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 
I sense self-disappointment in this writer. Each writer is worthwhile and whom we choose to help us important. I want most for my readers, of all I write, to experience the golden threads that unite us. Mark, you helped me see that and more. Trees: we have electronic devices, libraries and communal books. More serious are the books burned to make soundless the evolution of humankind. Books matter—a child’s diary to a Nobel Prize in Literature and all in between. So do those who guide us there.
Hi Janet, you were born to write. Even your comments are poetry. Here’s to loving words… and the process of getting them published. Thank you for continuing to believe in me, the way I believe in YOU. Mark
Mark – your eloquent reply to the dispirited author should provide the rest of your audience with important guidance. We all start our projects in hope of producing important work. However, unless we are writing under contract, we must become business-minded once our manuscript is completed or never attain the audience of readers we desire.
Well done.
Hi Pat, thank you for that. Life is too precious to spend lots of time doing anything… including writing… unless we can believe it’s eventually going to “pay off” by getting in front of lots of readers and (why not) making some money. Yes, we can write just because we love it. But putting thousands of hours into it JUST because we love it feels kind of weird… if that’s all there’s going to be to it. Here’s to finding the audience (and income) we all deserve! Mark
Well played, Mark. I’ve never understood why writers would want to dwell on negatives and bring other writers down in the process. You handled the situation very well. On the right stage writing can come to life: with a lucrative publishing deal that helps connect with more people, and by focusing a vision. I’m ambitious, so I’d say a screenplay is part of the best case scenario as well. Thank you for helping bring vision, ambition, smart business and heart into balance. Bravo!!
Thank you Akasha, for your comment… and for daring to dream and go big. Some us can have it all. So why not try? What other option is there but going for it? Thanks for sharing and have a great day. Mark
Great post Mark,
A very profound and generous response to what reads, in the brief excerpt at least, as vitriolic and irrational.
Firstly having had consultation and coaching with you I would like to say that your primary gift is in identifying the essence of a given project and helping savvy authors to fully reveal and further develop their own work and give it a stronger chance of being appreciated by the right people.
Secondly their are all sorts of writers out there and the literary weight of a given project is up to the individual and – intellectual snobbery (you might call it discrimination)aside their are markets reflecting all tastes.
Whatever a writer is writing he writes to communicate – the idea that a writer who has the drive and persistence to prevail long enough to this through the available publishing channels is a lesser being or a sell out is pure hubris.
The idea that the writer who sits on his work or bemoans that his great ideas The writer who bemoans that only crap gets published while his great talent is overlooked is afflicted by a form of cowardice, giving in and giving up when he should be getting on with it despite the inevitable battering of the artists ego.
Attacking a coach for writers whose primary offering is to help talented, ambitious writers hone their skills and polish their approach to agents and publishers is a form of projection by what sounds a very ambitious, frustrated – hopefully talented writer.
Hi Jane, always good hearing from you… and I love your thoughtful and insightful comment. Fear and jealousy and triggers about success/money cause authors to think and believe and feel and say all kinds of things that… in the end… only hurt them. Here’s to those of us who want to create quality writing and make money and make a difference. Hope all is well with you, by the way. I’m looking forward to hearing some exciting news from you soon. 😉 Mark
I am now on my second year of promoting my book. I have added an exciting prologue since every agent says my first 10 pgs just don’t grab them. When I read your client’s story (he got a call within 5 minutes of sending an agent the query you helped write for him) I want to sell my house to retain you. I’ve rewritten my query 100 times but still nothing. Maybe if someone said the book was crap I could give up but I still believe its great. I’m so discouraged, I kinda wish now I never wrote it
Hi Debbie, I’m glad I know you and your writing… so I can genuinely encourage you to keep believing and keep going. Hard to deal with the fact that it can take many years to break out in this biz, but you are the real deal. So give yourself time and room to reach all your goals. You’ve already done more than most people. 😉 Hang in there. Mark
I have no problem with once in a while escaping into a world devoid of reality. The problem I do have is that our society is increasingly oriented toward instant gratification. It seems to me that many of the great novels of the past, which were both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, wouldn’t be successful in today’s climate because they weren’t gripping enough from the get-go. The biggest-selling novelist today churns out formulaic stuff that he admits is strictly entertaining.
