For many authors, book sales are just the beginning of a profitable writing career. While selling books is the most obvious way to make money as a writer, savvy authors are expanding their revenue streams through audiobooks, merchandise, and special editions.
By diversifying your income, you not only increase your earnings but also strengthen your brand and deepen reader engagement. Here we look at how you can go beyond book sales and tap into additional revenue sources that can grow your writing business.
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The Power of Audiobooks: Expanding Your Readership and Earnings
Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing segments of the publishing industry. Many readers prefer listening to books on the go, making audiobooks a powerful way to reach a larger audience.
Why Audiobooks Are Profitable:
- Growing Market: The global audiobook industry is expected to continue expanding.
- Higher Price Point: Audiobooks often sell for more than ebooks and paperbacks.
- Passive Income: Once produced, audiobooks generate ongoing sales.
How to Turn Your Book into an Audiobook:
- Hire a Professional Narrator: Use platforms like ACX (Audible) or Findaway Voices to find voice actors.
- Self-Narrate: If you have a strong voice and good recording equipment, you can narrate your own book.
- Distribute Widely: Sell audiobooks on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.
Example: A self-published romance author who earns $1,500 per month from ebooks and print books could add another $500–$2,000 per month with an audiobook version.
Selling Merchandise: Turning Your Brand into a Business
Readers love to connect with their favorite authors beyond books. By selling branded merchandise, you can boost your income and give fans a way to support you.
Popular Author Merchandise Ideas:
- Book-Themed Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags featuring book quotes or cover art.
- Bookmarks & Stationery: Custom-designed bookmarks, planners, and notebooks.
- Mugs & Drinkware: Coffee mugs with literary-themed slogans.
- Posters & Prints: Artwork inspired by your book or characters.
- Collector’s Items: Signed bookplates, pins, or limited-edition artwork.
How to Sell Author Merchandise:
- Print-on-Demand Platforms: Use Redbubble, TeePublic, or Amazon Merch to create and sell products without upfront costs.
- Etsy or Shopify: Set up a store to sell exclusive merchandise.
- Direct Sales: Offer signed merchandise on your author website.
Example: A fantasy author could sell a limited-edition enamel pin featuring a popular character from their book series.
Special Editions: Creating Exclusive Versions of Your Book
Offering special editions of your book can increase perceived value and attract dedicated fans who are willing to pay more for exclusive content.
Types of Special Editions:
- Signed Copies: Sell autographed books directly to readers.
- Hardcover Collector’s Editions: Print premium hardcover versions with unique cover designs.
- Annotated Editions: Include author commentary, deleted scenes, or behind-the-scenes notes.
- Illustrated Editions: Feature exclusive artwork, maps, or character sketches.
- Boxed Sets: Bundle books together with special packaging for a premium price.
Where to Sell Special Editions:
- Your Author Website: Sell directly to fans.
- Kickstarter or Crowdfunding: Fund a special edition release with reader support.
- Bookstore Partnerships: Offer signed editions through indie bookstores.
Example: A sci-fi author might launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund a collector’s edition hardcover with a metallic dust jacket and custom illustrations.
Bundling Your Content for Higher Profits
Authors can increase sales by bundling content into packages that offer extra value.
Profitable Bundle Ideas:
- Ebook + Audiobook Bundle: Offer a discount for purchasing both formats together.
- Series Box Sets: Sell multiple books in a series at a discounted price.
- Exclusive Fan Packages: Include a book, a bookmark, and a signed letter from the author.
Example: A self-published thriller writer could sell a trilogy box set for $9.99 instead of $3.99 per book, increasing the total purchase value.
Marketing Strategies for Maximizing Earnings
To succeed in making money beyond book sales, you need an effective marketing strategy.
How to Promote Your Additional Revenue Streams:
- Email Marketing: Send newsletters with exclusive offers and early access to special editions.
- Social Media: Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase merch and audiobooks.
- Website & Store: Create a dedicated store on your author website.
- Cross-Promotion: Include merch and audiobook links inside your ebooks and print books.
Tip: Use scarcity marketing—phrases like “limited-time edition” or “only 100 copies available” create urgency and drive sales.
Authors today have more ways than ever to make money beyond book sales. By expanding into audiobooks, merchandise, and special editions, you can increase your income, engage with fans, and build a sustainable author business.
Ready to go beyond book sales? Start by choosing one additional revenue stream—whether it’s launching an audiobook, selling merchandise, or creating a special edition of your book. The more you diversify, the more opportunities you’ll unlock for long-term financial success as an author!
