How to Write for a Living

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.

Season 3, episode 8 is here!In this episode, Walter Rhein and I dive deep into the world of fantasy writing - where stories begin, how they evolve, and why imagination still matters in an increasingly practical world.Worldbuilding, villains, the power of silliness - this conversation explores what makes great fantasy resonate and how writers can keep the spark of creativity alive as they grow older.What we covered:- The real connection between nature, folklore, and the fantasy worlds we create- How mythology from different cultures shapes modern fantasy storytelling- Why dialogue and shorter stories are powerful tools for testing your ideas and growing faster as a writer- The difference between good and lazy worldbuilding, and why overplanning kills creativity- What makes a truly great villain, and why the best ones make you question yourself- How writing with (and for) children can reignite your sense of wonder and play- Practical advice for new writers on starting a fantasy novel, finding momentum, and making writing fun againMake sure to subscribe to Walter’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

Season 3, episode 7 is here!In this solo episode, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes writers make on Substack - losing readers before they’ve even hit publish.I break down the small, overlooked details that make all the difference when someone lands on your publication for the first time, and how a few simple changes can quietly convert visitors into loyal subscribers.If you’ve been writing great posts but not seeing much growth, this one’s for you.What I covered:Why most readers never discover your archive and where they actually find you insteadHow to make your tagline instantly clear, confident, and reader-focusedThe simple tweaks that turn your About page into a conversation instead of a résuméHow to organise your homepage so new readers know exactly where to startWhy clarity and connection will always beat cleverness and complexityThe small design and setup decisions that do your audience-building for you every dayHow to fix all of this in a single afternoon using the Substack Quickfire Launch KitIf you’d like more personalised help with Substack, consider upgrading to my VIP membership to book a 1-to-1 call and publication audit. I’d be more than happy to chat through your next steps! 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 6 is here!In this conversation, Veronica Llorca-Smith and I caught up one year after our very first podcast together to talk about what’s changed, what’s grown, and what’s next.This episode is packed with insight for anyone who wants to build a creative career that feels human, purposeful, and sustainable.What we covered:- How a single podcast interview led to the launch of a second Substack in Spanish- The surprising differences between English- and Spanish-speaking creator audiences- How Veronica attracts new coaching clients without ever doing a hard sell- What she’s learned about scaling from one-to-one work to group coaching and cohorts- Why public speaking has been transformational for her as a creator and a businesswoman- How live sessions and webinars can create real community and boost paid subscriptions- Her advice for writers: stop thinking small, and build an ecosystem around your workMake sure to grab Speak to Scale 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