There’s no doubt that the ways writers can make money have become a little more challenging. AI search in particular has affected many writers.
However, that’s not the end of the world. Things change online all the time, but some tried-and-true methods still work, with a little updating.
One positive is that readers value and recognize human writing more than ever. The Kindle Store is awash with AI-generated ebooks, and many sites and blogs rely on AI for content creation.
With the right approach, it’s still possible to deliver value to readers and generate income in return.
Stand out in a crowded market
We all know that ebook and book publishing has exploded, with new titles appearing on Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play almost every minute.
For traditional publishers, this flood of new titles has been disruptive, but for self-publishers, there is still plenty of opportunity.
Quality always sells better.
With so many low-quality ebooks and books being published, you can beat much of the competition by publishing quality writing and books.
But astute authors know that making money today isn’t just about publishing ebooks or print books.
Diversifying your income streams and monetizing digital content is now more important than ever.
You can research different options, like blogging, newsletters, freelance writing, or even teaching online.
Finding new ways means looking for opportunities, preparing carefully, and using your creativity.
By combining a few new strategies, you won’t be relying on a single platform to earn a steady income.
To succeed, you’ll need to experiment, adapt, and deliver quality and value to your readers.
Successful writers today are busy opportunists
If you’re an author, your day rarely ends with just writing.
One moment you’re burning the midnight oil on a new chapter.
But the next, you’re drafting a blog post, pitching a guest article, or experimenting with a YouTube trailer for your new book.
Most writers know that even the small tasks add up over time.
It could be planning for an audiobook, testing Amazon categories, checking affiliate programs, or brainstorming fresh content ideas over coffee.
Even a morning walk can help find ideas to turn into a new article, blog post, or social media update.
It’s sometimes a chaotic rhythm, but that’s often how new opportunities arise.
You have to be flexible, curious, and ready to act on new ideas.
It could mean quickly learning how to use a new platform or app to reach a wider audience.
Other times, it might be following up on a freelance article submission or negotiating sponsored content on a blog.
You also need time to polish and edit a new book chapter or blog post.
Successful writers also keep an eye open for new trends, such as topics, genres, or formats that are steadily gaining traction.
Most importantly, they experiment with different income streams, adjusting as they learn what works best.
At the end of the day, every small effort makes a difference.
Leverage the flexibility of digital content
Every word you write is a versatile asset that you can adapt for multiple uses.
You can transform a single document into ebooks, blog posts, newsletters, or other electronic formats.
You can convert a Word file into an EPUB or MOBI file for reading devices, or copy it directly into platforms like WordPress or Blogger.
Text can also be uploaded to grammar and editing tools, then downloaded without losing formatting, making revisions quick and efficient.
Digital content is easy to update, and you can quickly insert ads, videos, or links to help monetize your work.
These possibilities let writers maximize the potential of any text, from a short blog post to a full-length book.
With online publishing, the opportunities and ways writers can make money are almost endless.
7 Practical ways writers can make money
If you are relying solely on Kindle sales or Kindle Unlimited page reads, it isn’t always enough to earn a steady income.
But you can offset this by expanding or finding new ways to earn from your writing.
The following suggestions can help you boost your part-time or even full-time writing income.
You can consider the options to help you find a wider reach and more earning potential from your words.
1. Monetize your blog
A blog is definitely one of the most versatile ways for a writer to earn income online.
You can generate revenue through affiliate marketing, placing links to products or services that pay a commission when readers buy.
Advertising is a very popular option. Display ads, sponsored posts, or even partnerships with brands can result in a steady income stream as your traffic grows.
Product reviews, how-to guides, and buyer’s guides are especially effective because they naturally let you include affiliate links while providing valuable advice for your readers.
Freelance writers can use a blog as a portfolio to attract clients, pitch guest articles, or promote services.
With regular posting of high-quality content, a blog can move on from being a hobby to becoming a reliable revenue source.
2. Distribute your ebooks more widely
Relying only on Amazon KDP Select can mean missing out on readers and extra income opportunities.
Exclusivity with Amazon might work well in the early months, but publishing on multiple ebook stores can extend your ebook’s reach and sales potential.
You can still keep your book on Amazon, but adding platforms like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and others opens the door to new audiences and more earnings.
Remember, exclusivity isn’t forever. If you try wider distribution and find Amazon-only works better, you can always return.
