Ways to make money as an author, not a writer

As an author, your primary focus may be on crafting captivating stories and sharing your unique perspective with the world.

However, making a living as an author is not always easy, and you may need to explore various avenues to supplement your income.

In this read, we will explore some creative ways to make money as an author, not just a writer.

Public Speaking

As an author, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can share with others.

Consider offering your services as a public speaker and sharing your insights on writing, creativity, or your area of expertise.

You can participate in speaking engagements at conferences, book festivals, schools, and other events, earning a fee for your time and expertise.

Teaching

Many aspiring writers look up to successful authors as mentors and role models. You can capitalize on this by offering writing workshops or courses.

You can teach aspiring writers how to develop their craft, hone their writing skills, and navigate the publishing world.

You can offer these courses online or in person, either as a standalone offering or in collaboration with a writing center or university.

Licensing

If you have a popular book or series, you may be able to license your characters or storylines to other media formats, such as film, TV shows, video games, or merchandise.

You can earn royalties or a one-time licensing fee for the use of your intellectual property.

Consulting

As an author, you have a unique perspective on the publishing industry and the writing process.

You can use your expertise to help other authors navigate the industry and develop their writing careers.

You can offer to consult services on book development, marketing, publishing, and distribution. You can charge an hourly rate, a fixed fee, or a percentage of the book's revenue.

Freelance Writing

As an author, you have honed your writing skills and are familiar with various writing styles and formats.

You can offer your writing services to businesses, magazines, websites, or other organizations that require content creation.

You can write articles, blog posts, product descriptions, or marketing copy, among others. You can charge per word, per project, or per hour.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter or Patreon can help you connect with your readers and raise funds to support your writing career.

You can offer exclusive content, early access to your works, or other perks in exchange for financial support from your fans.

Grants and Fellowships

Many organizations offer grants and fellowships to support writers and artists.

These can range from small, local grants to large national or international fellowships.

You can use these funds to support your writing and research activities, attend conferences, or develop new projects.

Merchandise

If you have a dedicated following, you can create merchandise related to your books, such as t-shirts, mugs, or bookmarks.

You can sell these items on your website, at book signings or events, or on e-commerce platforms such as Etsy. This can help you build your brand and engage with your readers.

Translation

If you are fluent in multiple languages, you can offer translation services to publishers, authors, or businesses.

You can translate books, articles, or other content from one language to another, earning a fee per word or per project. This can expand your reach and help you tap into international markets.

Ghostwriting

If you have a knack for writing but prefer not to be in the spotlight, you can offer your services as a ghostwriter.

You can write books or articles for clients who wish to publish under their own name earning a fee for your work. This can be a lucrative and flexible option for writers who prefer to work behind the scenes.

Affiliate Marketing

If you have a blog or social media presence, you can earn money by promoting other people's products through affiliate marketing.

You can recommend books, writing tools, or other products that you believe in and earn a commission for any sales that result from your recommendations.

This can be a passive income stream that requires minimal effort once you set it up.

Audiobooks

If you have a book that has already been published, you can consider producing an audiobook version.

You can narrate the book yourself or hire a professional voice actor, and then sell the audiobook through platforms such as Audible or ACX.

This can be a great way to reach a new audience and earn additional revenue from your existing work.

In summary, there are many ways to make money as an author beyond traditional book sales.

By exploring these different avenues, you can diversify your income streams and build a sustainable career as an author.

Whether it's teaching, public speaking, merchandise, or ghostwriting, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so be open to trying different approaches and finding what works best for you.