Search
Beyond Book Sales

Beyond Book Sales: How Authors Can Monetize Their Expertise

Many new authors enter the publishing industry with their first book under the assumption that book sales alone will sustain their writing career. However, the reality is that even a best-selling author rarely earns a full-time income solely from book royalties. Whether you’re traditionally published or an indie author leveraging Kindle Direct Publishing, your published book should serve as a launchpad for multiple income streams.

For non-fiction authors especially, a book is more than just a product—it’s a credibility tool. When used strategically, it can unlock speaking engagements, coaching opportunities, corporate deals, and more. Let’s explore how successful authors maximize their author earnings beyond book sales.

Key Monetization Strategies for Non-Fiction Authors

1. Speaking Engagements: Land Paid Gigs and Conferences

One of the best ways for book authors to increase their income is through paid speaking engagements. If your book positions you as an authority in your field, you can command speaker fees ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per event. Just look at Mel Robbins for an example. I have two clients currently booking paid speaking gigs when their book is yet to be released—with the right preparation and planning, you can do the same.

How to Get Started:

  • Build a speaker profile on your website showcasing your expertise.
  • Network with event organizers via LinkedIn and social media.
  • Pitch yourself to conferences, corporations, and organizations relevant to your book’s topic.
  • Get listed on speaker directories such as SpeakerHub or the Authors Guild directory.

A published book acts as a credibility booster, making it easier to land these high-paying gigs.

2. Courses & Workshops: Teach Your Expertise

Many best-selling authors expand their reach through online courses and live workshops. Whether through webinars, pre-recorded content, or in-person masterclasses, teaching allows you to monetize your expertise repeatedly. As a curriculum designer, I often create online course curriculums for my clients while writing their books. These courses offer someone who reads the book a deeper dive and more personal connection with you. For more on online course creation, follow Julie Chenell who does it better (and more often) than just about anyone else in the field.

How to Get Started:

  • Create an online course using platforms like Teachable or Kajabi.
  • Offer live workshops on Zoom to build engagement.
  • Bundle your self-published book with a course for added value.
  • Use social media and your email list to attract students.

Courses provide passive income potential, allowing authors to make money beyond book royalties.

3. Coaching & Consulting: Turn Your Book into a Business

A non-fiction book can act as a powerful business card for attracting coaching or consulting clients. Many self-published authors use their book to establish authority in fields like business, health, personal development, and finance. While coaching can be draining, there are ways to use flexible voice coaching instead of constant Zoom meetings that allow you to reach more people and still have a huge impact. Some examples of people leveraging coaching and consulting include Dr. Michael Stokes of MISTER Health, Vincent Pugliese of Membership Freedom, and Allison Field of Create Your BLANK.

How to Get Started:

  • Offer one-on-one coaching or consulting sessions.
  • Create a group coaching program for more scalable income.
  • Use case studies from your book to showcase expertise.
  • Leverage social media to promote client success stories.

Coaching can be a lucrative income stream, often generating more revenue than traditional publishing deals.

4. Membership & Subscription Models: Monetize Your Audience

Some best-selling authors establish exclusive membership communities where dedicated followers gain access to premium content. In this model, people enter your ecosystem because of your book or other content, but the development of a community drives continued engagement. This model works particularly well for thought leaders and industry experts. Vincent Pugliese is a membership model maven and Melissa Lanz can help you launch a successful subscription.

How to Get Started:

  • Create a private Facebook group or Discord community for paying members.
  • Offer exclusive newsletters, behind-the-scenes content, or live Q&As.
  • Set up a subscription model using Patreon or Substack.
  • Provide value beyond your book, such as monthly webinars or expert interviews.

This model ensures recurring income, freeing authors from relying solely on book sales.

5. Corporate & Bulk Book Sales: Sell Directly to Organizations

Instead of relying on bookstores, many authors maximize author earnings by selling books in bulk to businesses, universities, and nonprofits. Bulk orders can significantly increase your book royalties and visibility. One of my authors of a book about surviving domestic violence sold copies to area shelters for anyone who comes through their door.

How to Get Started:

  • Identify companies or schools that align with your book’s theme.
  • Offer discounted bulk pricing to organizations.
  • Reach out to HR departments about using your book for training programs.
  • Speak at corporate events and include your book as part of the package.

Companies often purchase books in bulk for employee development, making this an excellent revenue stream for non-fiction authors.

6. Merchandising & Licensing: Expand Your Brand

Best-selling books often lead to profitable merchandising and licensing opportunities. My clients Chrissy Baribault-Ortiz and Raeann Barribault-Schwartz have a companion journal, and an entire jewelry line along with their book Ignite Your Power Within. If your book has a strong brand or message, you can create complementary products such as:

  • Journals, planners, or workbooks
  • Apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, mugs with book quotes)
  • Branded digital products (downloadable guides, templates)

Platforms like Printful or Teespring allow indie authors to create products with minimal upfront costs.

Thinking Beyond Traditional Publishing Revenue

Navigating the publishing process is just the beginning. While many new authors focus on book sales and royalty rates, the real earning potential lies in leveraging their book for greater opportunities.

Successful authors understand that a published book is a powerful tool for building a full-time business around their expertise. By integrating speaking, coaching, online courses, and bulk sales, you can turn your book into multiple income streams without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re a first-time author looking to monetize your expertise, start by diversifying your approach. Don’t limit your earning potential to Amazon sales or bookstore placements—think beyond traditional publishing and explore new opportunities to grow your income.

Get Started Today!

Ready to take the next step in your writing career? Download the Book Writing Starter Kit now and learn how to transform your knowledge into a successful non-fiction book that works for you!