telephone seminar) on how to get work writing non-fiction

Question 6: Which of the following has appeal for you for learning about different techniques or opportunities for FICTION writers? (Below you will find the top 7 responses out of 13 options.)

1. Articles on writing fiction
2. Interviews and podcasts with editors/agents
3. A 'how to' critique using a member's work as an example
4. A step-by-step e-course (with assignments) on marketing and promoting my own work, including finding an agent and working with an editor
5. Interviews and podcasts with published authors
6. Step-by-step e-course (with assignments) on writing a novel
7. Step-by-step e-course (with assignments) on technique

General:

When invited to add extra comments, respondents asked specific questions about a genre or explained their own particular needs/concerns.

For topics where a large number of people asked about the same thing, an article will be created on that subject.

If a question can be given a short answer, it will be addressed in an upcoming Q&A section in the members' area.