If You Want To…
Make Money As An Author
…It’s MORE Than Okay
I was attacked this week by an author…
Not an uppercut to the jaw, but something more sophisticated… words. Yep, a full blown assault on the comments section of my YouTube account (don’t bother going there to check it out because I deleted it – not the account, but the comment).
It was basically a rude and long-winded rambling by a frustrated writer (so I’ll spare you most of it). Here’s the important bit:
Mark, I’m sure that your blog will help lots of people who want to write and sell books based in commercial formula (i.e., how to create “fresh” versions of stuff that sold yesterday). But for anybody in what I still have to call the serious literary world, it’s a formula for what’s often called “tree killers”—books that only simulate actual reading, consume forests full of pulp and are gone into the shredder (where they belong) before you can blink… So, all in all, your advice seems great if you’re a literary profiteer with a businessman’s non-grasp of cultural and human history and whose reason for writing is first and last money.
After reading this rant I did what any other red-blooded Italian-American man would do. I thought (ever so briefly) about sending my boy Guido to take care of him. You know, smack ‘em around a little bit and teach him some respect.
Instead, I wrote him a thoughtful and heartfelt (and brutally honest) reply, one that I’d be able to use as the foundation for an article (this one), to help you…
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Make Money As An Author
Here’s the reply that I sent (without the pictures):
Dear Writer:
You’re right that my blog is slanted toward thinking commercially (how to make money as an author), but… my POV isn’t about being inauthentic, unoriginal, or following a specific commercial formula. It’s about finding commercial success. And there are a lot of different ways to do that. As you know, many literary writers have found commercial success and figured out how to make money as an author.
I think the real issue here, triggered by you seeing my YouTube video or however you found me, is the motivation behind why we all do what we do. Here’s how I see it… all writers, whether they know it or not (and, whether they like it or not) are destined to live their entire lives atop a see-saw.
On one side of the see-saw… complete focus on writing (separate from any thoughts about publication, recognition, and/or how to make money as an author).
On the other side… complete focus on publication, recognition, and commercial success (how to make money as an author).
Most writers choose (consciously or subconsciously) to sit on one side or the other.
I try to sit in the middle.
Starting out as a writer (in college) I focused mostly on my writing… immersed in the pure, idealist, romantic bliss of creation… because I was young and just getting started as a writer and needed to learn my craft (at the time, love poetry).
As I started getting older, maturing, and I got married with more financial responsibilities… my writing started losing a little of its luster. Don’t get me wrong. It was still fun and deeply rewarding but… it wasn’t ENOUGH by itself anymore.
I felt like I was supposed to do more… like, make money as an author… that I’d be incomplete or not living my destiny if I didn’t also get my books out to the world… and also make some money in the process. To be honest, I always felt like I was supposed to get my writing out there and make money as an author. But those feelings started getting stronger as I started working for other people after college… doing things I wasn’t passionate about.
Boring…
Now I can’t imagine living a life without having BOTH things… not just inspired writing, but ALSO recognition and making money as an author. And… I have the added pleasure of helping other authors who share the same values (who also “want it all”).
Am I selling out, or being smart and embracing my destiny?
You decide.
However, I believe that God (or some other divine power with more insight than myself) is the only one that really knows the answer.
That’s why I don’t judge anyone if they don’t want the same things that I want. Writing is hard enough. And writers should be more supportive of each other. Plus, everyone has a right to their opinion in my book… as long as they’re nice about it.
It sounds like you’re a really knowledgeable expert who is both talented and frustrated. I know it’s disheartening to realize that you might have to put just as much time and energy into marketing your writing as you did creating it (I know I’m overstating it, but that’s because I know how it feels).
To make matters worse, it’s even more disheartening because there’s no guarantee that (after going to the ends of the earth) you’ll get the recognition you deserve or ever make money as an author. Plus, based on what you told me about your publishing past… you’ve already been burned.
That’s why it’s called The Hero’s Journey.
