Build a Business Model to Fit Your Author Goals
“You must be the master of your own business model, not a servant to someone else’s.” — Joanna Penn
One Size Doesn’t Fit All (That’s a Good Thing)
Not every new indie author wants the same outcome. Some aim to quit their day job, while others want supplemental income. Some many simply crave creative fulfillment. That’s why choosing the right business model is so important. It aligns your indie publishing path with your personal definition of success.
This writer’s guide is designed to help you craft a unique author business model that resonates with your goals and aspirations. It’s about what works for you, not just what’s trending today.
(Note: This is for educational and informational purposes. It’s not intended as a substitute for a legal or financial professional advisor. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional.)
What Is a Business Model (and Why Should You Care)?
A business model is how you make money from your work. It defines what you create, how you deliver it, and who pays you. If your current model feels draining or chaotic, it may be time for a reset. The right model matches your personality, skills, and time. It supports your financial and creative goals. It also helps you prioritize projects and marketing. And most importantly, it evolves as your career grows.
5 Proven Business Models for Indie Authors
You don’t have to pick just one, but it helps to focus on your primary model first. Here are five business models to consider.
1. The Book-Centric Author
Goal: Steady royalties from a catalog of books
Focus: Write, publish, promote
Income Streams: eBooks, paperbacks, audiobooks, translations
Great For: Introverts, fiction writers, long-term builders
2. The Expert-Author
Goal: Use your book to build authority
Focus: Sell services, courses, or consulting.
Income Streams: Speaking gigs, coaching, digital products
Great For: Nonfiction writers, educators, thought leaders
3. The Community-Centric Author
Goal: Build a loyal audience that funds your work directly
Focus: Personal connection, serialized content
Income Streams: Patreon, Substack, Kickstarter
Great For: Authors who value reader interaction and flexibility
4. The Authorpreneur
Goal: Run a full publishing business or imprint
Focus: High output, team building, scalability
Income Streams: Book bundles, rights sales, merchandise
Great For: Ambitious builders, genre fiction writers, serial creators
5. The Multi-Creative
Goal: Blend writing with art, design, or other ventures
Focus: Diversify creativity
Income Streams: Art prints, music, web comics, freelance gigs
Great For: Creatives with multiple talents
How to Choose the Right Business Model for You
Your ideal business model should energize you, not merely generate income. Start with one model, then layer others in later. Ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of lifestyle do I want my writing to support?
- Do I prefer working solo or with a team?
- Am I drawn to recurring income or one-time project payouts?
- Do I enjoy marketing, tech, teaching, or community building?
Make It Sustainable So You Don’t Burn Out
Whichever business model you choose, keep it manageable. Schedule rest and creative breaks. Don’t chase trends that don’t match your voice. Revisit your model quarterly to adjust as needed. For instance, if you find that a particular income stream is not performing as expected, you might consider diversifying or focusing more on a different stream. Your business should serve your goals, not consume them.
Wrap-Up: Your Path. Your Choice
Tired of chasing someone else’s version of success? Build a custom-fit author business model that reflects your strengths, goals, and lifestyle. There’s no single path to success as a new indie author. There is only the one that is right for you. By choosing a business model that matches your creative style, revenue goals, and work preferences, you set yourself up for sustainable success. The right model removes friction and helps you build your author business with confidence.
For more guidance, see other writer’s guides in this series, such as Author Financials—6 Top Tips for New Indie Authors.
Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.
If you have a draft you want to publish and are wondering how AI can help, read it. Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.
Don’t wait. Start today!
We hope you’ve found the writer’s guide strategies helpful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to help you succeed as a new author.
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Checklist: Choosing Your Author Business Model
- I’ve identified what success looks like for me (income, freedom, creative joy)
- I understand how I want to make money (books, services, community, products)
- I’ve selected a primary business model that fits my personality and goals
- I’ve mapped out my key income streams
- I’m aware of the time, skills, and marketing required for my model
- I’ve planned for balance, sustainability, and regular reassessment
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