Being an author or writer has traditionally been tied to book sales. But relying only on royalties can feel unpredictable, especially with publishing platforms taking a percentage and competition being higher than ever.
The good news is that your skills as a writer can open multiple doors to income beyond books.
From digital content creation to teaching, there are practical ways to diversify your earnings, build stability, and even grow your audience in the process.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 ideas you can use to make money as a writer, plus answer some common questions authors often have about expanding their income streams.
1. Freelance Writing
One of the most accessible ways for authors to earn outside of books is freelance writing. Businesses, blogs, and magazines are always in need of fresh content.
Whether it’s articles, case studies, newsletters, or ghostwriting projects, you can leverage your writing skills to provide services on a project basis.
- Where to start: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or niche job boards for writers.
- Pro tip: Build a portfolio that highlights your storytelling ability—something that sets authors apart from the average freelancer.
2. Blogging with Monetization
If you enjoy writing regularly, blogging can turn into a reliable income stream. By publishing content on topics you’re passionate about, you can attract an audience and monetize through:
- Ads (Google AdSense, Mediavine)
- Affiliate marketing (recommending products with commission links)
- Sponsored posts (brands paying you to feature their product or service)
Over time, your blog also strengthens your personal brand and helps promote your books without feeling pushy.
3. Email Newsletters
Email newsletters are a powerful way to stay connected with readers while creating an additional income stream. Writers are increasingly using platforms like Substack, Beehiiv, or MailDrip.io to send out newsletters with exclusive content.
You can charge subscribers for premium editions, share affiliate links, or use the newsletter to promote your services.
With MailDrip.io, for example, you can easily set up automated drip campaigns, schedule newsletters, and keep consistent communication with readers—without the stress of technical setups.
4. Online Courses and Workshops
As an author, you already know how to structure information and communicate ideas clearly. That makes you a perfect candidate to create courses or workshops.
- Examples: Creative writing bootcamps, self-publishing tutorials, storytelling for entrepreneurs.
- Platforms: Teachable, Thinkific, Skillshare, or even live sessions on Zoom.
Online education is booming, and if you package your expertise well, courses can provide a significant passive income stream.
5. Public Speaking and Events
If you’re comfortable on stage (or even online webinars), speaking engagements can be both rewarding and profitable. Schools, conferences, and businesses are always looking for engaging speakers.
Many writers charge speaker fees, and the exposure often leads to more opportunities—such as consulting gigs or book sales after the event.
6. Ghostwriting
Not everyone has the skill or time to write their own book or blog posts, but plenty of people are willing to pay someone who does.
Ghostwriting allows you to write on behalf of others, from business leaders to influencers, while being compensated well for your work.
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While you may not get public credit, the pay can be significantly higher than traditional freelance writing.
7. Content Licensing
Do you have short stories, poems, or essays sitting on your hard drive? Instead of letting them gather dust, consider licensing them to websites, magazines, or subscription platforms.
Another option is creating micro-content packs—like themed quotes, writing prompts, or templates—that other creators or businesses can purchase for reuse.
8. Copywriting for Businesses
Copywriting is different from creative writing—it’s about persuasion and sales. But many authors find that their storytelling skills translate perfectly to marketing copy.
Businesses need:
- Website copy
- Landing pages
- Email campaigns
- Ad scripts
And here’s the best part: copywriting tends to pay better than most other forms of writing because it directly impacts revenue.
9. Membership Communities or Patreon
Creating a membership space allows you to monetize your loyal audience directly. Platforms like Patreon or Circle let you offer exclusive perks such as behind-the-scenes updates, early access to content, or live Q&A sessions.
This approach not only generates income but also deepens your connection with readers who genuinely want to support your work.
10. Consulting and Coaching
Once you’ve gained experience in writing or publishing, others will pay to learn from you. Coaching or consulting can cover areas like:
- How to self-publish a book
- How to market writing online
- How to improve storytelling skills
This one-on-one approach is highly valued, and you can often charge premium rates since you’re giving tailored guidance.
FAQs
Do I need a big audience to make money beyond book sales?
Not necessarily. Starting small with freelancing, ghostwriting, or copywriting doesn’t require a large audience—just skill and consistency. Audience-building becomes more important for strategies like blogging, newsletters, and memberships.
What if I’m not comfortable marketing myself?
Think of marketing as sharing your passion rather than selling. Tools like MailDrip.io can help automate outreach so you don’t have to constantly self-promote manually.
How long does it take to make money from these methods?
It depends on the path. Freelance gigs can pay immediately, while blogging, newsletters, and courses usually take longer to build momentum.
Can I combine several of these ideas?
Absolutely. Many successful authors diversify their income by mixing freelance work, digital products, and audience-based income like memberships.
Conclusion
Making money as an author doesn’t have to stop at book royalties. With freelancing, newsletters, online courses, memberships, and other creative outlets, you can build a stable income that supports both your writing and your lifestyle.
The real key is finding the mix that fits your strengths and audience. And with platforms like MailDrip.io, staying connected with your readers and promoting your offerings becomes simple, even if you’re managing multiple income streams.
So, which of these 10 strategies do you feel inspired to try first—and how will you use your writing to build something sustainable beyond your books?