Seriously…
I’ve been playing with words most of my life and I still read “self-help books” for writers. The last one I read was just a few weeks ago, called The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. You’re probably already familiar with it, and (since we seem to have distinctly different points of view), there’s a good chance you won’t like it.
But, I thought I’d mention it anyway… just in case.
By the way, in your comment you bashed a movie (Cowboys and Aliens) that I used in an article as an example of a high-concept premise. You said “Cowboys and Aliens is great stuff if you’re 8 years old or in a nursing home.” I haven’t seen the movie (at least not yet, I’ll have to look and see if it got good reviews).
But that wasn’t the point.
This is…
Just because something has a high-concept premise doesn’t mean it isn’t good. And just because something DOES have a high-concept premise doesn’t mean it’s good.
Same thing goes for literary fiction.
I love reading beautiful prose, stylistically written, that’s more complex than most of what’s being published today commercially. But a lot of literary authors put too much emphasis on style and not enough on story.
Back on the see-saw…
Weighing the balance between what we think our writing should be… and what we think lots of people are willing to line up and pay for.
I don’t see a right or wrong here.
What I DO see is an opportunity for introspection, tolerance, and balance. Taking it a step further (if you want to make money as an author), this isn’t just an opportunity…
It’s a necessity.
I’m sorry that your publishing career hasn’t gone the way you’d hoped (at least, not yet). All I know is that you (and I, and everyone else) can only focus on what we have control over… and act on that.
Decide, right now, to figure out how you can be YOU… and find commercial success.
Or, let the writing go (along with the anger).
Yes, I’m a literary opportunist and profiteer (sort of). I’d never describe myself that way, but I don’t have a problem with you using that language. Money is indeed part of what motivates me, and it’s an important part.
Writing is an art, publishing is a business.
The way I look at it…
If I don’t have at least one foot in reality (and make smart, bottom-line, practical decisions), I’m not a writer.
I’m a fool.
So…
I refuse to let my writing be a “hobby” (not that there’s anything wrong with that… it’s just wrong for me).
Perhaps the hardest question to face as an author (or any other kind of expert) is this: “What good is all my passion and expertise if I can’t find a way to reach more people with my message?”
If you’re writing for yourself and/or close friends and family, your writing (alone) should be enough. But, if you’re as frustrated as you are, it’s obviously not.
So…
I hope you take this email from me as one thing and one thing only (because that’s what it’s meant to be), simply… encouragement.
I never met another human being (especially a writer) who couldn’t use another dose.
Wishing you all the best,
Mark Malatesta
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Make Money As An Author: Conclusion
Now, you’re probably wondering what happened next…
Did I get a response? What did the disgruntled writer say? Did this story have a happy ending?
Here’s the reply that I got:
Thanks for taking the time to let me know more of your point of view, and I wish you good fortune.
Not the response I was looking for.
I wanted to help my “literary brother” have an authorial awakening. But I don’t think it’s ever going to happen. Mr. Snarky is probably never going to join my Literary Agent Undercover community or become an evangelist for my work.
That’s okay…
I knew what I was getting myself into when I replied to the comment.
And the main reason that I did it is because I knew that I was also going to share it with you.
Yes, YOU…
Someone who wants to make money as an author (and isn’t afraid to say it)… even though I know that you might sometimes get frustrated with the publishing process, too).
But you CAN make money as an author (just be patient and persistent).
And I hope you’ll leave your feedback in the comment section below.
You can even disagree… with my POV.
Just be nice,
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
P.S. – If you want to get published and make money as a writer, read my article How to Write a Bestseller.
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
My dear making-me-fall-in-love-with-you-more-every-day friend: There are many reasons Mark Malatesta is where he is right now, and this email to Disgruntled Writer is merely one reason of a thousand. Thank you, Mark: for bearing your heart and soul for the other seven billion of us on this planet (and the somewhat fewer writers who read your blog). This is the reason I’ve placed my trust in you. If you’ve not yet done the same (trusted Mark)…DO! Thar’s gold in them thar hills!
