The Day I Stopped Writing for Money
The Day I Stopped Writing for Money—and Started Making It Anyway
If you're tired of writing just to survive, maybe it's time to write smarter, not harder.
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| Image by the author origanally on medium |
Let’s get one thing out of the way:
The phrase "passive income" annoys a lot of writers.
And I get it. It sounds like something fake influencers say while sipping cocktails on a beach, selling overpriced courses about doing no work.
But if you're a writer? You know better.
You've stayed up at 2 a.m. rewriting a single sentence. You’ve poured your heart into words that maybe five people read.
So when someone says, "Make money in your sleep," you roll your eyes.
But here’s the truth:
Passive income does exist for writers. It's just not passive in the beginning.
It takes work. It takes time. But once it’s built, your writing starts working for you—while you live your life.
This isn’t a dream. It’s a plan. And it might be the thing that keeps you from burning out.
Why Most Writers Stay Trapped
Most writers treat their writing like a job—but expect it to behave like a business.
And businesses? They have leverage.
They create once and earn again and again.
But writers?
We publish a piece.
Move on to the next.
And the next.
And the next.
Hoping it will all add up.
But it doesn’t. Not until you shift your mindset.
The moment you start treating your writing as an asset (not just output), everything changes.
Here’s how you begin.
1. Turn Your Newsletter Into a Revenue Stream
If you already send a newsletter, you’re sitting on an income stream you haven’t tapped yet.
Start with sponsorships. As your list grows, charge for ad slots in your emails. Writers with 1,000+ engaged subscribers are earning $500–$2,000 per issue.
Next? Add a paid tier.
Offer bonus essays, early access, and behind-the-scenes notes. Even 100 subscribers at $5/month is $500 in recurring income.
You’re already writing. Now you're getting paid for the space inside it.
2. Create a Course From What You Already Know
Courses sound scary—but they don’t have to be complicated.
Think: mini-course. Short lessons. Use your existing articles.
Writers have made $500+ from simple courses they created in a weekend.
Platforms like Gumroad, Podia, and Teachable make it dead easy. Record voiceovers on your phone. Keep it simple.
One weekend of focused creation = years of passive earnings.
3. Turn Your Blog Posts Into a Sellable eBook
You already have the material.
Bundle your Medium drafts or blog posts into a themed, 50-page eBook. Polish the copy, add a clean design, and upload it to Gumroad.
$10–$20 might not sound like much—but the numbers stack up. Especially when your eBook solves a real problem.
No printing. No shipping. Just recurring sales.
4. Build a Paid Community Around Your Work
Readers want more than just content. They want connection.
Create a private group or Discord server. Offer live Q&As, writing prompts, and feedback sessions.
Even 50 members at $10/month = $500/month.
The best part? Once it’s running, you can automate and moderate. Your people will keep it alive.
5. Repurpose Articles Into YouTube Videos
Here’s the secret: YouTube creators need scripts.
You already write those.
Take a polished blog post. Record yourself reading it. Add minimal editing. Done.
Post consistently. Monetize your channel. Let ad revenue trickle in—forever.
6. Re-Publish for Royalties
Most writers stick to one platform. But many platforms pay for the same work.
Republish your content on:
- Vocal Media
- Quora+
- NewsBreak
- Medium Partner Program
One article, four platforms, multiple payouts.
Tweak, upload, repeat.
7. Use Affiliate Links That Work Behind the Scenes
Do you recommend books, tools, or software? Use affiliate links.
These links let you earn a commission every time someone buys through your article.
Some of my posts from last year still earn monthly commissions. Without lifting a finger.
8. Invest the Money You Earn From Writing
This is the step most writers skip.
Don’t just earn. Invest.
Take the money from your digital products and put it into:
- Index funds
- High-yield savings
- Real estate
- Digital assets (like domains)
Let your money do what your writing can’t: grow silently in the background.
Final Thoughts: Freedom Is Built, Not Found
Let’s be honest:
Writing for money is exhausting.
But if you start building systems around your writing today, the future version of you will be rested, free, and still earning.
Passive income isn’t magic. It’s momentum.
So start small:
- One paid newsletter
- One $15 eBook
- One 60-minute course
Then step back.
Watch what happens.
Your writing doesn’t have to be a job forever.
It can be your freedom.
👋 Want More Like This?
➤ Follow me on Medium: https://medium.com/@najfywrites
➤ Read my Substack newsletter: https://najfywrites.substack.com
➤ Explore my digital shop: https://shayanharis.gumroad.com
➤ Visit my Blogger homepage: https://najfywrites.blogspot.com
— Written by najfywrites, originally published on medium
