The good news! It is absolutely possible to make a living with your writing. I know this because I make a multi-six-figure income from my writing these days.
But importantly, this is not a get rich quick scheme.
I started writing in 2006, left my job in 2011 and it was 2015 before I was making six figures. I now have 25+ books, a blog, a podcast and a number of other income streams. The author business model is a marathon, not a sprint.
Click here for my author timeline from first book to multi-six-figure income.
I spent 13 years as a business consultant before becoming a full-time author and speaker. I absolutely consider myself an entrepreneur as well as a creative, but I realize that most authors don’t have the business background I do.
So I’m passionate about sharing the business side of being an author in this exciting digital age!
I share everything I do to make a multi-six-figure income in my book, How to Make a Living with your Writing, available in ebook, print, and audiobook formats. If you want to run a business as a writer, check out the more advanced book, Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur.
What is your definition of success?
First principles for author entrepreneurs
It’s not just one book. Your intellectual property rights and how to exploit them.
It’s not just book sales. How authors make a living.
Money for authors: Income, cash flow and profit
Why writing in a series will make you more money as an author
Author entrepreneur: Increase your revenue
Creative entrepreneur: Business models for authors
The transition to making a living from your writing
The arc of the indie author: From first book to CEO of your global media empire
Take your books further
If yes, you could self-publish in the USA, Canada and the rest of the world in ebook and print, or license those rights to another party. You could also do an audiobook edition, and license the translation rights. So go check your contracts. You could be leaving money on the table!
How to self-publish a print book
How to turn your non-fiction book into a workbook edition
Why publish a large print edition and tips on how to do it
How to self-publish an audiobook
Sell more books with boxsets and bundling
For more on publishing, check out my book, Successful Self-Publishing, available as a free ebook and also in print. Or click here for more free articles on publishing.
Professional speaking for authors
Interviews on writing and money
Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur. Interview with Joanna Penn
The Business of Being a Writer with Jane Friedman
Creative Entrepreneurship and Being Boss with Emily Thompson
Strategy and business plans for authors with Johanna Rothman
How to Write High-Volume Fiction in a Sustainable Way with Toby Neal
How to Build a Youpreneur Business Around a Personal Brand with Chris Ducker
How to Make Money Writing Short Fiction with Douglas Smith
How to Get Your Book into Schools and Double Your Income with Volume Sales with David Hendrickson
How to turn your book into an online course with Ankur Nagpal from Teachable
Want more help?
- Read/listen to my book, How to Make a Living with your Writing, available in ebook, print or audiobook formats.
- Read/listen to my book, Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur in ebook or print format. You can also get the audiobook read by me here!
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You can also listen to The Creative Penn podcast on iTunes here, or check out the backlist of over 350 episodes here.
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I produce regular videos on writing and the business of being an author on my YouTube channel here.
- If you’d like to learn more, check out my Books and Courses
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