Hi Bob. Here’s to writing entertaining work… that’s also meaningful. Most people can only do one or the other. But I admire those who strive to do it all. 😉 Mark
Hello Mark,
thank you for sharing your response you sent to the irate reader.
I loved your response.I had a good laugh when I read this response from you “After reading this rant I did what any other red-blooded Italian American man would do. I thought (ever so briefly)……” Thank you for making me laugh, especially after a difficult day at work. I’m also Italian and I can assure you this something I would think about as well, (ever so briefly). If I could make my writing my full time employment rather than to work for someone else, this would bring freedom and joy to my heart.I hope to one day hire you Mark Malatesta, for I know you could help me reach a larger audience. I have wanted to help others for a very long time with my writing. People tell me my writing is a hobby can’t make money with it. With your help I hope to prove them WRONG! I am very happy I came across your website.Wishing you continued success! Luisa
Hi Luisa, thank YOU. I’ve found that some of the best articles come out of awkward situations like this. So I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I look forward to helping you 1-on-1 during a call and/or coaching when the time is right, if possible. In the meantime, you can always post questions here! Now, here’s to having fun, enjoying writing, and making money. Because we can… do it all. Have a great day and see you again soon I hope. Mark
Hi Mark,
Very interesting to read your response. I amazed you didn’t get riled up but good on you for not. I find it fascinating how some people aren’t prepared to consider that others can have a different way of looking at things or even POV. Keep up the good work. Everyone of those success stories that we read about on your website just keeps us more motivated and determined to make it. Even if that upsets Mr Snarky. Make sure you tell us when he signs up on your course – hey! he might
Hi Dawson, I got plenty riled up… but figured I should turn into a positive. 😉 Have a great weekend and keep believing. Mark
I think you dissected the issue pretty effectively. I do think it’s better to try and say something meaningful about the human experience in one’s writing rather than merely providing escapist entertainment. On the other hand, pure escapism through the reading experience, in which one’s imagination is engaged, probably is more valuable than deriving thrills through the tube or the movie house.
Hi Bob, to each his own then I guess. I’m more often a fan of things that make me think as well, but enjoy something “brainless” once in a while as well. Have a great weekend and thanks for posting. Mark
Well Said Mark!!!! What a gift for expression and articulation…I am where I am with an agent and my book is in publishers hands waiting for an offer…BECAUSE of YOU! I just followed your advice and coaching and am patiently working my way through the process to SELL my book and accomplish my goal of helping people find the answers in my self-help lay version way. I feel successful already, but would really like to have some zeros behind numbers on many checks to make me feel proud of my work.
Hi Mardell… well I’m not going to turn away heartfelt gratitude like that… THANK YOU. But it was mainly because you wrote a great book. 😉 Fingers crossed now for you to get the book deal you deserve as well. Here’s to lots of zeroes! Mark
Mark, as always you handled Mr. Snarky with class. I thought your email was beautifully written and I’m surprised you didn’t at least get a response with even an ounce of gratitude. Some people just aren’t happy with their own lives, so when they see someone achieving the success they WISH they had… their anger boils to the surface and they lash out. Good for you for rising above.– Sue
Hi Susan, thank you for that… and I wasn’t expecting anything from the author of that comment, to be honest. It’s like when you’re eating out a restaurant and they get something wrong with your food. Most of the time they’re defensive and don’t really want to hear it. Every once in a blue moon you get a manager coming out to sincerely thank you and make it right. But it takes a lot of courage to do that. I love people that do, though. We all make mistakes or need to change and adjust our think. ESPECIALLY if we’re going to be good writers. Thanks for your kindness and continued support, and have a great weekend. Mark
Hi Mark,
You have officially reached cult status in my book! I honestly think that writer was taking out his frustrations on you. Just because an author isn’t successful doesn’t mean he’s a bad writer – it means he hasn’t had any luck yet or worse…has no idea how to self-promote.
