How to Write for a Living

Season 3, episode 18 is here!My friend Jari Roomer from Write Build Scale joined me for a conversation about the most powerful growth lever on Substack.We talked about why collaboration matters more than ever, how to approach other creators without feeling awkward, and the specific strategies that brought us thousands of subscribers without spending a dime on ads.What we covered:- Why collaborations are the antidote to publishing in the void, and how they make the entire Substack journey more enjoyable while getting your work in front of audiences that already want what you offer- The guest posting approach that creates evergreen pathways for discovery months after you publish, turning one piece of content into a long-term subscriber magnet that keeps working while you sleep- Newsletter recommendations as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it growth strategy, how Jari gained over 8,000 subscribers in 2025 from recommendations alone, and why most creators hesitate to reach out when it’s actually a win-win scenario- Going live on Substack as the collaboration format that builds the deepest connections, lets your audience see you’re a real person when things go wrong, and makes it easier for introverts who can share the talking with a guest- The exact DM approach that gets more yes responses to collaboration requests, including why you should offer multiple collaboration options and how to make it as easy as possible for someone to say yes- How to use AI as a ghostwriting tool rather than a crutch by recording 30-minute voice memos of your thoughts and stories, then letting AI handle the actual writing process while keeping your authentic voice intact- The ladder strategy for linking posts that guides readers to take the next step up rather than sending them sideways through your archive, and why fewer links actually create more conversions than overwhelming people with options This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 17 is here!In this episode, I sit down with my old school friend Stuart Thompson, who now runs a long-standing gym here in Northern Ireland.We talk about what it really takes to build a business over nearly a decade - not just systems and social media, but relationships, energy, and knowing your limits. We also cover fitness, creativity, confidence, and turning up consistently even when no one’s watching.This is an honest, practical, and surprisingly relevant chat, whether you run a gym, write online, or are just trying to build something for the long haul.What we covered:- How Stuart’s gym actually started- The underrated power of handwritten notes- Why not growing up sporty helped nurture Stuart’s story- Why confidence comes from reps (in fitness and in writing)- What it’s like running a people business as an introvert- Why asking for reviews is awkward but necessary- Why sticking around mattersMake sure to check out Cross Functional Fitness before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 16 is here!In this week’s episode, Parker Worth and I chat about his journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a successful creator living in Brazil.Parker discusses the importance of storytelling in building a personal brand and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing landscape of online content creation, and emphasises the need for creators to build relationships and trust with their audience, write real-life stories that convert, and understand their audience’s pain points.What we cover:- Parker Worth’s journey from electrician to creator in Brazil.- The significance of storytelling in personal branding.- How to navigate the challenges of the online creator landscape.- Why building relationships and trust with your audience is crucial.- How using personal stories can lead to higher engagement.- Why understanding audience pain points is essential for content creation.- Why embracing fear can lead to significant personal and professional growth.Make sure to subscribe to Parker’s newsletter before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 15 is here!In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on the critical importance of incorporating video and audio content into a creator’s strategy for 2026 and beyond.I walk you through how online platforms favour video, the engagement benefits of live video, and the monetisation opportunities it presents, as well as the community-building aspect of going live, the authenticity it fosters, and the compounding effects of creating video content in general.In this episode, I break down why:- Incorporating video and audio is becoming essential for audience growth- Live video can significantly increase engagement rates- Platforms prioritise video content over text-based content- Going live can help convert followers into subscribers- Video content enhances personal branding and authority- Live video creates a sense of community among viewers- Authenticity in live video builds trust with the audience- Starting to go live now can future-proof your content strategy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 14 is here!In this solo episode, I walk through exactly how to build a creator presence from absolute scratch with no fancy equipment, no complex strategy, just clarity and consistency.This is for anyone who feels like the smallest voice in the room but wants to create something real online.In this episode:- Why your personal brand is actually