Side Hustle School Ep. 3204 - TBT: The Secret Author Behind Your Favorite Romance Novel
Oct 9, 2025
Discover how a fanfiction writer transformed her passion into a lucrative ghostwriting career. Earning five figures per project, she now pens bestselling romance novels under various pen names. Learn about her journey from a $5,000 co-write to earning $10,000 for full-length novels. She shares insights on payment structures, working with multiple romance subgenres, and the tools that support her thriving business. It's a fascinating look at balancing creativity with the demands of a fast-paced publishing world.
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From Fanfiction To Paid Ghostwriter
- Magnolia started as a fanfiction writer posting long serialized stories with no expectations and lots of readers.
- An indie author DM'd her and offered $5,000 to co-write a novella, which launched her ghostwriting career.
Price Projects With Fee Plus Royalties
- Charge a flat project fee plus a royalty share to align incentives and earn upfront and passive income.
- Use clear deliverables: outlines, full drafts, and rounds of edits included in the price.
Hidden Demand In Indie Romance Publishing
- Ghostwriting for busy indie authors can become a steady, lucrative side business without marketing.
- Delivering on deadlines and emotional storytelling grew her income beyond her previous full-time job.
