Why?
Validation. Someone paid for something that came straight from her mind.
My first online income came from Medium too (2019). I’d been writing on my website to the sound of crickets. Then one post sparked unexpected likes and comments on Medium. A few months later, I earned a grand total of $1.79. It felt better than any corporate pay rise. It wasn’t about money; it was permission. “Yes, you can do this.”
Your first dollar isn’t about cash flow. It’s about confidence flow.
My story, quickly (for context)
I “retired” from paid employment in 2019 to write full-time. English is my second language; a manager once told me my written English was the only thing between me and senior leadership. Instead of a business writing course, I studied life storytelling, and fell in love with writing.
Since then I’ve published 8 nonfiction books and 6 fiction books, with a life goal of 100. Writing is my legacy, and my business.
Many paths, same road: income streams for writers
Between us, here’s what we’ve built (and what you can try):
Paid subscriptions on Substack
– Offer valuable free content, then create a clear “why go paid” layer (behind-the-scenes, templates, office hours, critiques, community access).Digital products
– Checklists, templates, guides, short courses, mini-workshops—start small, ship often.Cohorts & live programs
– Claudia runs live community sessions (including Q&As and guest speakers).
– I run a 3-month Write-Grow-Monetize cohort right on Substack (weekly live modules, homework, accountability). You don’t need fancy platforms, Substack works perfectly.Coaching & consultations (1:1)
– Sell clarity. 45–90 minutes, a tight scope, an easy booking link, and a crisp outcome.Workshops/skill sessions
– One focused skill, one live session, one outcome. Great for momentum and sales.Book royalties
– My fiction & nonfiction bring recurring income. Slow burn, steady joy.Newsletter ads/sponsorships (yes, really)
– Thoughtful, niche recommendations serve your readers and earn you money.
– It’s not “selling out” if it’s aligned, useful, and clearly labeled.
Start with what fits your energy now. You can layer the rest later.
If you’re starting from scratch: your first steps
Claudia’s two-part starter plan:
Step 1: Build your free audience on Substack.
Commit to a few months (not weeks) of consistent publishing and real connection. Use Notes, comments, replies, and community features to be human—not generic.Step 2: Find your brand/voice.
What precise problem are you obsessed with? What’s your take that’s unmistakably yours? Lean hard into that. Distinct beats “perfect.”
My additions:
Switch “Pledges” ON even from the beginning.
Even with zero money, pledges give you a moral boost. It’s a future promise, not a pressure tax.Clarify your offer on your homepage.
Who you help, how you help, what changes for them. Make it obvious in 10 seconds. People read free for months before paying; let your free layer prove your value.
A simple monetization menu (choose one for the next 14 days)
Open paid with one members-only post + office hour.
Ship a $15 mini-guide (one problem, one solution, 15 pages).
Run a 60-minute skill session (cap at 25 seats).
Offer 5 beta coaching slots (discounted, in exchange for testimonials).
Add one aligned sponsor to your next issue (clearly labeled).
Pick one. Announce it. Deliver it. Learn. Repeat.
Pitfalls to dodge
Generic Notes = generic results. Make yours specific, useful, or delightfully personal.
Waiting for perfect branding before selling. Start small; clarity grows in the doing.
Over-engineering platforms. Substack can run your whole stack: posts, paid, cohorts, sessions, community.
Your turn
What’s your next tiny money move?
Reply and tell me which one you’ll do in the next 14 days. I’ll cheer you on (and if you’re paid, I’ll happily gut-check your plan).
P.S. We couldn’t get to every question live. Drop yours in the comments and Claudia and I will jump back in there.
Thank you
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That’s all from me today.
As always, thanks for listening and reading.
Author Circle is a Substack newsletter that helps writers, creators, and professionals turn their knowledge into income streams through the 90-Day Write-Grow-Monetize Program so they can build a business with clarity, confidence, and a clear roadmap.
