From Edie: Is pursuing a writing career still worth it in 2026? A thoughtful, hope-filled reflection for authors navigating industry change, setbacks, and the choice to keep moving forward.
Is Being an Author Still Worth It in 2026? A Hopeful Perspective for Writers
by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author
What are you looking forward to in 2026?
It’s no secret that the whole world has been in a state of chaos for a long time. It was rough before 2020, but nobody was prepared for how chaotic and long-lasting the upheaval would be after the lockdowns ended.
The whole world and market and industry has turned on its head. Nothing in the world of books is the same today as it was six years ago. Frankly, today it’s even more of a challenge to make it as a career author, and more obstacles keep presenting themselves. Visibility is more and more difficult. Prices keep going up. And audiences seem to care more about videos on their phones than books in their hands.
Is it still worth it? Wouldn’t it be better to just throw in the towel and let artificial intelligence write for us? Is pursuing a career as a professional storyteller still viable in 2026?