To say that you’re a profiteer is unrealistic, for as you say, “If I don’t have a foot in reality…I’m not a writer.” How does Mr. Snarky pay the bills then? How do we? What about self-publishers? Unless they can print their books for free and give them away, chances are they have to PAY for the printing, editing, cover design, etc and where does that money come from? Sales! Am I right? So what reality is Mr. Snarky living in?
One of my writing instructors suggested your website to me and I think it’s the best advice I’ve ever received. I haven’t written my book yet (I’m finally working on my first chapter!) but between my classes and your site I do have a clear understanding now of what I need to do to publish and hopefully, succeed in the literary world. I’m realistic enough to know I won’t make millions out of my first, second, third or more books – or any for that matter – but what matters is that I try and work at it by creating my blog, promoting my book when its done, and everything else that has to be done and can be done. I may never quit my day job but it will be fun to do book signings even now and then…once a month…in an obscure bookstore no one’s ever heard of…LOL! Ok, enough drama – you get my point.
Disregard that character (no pun intended). He may have a very, very romanticized notion of writing and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re planning on making your writing available to the masses and paying your bills in the process, then you and I are both profiteers, my friend. And there’s no shame in that.
PS – I like cowboys, I like aliens and I enjoyed Cowboys & Aliens. It was a fun combination of two of my favorite things. It may not have had a major, Oscar-award winning plot, but it was enough for a fun afternoon. Oh, and by the way, when I go to the library I’ll look up The War of Art – thanks for the suggestion! I’ll take it!
Hi Connie, thank you for that… and I agree. And I love your line about how Mr. Snarky pays the bills. LOL. Glad to hear that people in the know are recommending me. I’d love to know who so I could say thank you. And you never know, you might make millions on your first book. Long shot, but it could happen. But I’m glad you’re prepared to make less. 😉 Here’s to having fun and dreaming big. Have a great weekend and thank you for your thoughtful and supportive post! Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your reply! I first heard of you a few months back in my Contemporary Writers & Publishing class. I have the teacher’s name but is there any way I can send you his name & school email privately? Don’t panic, I won’t bombard you with query letters! LOL! I’m just big on keeping other people’s privacy.
Thanks again and have a great weekend too!!
Connie G
Hi Connie, of course… you can use the email form here: https://literary-agents.com/contact/. And feel fr*ee to ask more questions here if/when the time is right… or sign up for a call with me. Either way, I’m happy to help. Mark
Thanks for sharing this. The tone an tenor or your thoughtful and kind response clearly demonstrates what a quality person you are. Like most, when I first started writing, making money wasn’t in my thoughts at all. But having written a book there are few things which would give me more pleasure than being able to write full time. For me, this means I would need to make money with what I write. The would also mean lots of readers are enjoying my prose. What a concept.
Thank you Matt, this was one of those articles that took a looong time to write. Had to cool off a bit before I wrote it, too. Ha ha ha. Glad to hear you want to be a good writer and make money. We really can have it all. Have a great weekend. Mark
Hi Mark
Its certainly a different perspective and worth consideration but I have to say I’m not angry, simply frustrated. I have had manuscripts returned unopened and found literary agents that don’t follow their own submission guidelines.
Perhaps it’s a lot more professional in the USA but so far what I have come across led me to post my previous comment. Of course it would be nice to become a successful author and make money from it but to me that’s the dream not the reality of what I see.
Hi Brian, sorry to hear that. And I get it. Only thing I can tell you is that if you keep at it, you increase your chances. I know that’s obvious and it’s hard to keep believing and keep going sometimes. But I hope you do. Mark
Dear Mark:
You were very kind to your unhappy and angry writer, and you may have been the first person in the industry to take the time and give him attention and a personal response. That may have been all that he needed, just to be heard. Impressive.