Hi Craig, are you saying that my number have dipped below seven billion? Just kidding. It’s good hearing from you as well, especially now that I know you finished your “homework”. At least I think so, since I just saw a flurry of emails fly into my email box. 😉 Have a great holiday tomorrow and know that I’ll get back to you on all you sent me ASAP. And, as always, thank you for posting AND filling your words with kindness and positive energy. Talk soon. Mark
It seems to me (gives the impression) that “frustrated writer” has reached the end of a milestone for writers: “Why did I do so much work for so little recognition?” For me writing is about ALL THINGS CREATIVE and rejections are a reminder some people will like what I’ve written and others will reject it outright. (It’s my writing they reject, not me.) So frustrated writer it truly comes down to this: how much do YOU love to write?
Hi Janet, good thought. Actually loving the act of writing itself… not just the finished product… or getting paid to do it… makes an author MUCH more likely to succeed… and enjoy the journey. Have a wonderful holiday and thanks for posting. Mark
Over the year’s I have receive some great insight for a great higher authority in rightly dividing truth. As I recall and as it is written, that the laborer is worthy of his wages 1 Tim 5:18. I don’t think that this guy knows enough of what he is talking about to be able to speak for everyone that is trying to brake into this very versatile industry one way or the other. In other words… some people just need to zip it! These kinds of personal comments and personal opinions should be kept a BIG secret and told only to the man in the mirror. Mark you are doing a great job from your position that you have taken to help from the middle. You’re able to pick people up from one side and move them forward to the other side. From what I have seen, read and heard about you so far is that your focus has been solely to help the individual move forward from both sides and get closer to their goals in writing and in the publishing industry. I am so glad that this guy that made these erroneous and unnecessary comments IS NOT the final authority and “IS NOT THE BOSS” of hopefully anybody or anything… Mark, keep up the good work.
Hi Larry, have I told you lately that I love having you in my corner? I love everything you said and yes… I do see myself as the man in the middle… trying to help people balance both quality writing AND actually getting it out there so they can get paid and make a bigger difference in the world. If you’re given a gift or talent, it’s your obligation to do something with it. Not to mention the fact that it will bring you happiness. Thanks for having my back and have a great holiday. Mark
This is a terrific down to earth posting about a heavenly situation–writing and getting it to pay the bills. I always learn something new reading your messages and I’m grateful for the uplift they provide. While every write is a unique person with a personalized take on what is best for him//her, all writers still share similarities in preparing their manuscripts–we all want them to be respected and perceived as being a worthwhile read. Keep the messages coming, Mark. They’re a true blessing.
Hi Rhymster! It’s true. You really can be a great writer AND make money. At least it’s a better goal to strive for than just being one or the other. What fun is that? Here’s to hoping, and mutual respect. It’s always great hearing from you. Thanks for posting and have a great holiday tomorrow! Mark
It seems odd to me when people need to criticize some one is attempting to accomplish a goal. You don’t like the other person’s objective; just move along and pursue your own. There is a saying about opinions and everyone having one…My best friend often used to repeat: “it takes all kinds…then he’d wonder aloud – why?” He’d finish with: “I think there are a few KINDS we could do without.” In conclusion, intelligence concludes: “a wise person builds a fool tears down.” Peace
Hi Milton. Thank you, and thank you. Well said. People can have whatever opinion they want. They just need to keep it to themselves more often, and let everyone else do their thing. Here’s to a peaceful weekend. Have a good one, and thanks for posting. Mark
thanks ““a wise person builds a fool tears down.”
Is even worse with “pro photogs”. Some poor soul posts a question re:fees or image that passed editorial control. 5mins later, he’s blasted w/ abusive remarks, deriding him as threat to profession, idiot, incompetent, loser, etc. Generally, writers are nowhere near as abusive as “pro photogs” who make it their public duty to inform everyone they are professionals by being unprofessional. Hard to ignore abuse, but art to deflect it.
