Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission at no expense to you. Affiliate links are marked with the asterisks (*)
Put a story together and sell it. It’s simple to make money writing fiction, right? Well, this isn’t as easy as it sounds.
If everyone who wanted to be an author became one, them making money with fiction would be easy. We’d all be authors, wouldn’t we? The truth is that it’s not so easy.
Even as there is a move to self-publishing, it isn’t as simple as putting words to a page to make money writing fiction. There is a lot that you need to do if you want to succeed.
Yes, you can make money writing fiction
Let’s get the answer to the question out of the way, though. You can make money writing fiction. This is possible. I’ve done it.
However, it all depends on the amount of money you want to see. My fiction books* just trickle in money. It’s enough for coffee each month. I don’t put the effort into marketing them. I kind of set them and forgot all about them, and that’s on me.
Those who make a living as a writer will need to work harder. It’s not just about writing the book but about getting the perfect cover image and marketing in the best way possible. And if they want to go the traditional publishing route, it’s about finding a manager and getting a publisher to take them on.
Marketing is a huge part of being an author
You’ll have heard all about book tours. While they do still happen, this is not the only way to market now. You need to turn to social media to help.
This isn’t just after you’ve finished writing, either. You need to build your social media following while you do it. It’s all about joining in with conversations and getting your name out there. In fact, if you want to be traditionally published, some companies will look at your social media following before even considering your book. It’s not fair, but it is the way it is.
You need to keep writing books
You can’t just write one book and expect to make money writing fiction. That one book may not be something that people are looking for. Instead, you need to keep writing*. While quality is important, so is quantity.
It takes just one book for your name to be on the lips of everyone. Just look at Freida McFadden. She didn’t become an immediate hit, but her book The Housemaid* certainly put her on the minds of a lot of people in the psychological thriller space. That led to people reading more books by her and keeping an eye out for new books.
So, create a schedule so that you keep writing. Don’t blame writer’s block. There is a story in your head ready to be written.
MORE: Can you make money writing erotica?
Do you want to make money writing fiction? What would you like to write? Share your thoughts in the comments below.