about how people feel when they encounter you, and how that feeling is what makes readers stick around long after they discover your work- The five traps that kill most creator journeys before they start- My recommendation to commit to one platform for six months minimum before spreading yourself thin across the internet- How to craft the one simple promise that becomes your positioning - a single sentence that tells people exactly who you help and what you do for them within five seconds of landing on your profile- The power of predictable touchpoints and why readers follow creators the same way they follow their favorite TV shows- Why confidence comes after consistency, not before it, and how showing up for 3 to 12 months with minimal response is actually part of the process, not a sign you should quit- The recurring format strategy that eliminates decision fatigue and builds loyalty through repetition, turning your weekly presence into something your audience genuinely misses when it’s not there This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 13 is here!I recently went live with Taylin John Simmonds to talk about the honest reality of making money as a writer, and afterwards I thought to myself, “Hey, this would make a great podcast episode!”, et voilà!Taylin’s currently testing ghostwriting on Substack in public, shared his coldest cold email stats, and explained why books might be the worst way to make a living (but still worth doing).What we covered:- Why Taylin sent 10,000 cold emails for Substack ghostwriting clients and what happened next (he’s running the entire experiment in public to see if it’s actually viable)- The credential commoditisation theory he’s been sitting on for six months (spoiler: it’s about why your programmer friends can’t find jobs)- LinkedIn ghostwriting as the most lucrative platform right now, with clients paying $1,000-$5,000/month, and why Substack might be different- The Mark Manson approach to writing books: test your chapters as blog posts first, let virality validate your ideas, and only use titles that have already proven themselves- How to write about whatever you want while still serving your audience - the bridge technique that lets you sneak consciousness development into business content- Why opening with mundane stories (lawnmowers, coffee steam, chopping onions) connects better than dramatic tales of spirit quests in Peru- The painful pattern of spending six months building products nobody wants versus testing ideas in public after just a week or twoMake sure to subscribe to Taylin’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into a candid reflection on 2025 as the host reviews wins, losses, and busywork to streamline for the future. Learn about the decision to cut weekly roundups and the importance of audience growth, income expansion, and personal branding for 2026. Discover innovative strategies like collaborations, live sessions, and experimenting with content formats. The discussion emphasizes the unique value of personal stories and voice in the AI era, all while keeping the creative process enjoyable and sustainable.

Season 3, episode 11 is here!In this episode, Jari Roomer and I explore how to meaningfully grow a creator business by developing and selling digital courses (with particular focus on mini-courses).If you’re interested in growing your income in 2026 through semi-passive means, this is a great one for you!Also make sure to claim your spot on Tuesday’s FREE live training session before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 10 is here!In this extra-special chat with my wife, Christine McIlroy, we peel back how our life together has intertwined with our creative work, the shifts we’ve navigated in solopreneurship, and how partnership can both challenge and fuel your writing career in surprising ways.What we covered:- Why going the extra mile for clients is a total game-changer as a solopreneur- What it’s like when you partner in life and in creative purpose, and how sharing a “why” deepens what you publish.- Our journey building businesses in parallel, and how we support each other along the way- The tension between routine and inspiration: how to stay grounded when you work together but also stay individually creative.- What happens when life milestones (moving, family, change) intersect with your writing career - not in polished form, but in real-time.- Why transparency about process matters: how being open about failure, rewriting, and hustle builds trust with readers.- The unseen work behind launching offers, courses, or publications: how support systems, tools, and trade-offs play a role.- Our best mistakes, our biggest learnings, and how ‘doing the work together’ has changed what we believe about freedom, creativity and sustainability.Make sure to check out Christine’s work before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Taylin Simmonds, an online writer and former music teacher, shares insights on blending creativity with business. He discusses his unconventional journey from music to online writing, emphasizing that success lies in stacking complementary skills, not just being a better writer. Taylin reveals how long-form content fosters trust over viral posts and illustrates how to view AI as a creative assistant. He also tackles identity lag experienced by creators, offering advice on niche positioning that respects multiple passions while advocating for persistence in personal growth.