Hi Mark,
I appreciate your sincere energy. All too often we choose to respond on the defensive and end up nowhere. You chose the positive route and turned it into a great learning opportunity. I look forward to meeting you.
Hi Dana, thank you for your kind words… and taking time to post a comment. I hope you’re having a wonderful holiday weekend. Looking forward to meeting you as well! Mark
I really enjoyed this post. Well done.
Hi Scott, glad you liked it. And I’m glad it’s a long, holiday weekend. Nothing like a holiday weekend to let me get caught up on some reading… like your new chapters. 😉 I’m getting there. Hope all is well with you. Talk soon. Mark
Hey Scott, I read your last batch of chapters last night… and your new batch this morning. It’s amazing how far you’ve come, and how your book is progressing. It’s all coming together. And it’s much more real. Not that the old version wasn’t. It’s just that your reader is now getting a much fuller picture of you as well, and T. Not just Auz. Looking forward to more. Mark
Thanks, Mark, for drawing my attention to this article. I appreciated your honesty and straight talking. And I really liked your see-saw analogy. My husband whom I represent is about to totter to the other side soon once he finishes his manuscript and I want to help him avoid being overwhelmed by the business of publishing requirements. I believe stumbling onto your website will go a long way towards that.
Hi Gai, glad you liked the see-saw. I’ve had so many thoughts and conversations about this topic over the years. I didn’t start to have any serious success until I married the idea that making money is just as important as making art. The two things together… incredible. Your husband is lucky to have you on his team and I’m looking forward to helping you both in any way I can when the time is right. Have a great weekend and thanks for posting! Mark
I love writing. I. Love. Writing. But, like so many would-be best selling authors, I too enjoy the occasional day dream of what it would be like to actually make a living doing what I love. You know what they say, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” And that is what being an author would be for me. And, however shallow it might seem to naysayers like your little YouTube buddy, I am not embarrassed to admit that I want to make money with my writing.
Hi Erica! I love that you love writing. And I REALLY love that you’re not ashamed to say you’d like to MAKE MONEY with your writing. With that kind of clarity, you actually have a decent shot at it. Thanks for taking time to post and have a great weekend! Mark
It appears that only death will be accepted as a means for a writer (or any artist ) to gain respect as a commercial success.Suddenly Adim Wit’ s first novel Two Gun Tex is a best seller. Oh cry’s a critic ( tears running down his trouser’s) ‘The depth of characterization “he had two gun’s and wore a black hat,he was a very angry man. the love interest ( I fancy a bitch tonight ) the hero’s torment (gimme the Taco’s but go easy on the chillies I have a sore arse) Oh yes Death is on the money.
Hi George, that’s true. But I can assure you that death is not always a ticket to bestsellerdom, either. I’m just waiting for an author to fake his death, then get on a bestseller list… only years later for everyone to find out he’s still alive. Hmm. And no, I don’t think Elvis is still alive. Maybe Tupac though. Have a great weekend and thanks for posting. Mark
The most money I’ve made so far has been with articles and children’s reading theater pieces. I love the learning and process with nonfiction, but I also love the freedom of fiction to create. Maybe I should work on something nonfiction for a full length work, along with my fiction pieces. I just know that the only way I’m going to make serious money with fiction is get into a big house… I need an agent for that.
As far as Mr. Snarky goes… There are a lot of people that think mainstream is selling out and there’s nothing you can do to convince them otherwise. I know a lot of Indie authors who think getting an agent and trying for big houses is a waste of time because you can’t write what you want, but what they want. I don’t see trends changing or being set without someone rocking the boat and showing them something new though… It’s all fear and shortsightedness!
