Writing and publishing books is a lot of fun. It can be a fulfilling and rewarding full-time career for some, but for most authors, it is an ongoing challenge trying to make a decent living from it.
For many writers, this is the dream – the end game. We hold the vision of living and working in the beautiful, cosy cabin in the country, or the stunning beach house with views of the water that go on forever.
In that vision, we spend all day every day drinking coffee and coming up with amazing content that we know our readers are going to want to devour by the millions when we finally finish our books and get them effortlessly out into the marketplace where they sell themselves.
It’s a worthy dream to hold on to and keep working toward, so this week I thought I would offer some ideas for how to inch closer to achieving it. Here are some tips that might make the difference between writing as a hobby and writing for a living.
According to authors such as Joanna Penn, with the right strategies and mindset it is possible to turn your writing into a full-time income.
So here are some strategies for making a living from writing books:
1. Write consistently.
One of the most important things you can do as a writer is to write consistently. This means setting aside time each day or each week to work on your writing.
By making writing a habit, you can stay productive and make consistent progress on your projects.
2. Build an author platform.
Building a platform is essential for any writer who wants to make a living from their work.
This means building an online presence through social media, a podcast, a blog, or a website and inviting new followers to join your mailing list where you can continue your conversation with them every week.
By building a mailing list, you can connect with readers, promote your work, and generate income through book sales and other related products and services that you create over time.
3. Focus on quality.
Quality is key when it comes to writing books that sell. Readers expect well-written, engaging stories and content that captures their interest and keeps them turning the pages. Invest the time and effort to edit and revise your work and consider hiring a professional editor or beta readers to help you improve your writing.
4. Understand the market.
To make a living from writing books, it’s important to understand your particular market and what your readers are looking for.
Study the trends in your genre and read widely to see what is popular as well as what readers are responding to.
This will help you write books that are more likely to sell and appeal to more of your ideal audience.
5. Diversify your income.
While book sales can be a significant source of income for writers, it’s important to diversify your income streams in order to create a stable and sustainable career.
Consider offering related products and services, such as merchandise, online courses, or coaching services.
You can also monetize your platform through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or subscriptions.
6. Network with other writers.
Networking with other writers can help you build relationships, learn from others, and find new opportunities for your work.
Attend writing conferences, join writing groups or online communities, and connect with other writers in your genre.
By building a network, you can find new readers, collaborators, and mentors who can help you grow as a writer.
Making a living from writing books is possible, but it requires a good plan, hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions.
By following these strategies and staying focused on your goals, you can build a successful career as a writer and earn a living from your passion.
Imagine that!
If you would like some company and some support on your journey, join us in the FREE 30 Day Book Writing Challenge. We’d love to be a part of your journey.