Hi Flora, I was actually very nasty at first (at least the thoughts in my head and the first things I wrote in my first draft)! But then I did what every good person, and good writer, does. Cool off. And keep rewriting until you have something worth reading, that might actually be positive and productive. Thank you for being so kind, and taking time to comment. I hope to see you here again soon. Mark
Hi Mark! I agree with your point of view – totally. Writing is an ART. Getting published is a Business. There is nothing wrong with wanting to EARN money at writing. Believe me, no one hands you money for writing – you have to go out there & pound the pavement (or the keyboard) day after day to promote your “product” – you, your ms. Then you have to keep fresh – writing, research, editing – EVERY day – without letting the “business” side get to your ART. Kind of a tightrope act. No hobby this.
Hi Lois, since I’ve been working with you 1-on-1 for a while… I can say that you’re the perfect example of someone who gets it. You love writing and immerse yourself in that creative world. But then you peek your head out when you need to, put on your marketing hat, and brave the world of agents. I wish more authors had your positive attitude and commitment. And I can’t to share the good news of your success soon with everyone here. Have a great weekend! Mark
Hi Mark
I share your POV completely. One has to be realistic and like you, I want to make lots of money as an author as well as be recognized as a serious literary talent around the world. Your article helps
bring authors who are floating on a cloud down to earth. He was polite with his response but the him wishing you good fortune may be a bit of sarcasm though.
Hi Saw Lian, I’m glad to hear it. Creativity, inspiration, and authenticity are valuable. But equally valuable are smart marketing and making money. Hey, why not try to have it all? Many do. And thank you for seeing that the author’s response was likely sarcasm. I felt that way also, based on the fact that his reply was so short… compared to my very lengthy one. Have a great weekend and see you again soon. Mark
I see some positive things in the response you got from that person. First of all. that person thanked you, and also thanked you specifically for taking the time to let him/her know more of your point of view. And he/she wished you good fortune.
I too, want to thank you for sharing more of your point of view as it was interesting, helpful and inspirational. And I too, wish you good fortune, -you deserve it and so do all of us authors trying to make a difference in the world.
Hi Gwenne, that’s true. Hard to tell with so few words what the person was thinking/feeling. But at least it was a polite response. That’s all I can ever ask for. But I don’t need to ask you to be polite because you always are. Thank you for being your positive spirit to my blog… not just for me, but for everyone else reading these comments! Mark
Hi Mark… Thanks for the free download offer. Too bad for me that I live in the boonies and only have dial-up; no wi-fi here. Even the dial-up meant running 3000 ft of phone wire down through the pastures, etc., to the nearest place that the phone company could hook me up. The best place for wi-fi is the library. I visit on Thursdays. It is an hour and a half drive each way, so I only go once a week. Your offer ends before then. Oh, well. I appreciate your site and interest. Aloha nui.
Hi Doya, I’m glad you posted about this. I’m going to send you a private email with information on how you can still participate, based on your unique situation. More from me later today, check your email this afternoon for something from me. Mark 😉
“Perhaps the hardest question to face as an author … is this: “What good is all my passion and expertise if I can’t find a way to reach more people with my message?'”
This is similar to a question I asked myself 20 years ago: “Why do I love politics so much when I obviously have so little talent for it?” The answer was that I needed to change perspective. Instead of being the actor, I needed to be the wise observer. At that point, I solved the riddle, which led to my book and finding you.
Hi Harold, I really like your comment. We often see our passion and talent differently than others. For me, I spent a l-o-n-g time thinking that I was just meant to be a writer. Then one day the light went on in my head that I’m ALSO supposed to help other writers. Small shift in perspective with a huge impact. Thank you for sharing this, and hope you had a great holiday weekend. Talk soon. Mark