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Why Bad Writers Make More Money Than Good Ones

John Edwin
Mr. Plan ₿ Publication

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It sounds counterintuitive, even unfair: Why would bad writers—those who misspell words, write awkward sentences, and craft uninspired narratives—often out-earn their more talented counterparts? The truth is, in today's world, being a "good writer" is no longer enough to guarantee financial success. Writing that sells isn’t always about literary excellence; it’s about strategy, audience connection, and market demand.

Here’s a breakdown of why bad writers often rake in more cash than their polished, perfectionist peers—and what you can learn from them to level up your own earnings.

1. They Focus on Marketing Over Mastery

Good writers obsess over the craft, perfecting every word and phrase. Bad writers, however, often skip the perfectionist phase and jump straight into marketing. They understand that visibility beats virtuosity in the content game.

Example:

Self-published authors with mediocre writing skills often dominate Amazon Kindle’s bestseller lists because they know how to write catchy blurbs, optimize for keywords, and design eye-grabbing covers. Meanwhile, a brilliant writer’s manuscript may gather dust because it isn’t marketed well.

Key Takeaway:

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