Dear Reader,

Before I get into this week's roundup, a quick note:

My coaching calendar is open and I have a few spots available this season. If you've ever wanted to sit down with me and work through your writing, your publishing strategy, your creative career — or just figure out what the hell your next step is — now is a great time to book a call.

I'm also planning my group retreats for end of 2026 and into 2027. Want to join me? Fill out this no-obligation interest form and I'll keep you in the loop.

Okay. Now on to the main course:

Over the past month, I've been doing a series on Substack about making money as a writer.

I was told my whole life there was no money to be made in the arts. And yet:

• I have screenshots of the $250,000 I made teaching creative courses over the past handful of years.
• I've generated over $300,000 as a ghostwriter since 2022.
• Not to mention the salaries I've earned as a writer and creative working for others. The book sales. The speaking fees.

Can it be hard to make money directly off your books alone? Absolutely! And I talk about that honestly in my Substack posts and my book, The Writer's Career Guide.

But as with any other career, there are so many ways you can make money as a writer outside of just books – you just have to think like a creative.

Which you luckily already are.

I'm sharing what I know about making money as a writer because I want to help you to go out there and pursue your dreams, knowing that there is a path to financial success and creative fulfillment.

If I can make money as a writer, then you can make money as a writer. I hope that through these posts (and my coaching) I can help you do just that.

Because the world needs our stories now more than ever.

With love and creativity,

Lauren

P.S. For September on Substack, I'm going deep on publishing — self-publishing vs. traditional, how to get an agent, what I wish I'd known before my first book came out, and more.

I want to do a public coaching call each month around that month's topic — just like I did with Caroline.

Want to be my next coaching call guest? Reply to this email and tell me your biggest publishing question. I'll pick someone for a recorded session and share it with the whole community.

Making Money as a Writer Series:

FYI: Most of my Substack posts are also available as a video on YouTube and audio on Substack, Spotify and Apple Podcasts — read, watch, or listen, whatever works for you today.