How to Write for a Living

Season 2, episode 8 is here!In this episode, I chat with Michael Lim, who’s currently living the sweet creator life in Bali and can’t believe he’s almost 30.Here’s some of what we touched on in this one:- The DOT framework for solopreneurs- How to fix your offer using the Three Ps- Why money and titles don’t equate to happiness- Which other writers have influenced Michael’s approachIf you want to hone your offer and generate more income as a writing-based solopreneur, this one’s for you.And don’t forget to check out Michael’s publication, Solopreneur Launch, before you go!Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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 2, episode 7 is here!In this episode, I chat with Jari Roomer, who expertly walks us through the process of creating and lauching digital products actually wanted by our audience members (which is kind of a big deal!).Here’s some of what we covered:- When to let go as an entrepeneur- How to validate ideas with your audience- The differences between full and mini courses- The best ways to grow an email audience on SubstackIf you’re interested in launching your own digital products, this one’s for you.And don’t forget to check out Jari’s co-hosted publication, Write • Build • Scale!Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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 2, episode 6 is here!In this episode, I chat with Emma Nelson, who shares some fascinating insights on what it’s like to be a professional ghostwriter (while simultaneously writing a novel!).Here’s some of what we covered:What a ghostwriter actually isHow to approach potential clientsWhat the ghostwriting process looks likeHow ghostwriting and Substack combine to become a thriving businessIf you’re interested in becoming a ghostwriter yourself, this one’s for you.You can also check out Emma’s publication here.Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Episode 5 is here!In this episode, I chat with Scott Perry, who’s on a mission to help seasoned solopreneurs build their ideal lifestyle.We covered a lot here, including:- What it’s like to change course after a decades-long career- Adapting your lifestyle to meet fresh needs- How to position yourself effectively as a solopreneur- How to ensure you reserve the right to change lanesIf you’re a writer interested in building a life-giving solo business, this one’s for you.Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Episode 4 is here!In this episode, I share what I’m doing more and less of in 2025, and why. I also answer a handful of questions from subscribers (listen out for yours!).If you have any questions after listening, just drop them in the comments.Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Episode 3 is here!Today, I chat to Ana Calin about the best ways to grow an online audience, particularly here on Substack (where she’s absolutely flying!).In this episode, we discuss:- How Ana grew a 40k Substack audience in a matter of months- How her background in marketing helped prepare her for life on Substack- What it means to “just start” your creator journey- Which kinds of Substack Notes are most effective- How to make paid content irresistible- How to be serious about having fun- And much more!Make sure to drop a question for Ana in the comments after listening.And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Episode 2 of Season 2 is here!Today, I chat to Claudia Faith about how she grew a sustainable writing-based business on Substack, where she helps other writers get paid for their words.In this episode, we discuss:- How Claudia went from working with investor startups to full-time writer- How she grew a 3,000+ audience on Substack in just 6 months- Our thoughts on the use of AI in writing- How our writing processes differ- How to build trust with readers through authenticity- Key approaches writers can take to generate income from their words- Why Substack is such a brilliant platform for writers at any stage in their journeyMake sure to drop a question for Claudia in the comments after listening.And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Welcome to Season 2!In the very first episode of the second season, I chat to Jamie Northrup about what it means to have a “minimalist” approach to writing, content creation and business growth.Jamie’s built an audience of 7,000+ minimalist hustlers with a simple daily email strategy. He goes for quality over quantity in his mission to help writers and online business owners earn more by working on their own terms. If this sounds good to you (and why the heck wouldn’t it?), you’ll enjoy this episode for sure.Make sure to drop a question for Jamie in the comments after listening.And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

The season one finale is here!In today’s episode, I chat to you about my main takeaways from my first full calendar year on Substack. It’s been a fascinating 12 months featuring plenty of ups and downs - hopefully you’ll find the 7 points I share in this episode useful.I also answer some questions from the How to Write for a Living community (keep ‘em coming!).Feel free to leave a question of your own in the comments after listening.And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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

Episode 16 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Derek Hughes, a self-proclaimed “old bloke with no writing experience” who’s now making five figures a year writing online.Derek and I discuss writing platforms like Substack and Medium, and Derek shares his process for crafting effective, engaging articles that generate revenue. If you’re keen to develop a sustainable writing-based business of your own, this is the perfect episode for you.Make sure to drop a question for Derek in the comments after listening.And as always, paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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