Another option is to sell ebooks directly from your website. If the tech side feels daunting, you could simply offer a free ebook instead.
This works especially well for a series. Giving away the first title can often boost sales of the sequels.
Since Amazon has become such a competitive marketplace, diversifying your distribution is a practical way to find more income opportunities from your ebooks.
3. Write for other blogs or sites
Contributing articles to popular blogs can be one of the best ways to grow your readership and your authority.
With some sites, guest posts often include a short bio, where you can add links to your own books, blog, or your newsletter.
Some blogs even allow you to include affiliate links, giving you a chance to earn while sharing your expertise.
Beyond visibility, writing for other blogs has a useful SEO benefit.
Each backlink you earn can improve your own site’s search engine ranking, which in turn makes it easier for readers to discover your content.
Freelance writers often use guest blogging to build a portfolio. Getting an article published on a respected and high-ranking site shows potential clients that you’re credible and capable.
And never forget the networking value. Every blog editor you work with will expand your industry contacts, which can lead to more opportunities down the road.
If you do it consistently, writing for other blogs can bring traffic, credibility, and income. At the same time, you can showcase your writing skills to a wider readership.
4. Get paid to write
Freelance writing is one of the most direct ways to turn your words into an income.
Companies, blogs, and online magazines are always looking for quality content, and many are willing to pay you for it.
The best way to start is pitching your long-form articles, essays, or blog posts to websites that accept paid submissions.
Some list their rates, which makes it easier to target opportunities that match your goals.
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger Jobs often connect writers with clients who need everything from blog content to newsletters, product descriptions, or even ghostwritten books.
Building your profile on these platforms can help you gain experience, collect testimonials, and land better-paying opportunities over time.
5. Earn from advertising
When your blog is getting steady traffic, display advertising can become a hands-off source of income.
Popular programs like Google AdSense or alternatives such as Ezoic and Mediavine pay based on RPM (revenue per thousand views), not single clicks.
As a rule of thumb, you can earn between $5 and $20 per thousand impressions depending on your niche or ad platform.
So, say you have three ads on a page; you only need just over 300 page views to gain 1,000 impressions.
Even at the low end of the spectrum, you can realistically earn $150 per month. How does that compare to your Kindle Unlimited or ebook sales earnings?
The equation is simple. The more visitors you get coming to your site, the more impressions your ads generate, which means regular and higher earnings.
Even a site with modest traffic can often cover annual hosting costs, while higher volumes can bring in a sizable monthly income.
The best part is that once you set up your ads, you don’t need to manage them. You can then fully focus on growing your site’s audience.
Advertising can also extend beyond your blog. YouTube channels and podcasts can run ads, but you often need to reach a certain audience size before you can do it.
6. Build long-term income with affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is still one of the reliable ways for writers to generate passive income.
If you publish a well-written article that includes affiliate links naturally, it can keep earning for you years after you hit publish.
Amazon Associates is often the easiest place to start, but commissions are usually quite low. However, it is ideal if you are just getting started.
To earn more, you need to hunt for affiliate programs that suit your niche. They might include writing tools, online courses, or services you believe your readers might need.
Some independent companies run their own affiliate platforms and pay much higher rates than Amazon.
You can also find more opportunities on affiliate listing networks such as Impact, AWIN, or ShareASale.
If your recommendations are authentic and genuinely useful, readers are far more likely to click through and buy from your links.
Over time, your evergreen articles can turn into a steady income that will grow with your blog traffic.
7. Sell your skills as a service
One of the most direct ways writers can make money is by offering their skills as a paid service.
Writers with strong language and grammar skills can branch into editing, proofreading, or beta reading for new authors.
Many businesses and bloggers also pay for copywriting, content editing, or even ghostwriting.
If teaching appeals to you, you could create writing workshops or run coaching sessions. Another possibility is editing résumés and cover letters for job seekers.
The key is to match your skills with what people are looking for, then set a fair price that reflects both your expertise and what clients can afford.
Over time, you can build a portfolio, collect testimonials, and raise your rates as demand for your services grows.
Summary
For writers and authors, there are countless ways to use technology to make money online from your writing skills.
Sometimes it is only a matter of looking around you to see what opportunities are available.
There is a very big world out there, full of people who are screen reading and buying online.
The best ways writers can make money, is to find your place in the world.
But it’s always true that the harder you work, the luckier you get.
Related reading: The Differences Between An Article And A Blog Post
