Filmmaker Tyler Perry recently Tweeted: “I have so much respect for people who hustle between gigs. The measure of a true artist.”
So if you need cash while you’re building your indie writing career, you’re not alone!
Make More Money: 6 Side Hustles for Writers
Here are six side hustles for you to make more money even while you learn the ropes as an indie author. One or more of these side jobs may be the perfect way to help you keep food on the table, while also leaving time to do what you love best–write.
Freelance Editor
I’ve been a freelance editor for many years, working with a variety of publishers I knew from when I was traditionally published. There are all kinds of ways to find editing gigs. Try offering your editorial services on Fiverr.com, Upwork.com, and Reedsy.com. You can also set up a Facebook business page, invite friends from your personal page to join, and let them all know about your editing and/or proofreading business. If you have a couple of years worth of experience editing, try registering with Christian Editing Connection (CEC). Finally, consider joining the Editorial Freelancer Association to network with other editors, find jobs, and keep up with current rates.
Affiliate income
Once you’ve got that first book uploaded, make sure to sign up for an affiliate account with Amazon. If your book is available widely, you can also become an affiliate with iTunes, Kobo, and Nook. Not only will you make royalty income with each sale, but if buyers use your affiliate links to make their purchases, then you will receive affiliate income on your books as well. Win-win! [Note: each company has its own policy re: using their links in email, on social media, etc. Be sure to review each policy before you start using your personalized affiliate link.]
Cover designer
As I mentioned in this post about the evolution of one of my book covers, I stink at graphic design. So this is one part of the publishing process that I always hire out. Are you good with graphics? Can you create a cover in PhotoShop, InDesign, or even PowerPoint as outlined in this cover design article by Nancy Moser? If so, you will be able to not only save dollars on your own book covers but provide a valuable service to other writers. Note: Images available on sites such as depositphotos.com – I’ve arranged for my readers to receive a special discount with this code: OS36258741
Formatter
I used to send my books out for formatting, but not anymore. Now I format them all using an amazing program called Vellum. It’s only available for MACs (sorry, PC users!), but Vellum has become a game changer (You can read my review of Vellum here). I can layout a book quickly and even include some nice elements, such as ornamental scene dividers or fancy fonts. If you’ve used the program, why not offer to layout other writers’ books for a fee? Authors are used to forking over $100 or more for book formatting, and some have no interest in learning how to do it themselves (much like I have zero interest in designing my own covers).
Social Media Manager
Help authors boost their social media presence by providing a steady stream of posts so they can spend their time writing. One friend charges $25/hour to pull quotes from various sources on the Internet, such as interviews the writer has done, or guest posts, and even book reviews. She then creates a variety of posts and tweets for the author’s followers on Facebook and Twitter.
Cash in your Coins
Okay, this one isn’t limited to writers, but I recently dumped a coffee can full of coins into a Coinstar machine (in our local grocery store), and I was shocked to find that it all added up to 50 bucks! Time to round up the coins around your car, purse, house, etc. and see how much you’ve “saved” without really trying. To avoid being charged a fee, just cash in your coins for a gift card to Amazon or other vendor. I did and used it to stock up on things we needed (like coffee pods … a writer can never have too many😉).
Six Side Hustles to Make More Money
Have other ideas? I’m sure there are tons more and I’d love to hear about them. [UPDATE: I found that, yes, there ARE more ideas–so I wrote another post! Check out: Making Money: 6 MORE Side Hustles for Writers at this link 🙂
Please leave a comment with side hustles that you’ve tried. Thanks!