There are a few general models that you can consider when deciding what kind of goals to set for yourself as a magazine writer. Take a look at the following descriptions, and decide which one sounds the most like you.

The Occasional Writer

You want to sell three or four articles a year. You have other sources of income to pay your regular bills, and your magazine writing is more of a hobby or personal dream than it is a career.

The Part-Time Writer

You want to sell an article or two every month. You have other sources of income to pay your regular bills, but magazine writing sounds like an interesting career, so you want to wade into it slowly while keeping your day job.

The Average Full-Time Writer

You want to sell three or four articles every month. Magazine writing will be your main source of income, but you have saved at least six months' worth of mortgage and other life expenses so that you can continue to pay your bills while taking only the magazine-writing assignments that interest you.

The Serious Full-Time Writer

You want to sell as much of your work as possible, perhaps branching out into books and other formats in the future. Magazine writing will be your main source of income, and you aspire to be among the top tier of writers who earn six figures each year. You have set aside money not just for paying bills during periods of slow work, but also for promoting your writing business. You are willing to take on assignments of any kind as long as they add nicely to your bottom line.