So, you wrote a book. You put in the late nights, the early mornings, and the caffeine-fueled editing sessions. You did it! But now comes the part that a lot of writers don’t talk about enough—how to actually make money as a writer beyond just selling copies of your book.
Don’t get me wrong, selling books is amazing. But even bestselling authors diversify their income streams. Why? Because book royalties alone aren’t always enough to pay the bills, and having multiple income sources makes your writing career more sustainable.
The good news? There are so many ways to make money as an author that don’t involve hitting refresh on your Amazon sales dashboard every five minutes.
Let’s break it down.
Ways to Make Money as a Writer...Besides Selling Your Book
1. School Visits
There's a reason this is the first idea on the list! School visits can be incredibly lucrative and are a primary source of income for many children's book authors. (Many make more from school visits than from royalties!)
But there's a lot more that goes into a school visit than just walking into a classroom and reading your books. To garner high fees and sell lots of books, you'll need to put on a show that makes an impact.
Here are some general tips for planning a great school visit:
Include multiple interactive activities - not just a read aloud.
Tie your presentation to curriculum being taught in the classroom.
Know your audience and make sure your presentation appeals to that age group.
Be high energy and positive!
School visits can pay anywhere from $250 to $3,000+ per event, depending on your experience and the school’s budget. If you've done some outreach but haven't had luck, try offering free visits to get some testimonials and practice before reaching out for paid ones again.
Check out 12 Steps To Book A School Visit, by our very own Chelsea Tornetto, for all the information you need to get started.
2. Speaking Engagements
If you like talking about your publishing experience, your writing process, or your expertise in a certain subject, paid speaking gigs are a fantastic way to supplement your income. Local nonprofits, libraries, conferences, and corporate events are always looking for engaging speakers.
For example:
If you're a therapist whose book tackles social-emotional skills for toddlers, reach out to local mom groups, parenting expos, or daycares.
If your experience with rescue animals inspired your story, reach out to local shelters, libraries, or animal welfare groups.
If your publishing journey taught you about your own determination and resilience, offer to speak at self-help groups, small business conventions, or your local chamber of commerce.
How to Get Paid Speaking Gigs:
Start by doing free events to build your reputation.
Put together a simple speaking page on your website with topics you cover, testimonials (if you have them), and a way to contact you.
Network!
3. Freelance Writing
If you’ve already got writing chops, why not get paid for them? Many businesses, blogs, and publications need skilled writers:
⭐️ Guest Post on Big Sites for Exposure (Then Pitch Them Paid Articles)
Guest posting is a great way to get your name out there. Many large sites allow guest contributions, and once you establish a relationship with them, you can pitch paid content. Start by researching websites in your niche and studying their submission guidelines. Once your name is recognized, editors are more likely to offer you paid opportunities.
⭐️ Look for Gigs on Sites Like Upwork, ProBlogger, and Contently
Freelance job boards are a great way to find steady work. Upwork, ProBlogger, and Contently all have listings for writers across different genres. It may take some time to build up a portfolio and client base, but once you do, you can command higher rates and even get repeat business.
⭐️ Pitch Magazines, Online Publications, and Even Brands in Your Niche
Many print and digital magazines pay well for feature articles, essays, and how-to guides. If your book focuses on a specific subject (like history, parenting, or travel), you can pitch niche publications that cater to those audiences. Some brands also hire writers for blog content and sponsored pieces, providing another lucrative opportunity.
⭐️ Offer Ghostwriting Services for Other Authors or Business Owners
Not every writer wants to put their name on a book—some just need help getting their ideas onto the page. Ghostwriting for business leaders, influencers, or even fiction authors can be extremely lucrative. This work often pays well, and repeat clients can lead to a steady income stream.
4. Affiliate Marketing & Sponsored Content
You don’t need a massive following to make money with affiliate marketing. If you love a product or service that aligns with your audience, you can get paid to promote it.
Where to Start:
Sign up for affiliate programs for products you love and use already. (Amazon Associates, Bookshop, Skillshare, Canva, etc. You can even be an affiliate for At Home Author!)
Write blog posts, create YouTube videos, or share recommendations in your newsletter.
Partner with brands for sponsored content.
💰 Potential Earnings: It varies, but some authors make thousands per month from affiliate sales.
5. Merch & Printables
If your book has a strong theme, fan base, or educational component, merch and printables can be a goldmine.
Merch:
T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with quotes or illustrations from your book.
Stickers, posters, and bookmarks for fans of your work.
Plushies or toys related to your book or character.
Custom-designed items related to your book’s theme or genre.
Printables:
Printable writing worksheets, journals, or planners.
Activity books or workbooks that complement your book.
Coloring pages, puzzles, or guided exercises related to your book’s content.
6. Subrights: Selling Your Book in More Ways Than One
Subrights are often overlooked but can be incredibly lucrative. These are additional rights to your book that you can sell to different markets.
Types of Subrights:
Translation/Foreign Rights
Audiobook Rights
Film/TV Rights
Merchandising Rights
Educational Licensing
Book Club Rights
Reprint Rights
...and more!
How to Sell Subrights:
Work with a literary agent who specializes in subrights.
Attend book fairs like the Bologna Children's Book Fair or Frankfurt Book Fair.
Research and pitch foreign publishers and media companies directly.
💰 Potential Earnings: Deals can range from a few hundred dollars to six figures if you land the right contract.
7. Work-for-Hire & IP Writing
Not all authors write solely for themselves. Many publishers, media companies, and brands hire authors to create books or content for them.
What is Work-for-Hire?
Work-for-hire means you write a book or content that the publisher or company owns outright. You get paid upfront but don’t receive royalties.
What is IP Writing?
Intellectual Property (IP) writing involves creating books based on existing properties (think Star Wars novels, Disney books, or projects developed in-house by publishers). These typically come with an advance and royalties.
How to Get Work-for-Hire or IP Writing Gigs:
Build a strong portfolio and showcase your writing samples.
Connect with editors who develop IP projects.
Look at job postings from educational publishers, media companies, or literary agencies that hire IP writers.
The Bottom Line
Diversifying your income streams ensures you’re not just relying on book sales. Whether it’s speaking, freelance writing, selling subrights, or creating merch, there are so many ways to monetize your skills.
Which income stream are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments!
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