writing movie scripts or books which one is more profitable?

Question

I'm in between being an author and a screenwriter. I've already written 3 scripts. writing a book, I never done before. which one is more profitable?

Answer 1

If you actually get a script optioned, screenplays are more profitable and easier to write. The competition, though, is pretty stiff and mostly pros.

There are still more slots available for books, but you competing against a couple of thousand well known pros and about 15 thousand not so well knowns and a few million amateurs who think they can write. Advances are rare these days and books are scheduled for publication two to three years in advance.

The most open fields are actually in nonfiction writing. Fewer amateurs try it and a well researched and well presented manuscript actually gets some attention.

Oh, and technical writers seem to have the best chance of making a living from writing. Most are salaried positions with benefits.

Answer 2

Both require the same efforts and neither offer an guarantee of high returns. In general, it is not type of work but genre of work and amount of money invested in advertising/marketing that increases chances of making big money.

However #3 for movie scripts will determine if it's even read or immediately tossed into the trash:

1. Finish Writing It
2. Compeltely Edit It
3. Format It Properly
4. Print / Publish It
5. Send Copies of Finished Product To Whoever You Want To Shoot It or Put You Under Contract
6. Promote & Market The Movie / Book to Generate Sells

Answer 3

If you are looking to make a living, the answer is neither. Maybe 1% of those who call themselves an author actually make a full-time living writing and selling their work. Another 20% make a nice side income, but still have to work full time at something else. The other 79% sell one or two items here and there, or nothing at all.

Answer 4

Please don't write solely for the money. The odds against your making a living writing are pretty staggering.

Probably screenplay and genre fiction authors make the most, but I dunno.