How to Make a Living as an Author
“Is it possible to make a living just writing books?”
That was the question I saw posted on Facebook.
And the easy answer is, “it depends.”
It depends on the genre you write in.
It depends on your ability to market your book.
It depends on how many books you have available.
It depends on how good your books are.
It depends on a lot.
However, there are ways that you can earn money as an author and make a living. Here are five of those options:
5 Ways to Earn Money as an Author
1. Writing and Publishing
Obviously, the most common way for authors to make money is by writing and publishing their books, and then marketing them. The more books you have available, the more potential for income you have.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is something that is often overlooked by authors. It could be as simple as signing up for Amazon’s affiliate program and using your affiliate links to promote your books, or finding products and programs that relate to your niche and marketing them for an added income. This is popular with non-fiction authors, but fiction writers don’t have to rule it out.
3. Freelance Work
Whether that is offering a service like formatting or cover design. selling stock photos, or selling articles, having a freelance gig can help authors cover publishing costs and pay some bills. There are many authors who make their entire living through freelance work, so this is definitely something to consider.
4. Speaking Engagements
Another way authors can increase their bottom line is through speaking engagements. Live events need speakers, and most organizations pay decent money to their speakers. If you have a topic you can speak on, it can earn you money and market your book, all at the same time.
5. Selling Extras
Having something a little extra can make a huge difference: an Etsy store where you sell handmade crafts, offering a virtual training or coaching services, or it could be something entirely different, but if you want to quit your day job, one way to make up the difference is to work from home as an entrepreneur to supplement your writing income.
What about you?
Have you found a way to earn money as an author? Share your tips in the comments below!
Hey Heather, I like the ideas you’ve shared regarding author living. I’m regular an Upwork to get writing job and have been contributing to some online content marketing sites to write content for them. So far writing for others is helping me living.