I didn’t expect much from Mr. Snarky… just used his rant to create one of my own that I could use as an informative article. That said, every once in a while someone responds well to that kind of feedback and shocks me. I try to remember that and bite my tongue instead of giving people what they deserve. Especially when I remember what you said… that it’s usually just their fear and frustration or shortsightedness talking. Mark
I try to keep in mind that even people who have faith in themselves (like me) have doubts far too often. Then you have the people out there with less experience and/or self-esteem. Then add into the mix that lashing out is a normal human reaction when one feels vulnerable and threatened… *shrug* People that do those rants are hurting or scared in some way. I love how you handled it. You’re a professional and a sweetheart who cares.
Nah, I have to work at being a good person. Knowing that I could squeeze an article out of the incident made it easier. 😉 Enjoy the holiday! Mark
You’re on the right track to do just that Becca. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. And again and again and again. You have everything it takes and you’ll get there… as long as you keep going. And I think you know that I don’t say that to all the girls (and guys). Have a great weekend. Mark
Aw, if I could reach you, I would hug you! 🙂
I only speak the truth! Mark
Hey Mark,
This only goes to prove that you are truly a nice guy! You gave this person far more time than he deserved.
Everyday, I walk the line holding nay-sayers off from their toxic opinions about my cleansing business.
You are far more patient and kind with explaining yourself to this toxic individual. Good for you for standing up in a professional manner. He probably didn’t respond with much because he is embarrassed about his rant and your professional response.
Stay strong!
Hi Mardell, I only did it because I knew I was going to turn it into an article. I’m not that nice. 😉 And I’m glad you get your share of nay-sayers as well. It means you’re SUCCESSFUL. The only people who don’t have critics aren’t living BIG lives. I’ll make some people mad saying that, too. But it’s true. Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Mark
Nice reply. At one point I though we knew each other because you we’re talking to directly to me. Epic.
I don’t need money, but I’m not opposed to writing for it. Somewhere along the line people got smart and started writing for the next generation. People should be more appreciative because its their offspring that benefit from it. Or we could all quit writing and leave the trees in the forest. I guess wellfare is always an option.
Hi Tina, I try… to speak directly to you. It’s part of the gig. I better know what’s going on in that head of yours or you’ll stop reading my posts. 😉 I do like the idea of authors getting something back for all the effort they put into their writing. Praise doesn’t pay the electric bill or put clothes on the kids. And writing takes so much time that the money has to come from somewhere. Pretty nice when it comes from a publisher. Thanks for posting and enjoy your weekend. Mark
I think that COWBOYS AND ALIENS is a fun, exciting, well directed, well acted, well paced movie with an interesting concept. I am not too young or too old or a fool for my opinion. Thank you for all of your excellent advice about combing writing with the business of writing.
Hi Doya, I love that you enjoyed Cowboys and Aliens. I’m a fan of people who can enjoy all types of writing and art. We just can’t take ourselves that seriously. At least not every second! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for taking time to post. Mark
Thanks for your response. I would like to add that I meant to write COMBINING rather than COMBING which is a problem when depending on spell-check to find errors. It makes for lazy proofreading… I apologize for the lapse.
Very funny. No worries though, I got what you were saying and I’m sure everyone else reading this will also. I don’t put that much time into proofing my comments here either. Life is too short and too many other things require greater scrutiny. Thanks again for posting and enjoy the holiday today! Mark
thought writing was a profession and like all professions, it is supposed to pay your livelihood, not just lulling about in plush cushions with the hookah and hallucinating about pink elephants. It’s a discipline. Dunno, learning hockey. Head is filled with stats and the stats tell stories, but at moment am a bit apprehensive to ask. Think I will have free range.
hi pogo, for some it’s a profession… for others it’s delusion. i’m okay with people writing for pleasure, but then they shouldn’t be jealous of the authors who’ve treated their writing like a business and gotten paid for doing so. happy hockey. mark
yes, so I know writing may be creative pastime or grinding out exceptionally terribly ungrammatical homework, but that’s not what you are about. As for the delusional, it’s even worse in singing. Such elements exist in all”artistic” (ugh) trades and about equally the same. A person should be able to earn income from his work as it requires discipline, time and skill. If you just wish to be a famous writer, there’s all kinds of writing ops available, including the International Library of Poets.
