Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast

How To Write Fiction That Makes You Money (7 Steps)

Aug 12, 2024

Discover the seven steps to turn your fiction writing into a profitable venture. Learn why starting with short stories and focusing on niche subcategories can set you apart. Explore the power of Amazon as your go-to publishing platform and the importance of building an organic following. Gain insights on leveraging social media to showcase your writing process and drive traffic. Plus, find out how to create side content that monetizes your passion—all aimed at achieving long-term success in the competitive world of fiction.

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ADVICE

Start Small, Iterate Fast

Don't start with a novel; begin with shorter stories or series to iterate faster and gather feedback.
Expand successful short stories into novels, like Hugh Howey's "Wool", which became a TV show.

ADVICE

Dominate a Niche

Don't compete in broad categories like "mystery" or "sci-fi"; choose a smaller, less competitive subcategory.
Dominate a niche, like "Viking sci-fi", to stand out and build a loyal audience before expanding.

ADVICE

Prioritize Amazon

Treat Amazon as your primary publishing platform, especially for genre fiction, due to Kindle Unlimited.
Focus on publishing frequently on Amazon to gain visibility and leverage their reader base.

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7 steps to become a money-making fiction writer

In this episode, you'll discover a powerful strategy for building an audience and achieving success as a fiction writer in the competitive world of online writing. I break down the process into seven actionable steps, including starting with short stories, finding and dominating a smaller subcategory, and using Amazon as your primary publishing platform. We also explore how to leverage social media to showcase your storytelling process, build an engaged audience, and drive traffic to your work on platforms like Royal Road, Wattpad, and Amazon. Packed with practical advice, especially for ghostwriters, email marketers, and genre fiction writers, this episode provides a clear roadmap to create a sustainable and profitable writing career.

(00:00) Introduction
(00:32) Step 1: Don’t Try To Write A Novel Out Of The Gate
(03:57) Step 2: Play In A Smaller, Less Competitive Subcategory
(08:25) Step 3: Treat Amazon As Your Primary Publishing Platform
(13:14) Step 4: Build An Organic Following
(18:18) Step 5: Find Your “Royal Road” And Get Feedback
(22:22) Step 6: Build An Email List And/Or A Discord
(25:19) Step 7: Monetize Through “Side Quest” Content
(28:02) Conclusion

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📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com