Introduction
If you’ve been told your only path to income as a writer is selling books, you’re not alone.
Traditional publishing still pushes the idea that royalties are the main (or only) measure of success.
But the reality is this: if you want to build a stable, sustainable author business, you can’t rely on book sales alone.
This post will walk you through seven additional revenue streams you can start layering into your author career—so you can earn without constantly hustling to sell the next title.
1. Digital Products
Your expertise doesn’t have to stay locked inside your books.
Consider creating:
Guides and workbooks
Printable planners or templates
Mini-courses that deepen a topic from your writing
Toolkits for readers who want to apply your ideas
Why it works:
Digital products are low-overhead, evergreen assets that scale without extra time once created.
2. Online Courses and Workshops
If your writing teaches, inspires, or informs, your audience will pay for a deeper learning experience.
Options include:
Self-paced video courses
Live cohort-based workshops
Virtual intensives or masterclasses
Price points can range from $49 to $1,000+, depending on your niche and depth of content.
3. Coaching and Consulting
Your experience is valuable—especially to people who want to walk a similar path.
Examples:
Author coaching for aspiring writers
Consulting for professionals in your field
Manuscript reviews and development support
This revenue stream can start with 1:1 services and expand to group programs over time.
4. Speaking Engagements
Books create authority. Speaking builds reach and revenue.
Consider:
Keynotes for conferences
Workshops for organizations
Guest lectures for universities
Panel discussions or retreats
Even a modest speaking schedule can generate significant income—and sell more books.
5. Affiliate Marketing
If you recommend tools, books, or software you genuinely use, affiliate partnerships can add passive income.
How to integrate:
Include affiliate links in blog posts or newsletters
Mention resources in podcast interviews or articles
Create recommendation pages on your website
Transparency is key. Always disclose affiliate relationships to maintain trust.
6. Licensing and Rights Sales
Your intellectual property can earn more than you might expect.
Explore:
Foreign translation rights
Film and TV adaptation rights
Audio rights (if you haven’t already sold them)
Curriculum licensing to schools or organizations
A single licensing deal can dwarf years of royalties.
7. Membership Communities
Community is the future of author revenue.
Examples:
Private reader clubs with exclusive content
Writing communities for accountability and coaching
Ongoing mentorship groups
Memberships create recurring income—and deepen loyalty.
How to Choose Where to Start
Not every revenue stream makes sense for every author.
Consider:
Your audience: What do they consistently ask you for?
Your strengths: Do you love teaching, coaching, or building resources?
Your bandwidth: Start small so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
Layer one or two new streams at a time, then expand as your systems mature.
Final Thought
Your income as an author doesn’t have to be unpredictable or limited to royalty statements.
When you diversify your revenue, you build a business that’s resilient—one that supports your creativity instead of depleting it.
Start where you are. Experiment with new ideas. And remember: your words can fuel more than one kind of income.
— Sloane MacRae