Happy Friday Mark! And how astutely & beautifully said, “Writing is an art, publishing is a business!” I worry about the troubled Cookies who go online (often anonymously, & thus of cowardice) and bash or lash out at one, versus selecting some other place to dwell. Then again, the masses devote effort toward tearing Miley Cyrus apart; to schadenfreude when anyone successful fails, and they become threatened when a mere opinion differs from their own. Solution: They should make more MONEY, as to buy the really “good” olives from now on, and then life, in an instant, will be just gorgeous & happy!
Hi Leah, I get at least one knucklehead per week saying something off the wall like that… but I know it’s really about their own fear and frustration. I understand it, but I also know that some people need to learn some manners. Thank you for your support and ongoing positivity. It means the world to me, and I know others here appreciate it as well. Have a great weekend! Mark
I just received my large order of paperbacks of my book and my first signing is tomorrow.
Of course, I am excited, but there is something rather daunting about stacks of boxes in my kitchen that I am now personally responsible for selling in order to first, recoup the money I invested in the order, and second, generate enough of an income to justify writing more books.
Yes, it is awesome to make money!
But when I am dead and gone, it will be nice to have left something behind.
Good luck, Geri! By the way, there is tons of fantastic advice out there about doing your first signing. Remember to call people over to your table! Be aggressive and get those books sold. Again, best of luck!
Hi Geri, this day has been a long time coming… so I’m glad you let us know. Enjoy your signing. Know that you have the personality to get ANYONE interested in you and your writing. And let us know how it goes. 😉 Mark
Hey Mark,
Certainly “bottom lines” are always critical. Still, I like to think other motives may come into play; specifically, the burning desire not just to tell a story, but to convey an underlying message within it. Does the writer have something to share? Something of significance in seeking to bring people closer together? If so, then the end result will have been worth the dust encountered on the way.
Nice.
Hi Jose, a burning desire to spread a meaningful message is a wonderful thing. Not just because it can change lives, but because it can motivate an author to find a way to get the message out… in a big way. Without that burning desire it’s easier for an author to give up or let his marketing efforts fizzle out. Mark
Really? I like that idea. Usually I just see people sitting around and waiting…I’ll definitely be more proactive.
Thanks.
I think it may be the down fall of many talented, hopeful authors….writing is passion, marketing, an art in itself. You may be a creative, riveting story teller, but clueless as to how to get noticed. I admit, I love writing fiction novels, but I’m terrible at marketing them. I once had postcards made up with my cover art, the book’s synopsis, information to purchase, etc., and I left them on every seat in the airport waiting room. Result? Not one sale. Too many book stores on site?
Lynn,
I have to say that putting the postcards in the seat was rather clever. I wish it had worked.
I about ready to go door to door with my son as he sells popcorn for the Boy Scouts. 🙂
I’m having a terrible time with marketing.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Lynn, you had a great idea with your postcards. A creative writer has a lot of the tools needed to be a creative marketer. It’s just that authors more readily understand the time investment required to become a good author… than the time it takes to become an effective marketer. Good thing is that there are people out there (like me) you can help and shorten the learning curve. Let me know if I can help you in any way. And don’t be shy about posting questions. Mark
Keep up the good work Mark!
Why people think that certain professions have to work for free is beyond my understanding.
I love your articles and since there are a lot of wonderfully talented writers out there flipping burgers when they could be sharing their amazing insight with the rest of us, I for one would like to say. “Keep the info on how to make a living doing what we love coming.”
Thank you, and I agree. I’m going to write an article about this one day… I was in Safeway (grocery store) and saw a sign in front of the store about jobs available. They were paying $7 an hour. And I know there are authors working those jobs around this country that could be published, if they just thought a little differently and/or took a little more action. But you have to be okay with making money… to actually do it. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by my blog. Mark