So Where Does The Money Come From?

It's very obvious that the biggest question on most writer's minds is how can they turn their writing into more money. But one thing I am constantly surprised at is how authors tend to not be aware of all the different ways that they can manipulate their writing to be able to monetize it. So many tend to rely heavily on one method--and if that method doesn't produce the results they like, they get discourage--or worse, give up.

There is of course, no reason to give up because the possibilities are literally endless. So, where does the money come from? I'll get right to the point. Quite simply put, here are 6 primary ways that authors of all kinds and all genres make money from their writing.

Sales:

Everyone knows this one. You put your writing into some kind of product--most famously a book, a booklet, a novella, a chapbook, or even audio files, CD's, comic books or more. But the idea is some physical medium (or even a digital equivalent) that can be actively sold.

Donations:

In some cases one of the best things an author can do is give away their writing for free. It's a lot harder to sell something people have no idea of than to get people to buy things that they are already familiar with. There are plenty of people out there who have quarterly e-mags, publications, serializations of novels and post writing on blogs and free websites. It's a good way to build up a large audience. However, some of these authors also put a paypal donation button the website--and people donate. They like the free material and want to support the authors who are generous enough to give their work away for free. They also feel less pressure.

Fundraisers:

Being creative can cost money. People know this--in fact it is common knowledge that creative types are always broke. But creative types still produce so much worthwhile material that people like. And sometimes, if you have a reputation for good work, people are willing to help you out with your expenses. Thanks to platforms like indiegogo, authors can entice money for projects by offering incentives in return.

Affiliate Marketing:

This is another way to make money while making all your content to your readers absolutely free. If web traffic is high enough, or your following is large--you can become an affiliate to product producers related to your topics. I have seen travel writers become affiliates with airlines selling tickets through their blog or website. They get a cut of all sales--the airlines are happy, the customers are happy and the author is happy. This also works for book reviewers, dvd and cd reviewers, and much, much more.

Events:

So many writers overlook the lucrative value of live events. Think of music concerts and how much they can pull in for bands. Authors of all kinds can set up events that result in monetary gain either from sales of books and products or ticket prices to hear readings--or both! (Especially if one offers food at the events!) There are ways to get spots for events for free or set up deals with local businesses who are aiming to fatten their clientele by bringing in interesting events. Coffee shops to local books stores, to restaurants to bars. (Ive even seen poetry readings at Tattoo Parlors!)

Advertising:

Like affiliate marketing this works well when your following is large. People pay you advertising money for you to talk bout their products or put banner ads on your website, in your book/magazine, etc etc. Instead of your share being based on sales like with affiliate marketing--this is based simply on the sale of advertising space to individuals or companies.

Not all of these methods will work well for every author type--as there are some such as affiliate marketing that work better for how-to authors and ticket sales tend to work better for entertainment authors/poets/songwriters/etc. But the best authors in the 21st century (by best I mean those who have the most business savvy, not necessarily the best in quality) tend to use a combination of these six methods to produce maximum value for their work. I have found in my experience that once authors tend to see these six ways clearly, their creative energies take a giant boost and they come up with all sorts of ideas never thought of before. Writers are typically creative, right? Well then take solace in the fact that making money in the 21st century with writing is all about being creative.