Got a knack for writing? Looking to make some extra cash? Great, all you need to know is how to write a book online and make money. And that’s what we’ll talk about in this blog post.
The truth is, writing a book to sell is not one of the easiest ways to make money online. But it’s well worth it, as it can keep earning you income even years after you’ve written it. We’ll break this post into two: (1) how to write a book online and (2) how to make money from it.
Here’s How To Write A Book Online
Here are general steps to write a book that’ll make you money. It starts with choosing the type of book to write.
1. Pick a Profitable Book Idea
Before you open a blank page and start typing away, hit pause. You need a book idea that sells. Sure, writing from the heart is great, but if you want to make money, you also need to write with your wallet in mind.
Ask yourself:
- What do people constantly ask about online?
- What problems can you help solve?
- What topics are trending on Amazon or TikTok?
Hot tip: Use free tools like Google Trends, Amazon Bestsellers, and even Reddit to see what folks are into right now. Romance, self-help, and “how-to” guides are goldmines.
2. Know Your Target Audience
Your book isn’t for everyone and that’s a good thing. The clearer you are on who you’re writing for, the better your book will be.
Think about:
- Age range
- Interests
- Struggles or goals
For example, a book titled “How to Save Money in Your 20s” will be very different from “How to Retire Rich After 50.”
3. Outline Your Book
Don’t skip this step, no matter how tempted you are. A simple outline will save you from writer’s block and help your thoughts flow smoothly.
Try this:
- Intro: Why this book matters
- Chapter 1–5: Key ideas broken down
- Conclusion: Wrap it up with takeaways or next steps
Your outline doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be enough to guide you while writing.
4. Start Writing (Even If It’s Messy)
Now the fun begins. Set a daily word goal, say 500 or 1,000 words. You don’t need a cabin in the woods. Just a laptop, a quiet corner, and maybe some relaxed music.
Tools like Google Docs, Notion, or Scrivener can help. The trick is to write first, edit later. Get messy. It’s allowed.
5. Edit Like a Pro (or Hire One)
After your first draft, take a break. Then come back with fresh eyes. You’ll spot awkward phrases, plot holes, and typos you missed.
You can use tools like:
- Grammarly – grammar and clarity
- Hemingway App – readability check
- ProWritingAid – advanced editing tips
Or hire a freelance editor from platforms like Fiverr or Upwork if you can swing it.
6. Design a Catchy Cover
You know why “don’t judge a book by its cover” is a saying? Because people do judge books by their covers. That’s why your design needs to shout “Click Me!” in a sea of other titles.
Don’t worry if you’re not a designer. Try:
- Canva – Free templates and easy drag-and-drop
- BookBrush – Made specifically for authors
You can also outsource the book design to pros you know or hire a pro on job platforms. Remember that bold fonts, sharp images, and clear titles work best.
7. Format Your Book for Online Platforms
Last step before publishing: formatting. You want your book to look clean and professional with no weird spacing or wonky paragraphs.
If you’re publishing on Amazon, download Kindle Create—it’s free and user-friendly. For wider distribution, Draft2Digital can handle most of the heavy lifting for you. Now, let’s move to how to make money from your book.
Here’s How To Make Money From Your Book
Finishing your book is the first phase. The major work lies in making it sell. Here are the steps:
1. Pick the Right Platform to Sell Your Book
Not all platforms are created equal. Some are better for beginners, others give you more royalties. The key is choosing one (or more) that fits your goals.
Here are some great options:
- Amazon KDP – The go-to for most authors. It’s free, fast, and has a massive audience.
- Gumroad – Perfect if you want full control and sell directly to your audience.
- Kobo or Apple Books – Great for global reach beyond Amazon.
- Payhip or Selar – Awesome for Nigerian or African writers who want to sell digital books locally.
Pro tip: You don’t have to pick just one. You can publish on Amazon and still sell on your website or social media.
2. Set a Smart Price (And Know When to Discount)
Pricing can make or break your book’s success. Too high, and people scroll past. Too low, and it might look cheap.
Here’s a simple guide:
- eBooks: $2.99–$9.99 is the sweet spot on Amazon
- Print books: Factor in printing costs, but try to stay under $20.
- Free (temporarily): Can help you get reviews and build buzz
Try testing different prices over time. Launch low, gather reviews, then raise the price once momentum builds.
3. Promote Your Book Like It’s Beyoncé’s Album
You can’t just publish and hope people find it. Time to hype it up! Here’s how:
- Social media – Share snippets, quotes, behind-the-scenes, or reader reviews
- Email newsletters – Build a list and announce your launch
- TikTok or YouTube – Talk about your book or share related content
- Guest blogs or podcasts – Appear on shows or blogs your audience follows
Use hashtags, tell your story, and don’t be shy. Marketing is just sharing something cool you made.
4. Turn Your Book Into More Money-Making Products
Your book doesn’t have to be a one-hit wonder. It can become a whole business. Think about:
- Online courses based on your book
- Workbooks, templates, or printables
- Audiobooks (using platforms like ACX or Speechify)
- Coaching or consulting service
If your book solves a problem or teaches something valuable, people will pay more to go deeper.
5. Collect Reviews and Use Social Proof
Positive reviews are your secret weapon. They boost credibility, increase sales, and help your book rank higher.
Ask early readers or friends to leave a review. Don’t be shy; it’s totally normal in the author world.
Tip: Add a gentle nudge at the end of your book, like “If you enjoyed this, please leave a quick review. It helps more than you know!”
6. Keep Writing (and Build an Author Brand)
Want to really make money? Don’t stop at one book. Keep writing and build a brand around your niche or style. You could:
- Write a series
- Create a blog or website
- Offer freebies to grow your email list
- Build a personal brand around your book’s topic
The more value you give, the more readers you attract—and the more sales you make long term.
How To Write A Book Online And Make Money: Your Book, Your Payday
Writing a book online and making money from it isn’t some get-rich-quick scheme, but it is a real way to earn income, build a brand, and even change lives (starting with yours). Start by picking a profitable idea, then publish and promote your book like a boss.
Really, the biggest hassle for most people is marketing their book. So why not let the pros at MBZ Technology handle your digital marketing? Keep an eye out for the sweet plans they have for small and medium businesses, which your book-writing could become!
