The question everyone wants to know, but normally won't ask, just how much money can you make as a writer? 

The answer is mind-boggling depressing.  The simple horrible fact is that most books (over 90%) will never sell more than 500 copies.  I know, we all hear the stories about the millions being made by a very few writers.  Trust me, it takes talent, timing, perseverance, and more luck than narrowly being missed by lightning while buying the winning lottery ticket on a Tuesday at two.

The talent portion of the program is completely up to you.  Just because you have written a book doesn't mean it is going to sell.  As a matter of fact, the odds say that your book is not going to sell no matter how well written it is.  So why bother?  With out the best possible effort, your book will have no chance instead of a very thin chance.  Be prepared to write your book, then rewrite and rewrite and rewrite until it is the very best you can produce.  Then there is a better than average chance you are going to need an editor.  As writers, we often write passages that we feel are clever.  No one else gets it.  Good editors can save you from yourself.

Timing can be contrived or pure serendipity.  If you see a new topic in the news and you have the feeling that is something you can explore in a story or book don't waste time, get to typing.  You might just hit a wave of interest and ride into increased sales.  If you are good and timely, those are two huge advantages.  However, if serendipity smiles at you smile back, broadly.

Luck!  Let me give my definition of luck.  Luck: being prepared to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.  This means your lucky break may be passing you by on a daily basis.  You have to buy a ticket if you want to win the lottery.

All of this brings me to perseverance.  Since having a commercially successful / award-winning story or novel is harder to achieve than getting a clear photograph of a Bigfoot in your hot tub, your ability to persevere is your mightiest weapon.  You have to believe in your work, be willing to edit, and keep trying.  I assure you, best sellers are not necessarily by the best writers, but they are by some of the most determined. 

Dig in and keep writing, build up your body of work, constantly strive to improve your style, and, sooner or later, you may just find yourself prepared to take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.

Then you might just make some money!