Make Money As A Writer: Additional Income Streams Beyond Book Royalties

So, you wrote a book. You put in the late nights, early mornings, and 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. Even bestselling authors diversify their income streams. Why? Because book royalties alone aren’t always enough to pay the bills. 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 serve as a primary source of income for many children's book authors. Many make more from school visits than from royalties!

However, conducting a successful school visit involves more than just walking into a classroom and reading your books. To earn high fees and sell many books, you need to put on an impactful show.

Tips for Planning a Great School Visit:

• Include Multiple Interactive Activities: Don't just do a read-aloud.

• Tie Your Presentation to the Curriculum: Align it with what students are learning.

• Know Your Audience: Make sure your presentation appeals to that age group.

• Be High Energy and Positive!

  
  

School visits can be so much fun...and lucrative!

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, consider offering free visits to gather 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 enjoy discussing your publishing experience, your writing process, or your expertise in a specific subject, paid speaking gigs are a fantastic way to supplement your income. Local nonprofits, libraries, conferences, and corporate events are frequently looking for engaging speakers.

Speaking Engagement Ideas:

• 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 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: This helps to build your reputation.

• Create a Simple Speaking Page: Include topics you cover, testimonials, and a way to contact you.

• Network!

3. Freelance Writing

If you’ve already got writing skills, why not get paid for them? Many businesses, blogs, and publications need talented writers.

⭐️ Guest Post on Big Sites for Exposure

Guest posting is a great way to build your name. Many large sites accept guest contributions, and once you establish a relationship with them, you can pitch for paid content. Start by researching websites in your niche and studying their submission guidelines. Once editors recognize your name, they’re more likely to offer you paid opportunities.

⭐️ Look for Gigs on Freelance Job Boards

Sites like Upwork, ProBlogger, and Contently feature listings for writers across various genres. It may take time to build a portfolio and client base. However, once you do, you can command higher rates and acquire repeat business.

⭐️ Pitch Magazines, Online Publications, and Brands

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 to publications that target those audiences. Some brands hire writers for blog content and sponsored pieces, creating another lucrative opportunity.

⭐️ Offer Ghostwriting Services

Not every writer wants to credit their name on a book—some just need help getting their ideas onto the page. Ghostwriting for business leaders, influencers, or fiction authors can be very profitable. 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 thrive in affiliate marketing. If you love a product or service that resonates with your audience, you can earn money by promoting it.

Where to Start:

• Sign Up for Affiliate Programs: Choose products you already love and use (such as Amazon Associates, Bookshop, Skillshare, Canva, etc.). You can even be an affiliate for At Home Author!

• Create Content: Write blog posts, make YouTube videos, or share recommendations in your newsletter.

• Partner with Brands: Collaborate on sponsored content.

  
  

💰 Potential Earnings: Earnings vary, 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 treasure trove.

Merch Ideas:

• T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with quotes or illustrations from your book.

• Stickers, posters, and bookmarks for fans.

• Plushies, or toys related to your book or character.

• Custom items that connect to your book’s theme or genre.

  
  

Printables Ideas:

• 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: Seek someone who specializes in subrights.

• Attend Book Fairs: Check out events like the Bologna Children's Book Fair or Frankfurt Book Fair.

• Research and Pitch: Contact foreign publishers and media companies directly.

  
  

💰 Potential Earnings: Deals can range from a few hundred dollars to six figures if you secure 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: Showcase your writing samples.

• Connect with Editors: Network with those who develop IP projects.

• Check Job Postings: Look for opportunities from educational publishers, media companies, or literary agencies hiring IP writers.

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!