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The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books
GOLD WINNER - 2025 Heart & Hustle Book Awards - Business Brand
GOLD WINNER - 2025 International Firebird Book Award - Writing/Publishing
GOLD WINNER - 2025 Reader's Favorite - Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - 2025 NYC Big Book Award - Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Stop Dreaming About Making It as an Author and Start Building a Sustainable Business You Love
Are you tired of earning meager royalties or Amazon deposits? Do you dream of turning your passion for writing into a thriving business? In The Profitable Author, publishing veteran Sharon Woodhouse reveals the insider secrets to creating a multi-faceted author career that goes beyond book sales.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience as an indie publisher, Woodhouse provides a practical framework for building a sustainable and rewarding author life. This isn’t about chasing bestsellers or landing a movie deal (though those are nice when they happen). It’s about understanding the business of being an author, implementing proven strategies (over 1,001!) to generate multiple streams of income from your books, expertise, and experience, and empowering you to take charge of your author journey.
The Profitable Author guides you step-by-step Identifying 15 different author income streams, from ebook sales and events to services, merch, and rights sales.Designing a customized author business model that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle.Unlocking creative financing hacks to fund your dreams.Finessing author events (and getting paid!).Unleashing your inner entrepreneur and monetizing your expertise.Embracing the power of non-bookstore and volume sales.Mastering essential business skills (without losing your creative spark), including marketing, sales, negotiating, networking, and mindset.Crafting a fabulous sales and marketing plan tailored to YOU and your books, whether you’re a fiction writer, a nonfiction expert, a cookbook queen, or a children’s book hero.Cultivating a network of support to help you thrive as an authorpreneur.
Packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and inspiring insights, The Profitable Author is your essential guide to creating the author life you deserve. Stop waiting for success to find you—take charge and build the profitable author business you love.
FREE WITH PURCHASE! Email author Sharon Woodhouse with your proof of purchase (sharon at conspirecreative dot com), and she will give you a free 3-month subscription to her The Profitable Author / An Author Business You Love Substack author business coaching community.
GOLD WINNER - 2025 International Firebird Book Award - Writing/Publishing
GOLD WINNER - 2025 Reader's Favorite - Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE - 2025 NYC Big Book Award - Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Stop Dreaming About Making It as an Author and Start Building a Sustainable Business You Love
Are you tired of earning meager royalties or Amazon deposits? Do you dream of turning your passion for writing into a thriving business? In The Profitable Author, publishing veteran Sharon Woodhouse reveals the insider secrets to creating a multi-faceted author career that goes beyond book sales.
Drawing on over 25 years of experience as an indie publisher, Woodhouse provides a practical framework for building a sustainable and rewarding author life. This isn’t about chasing bestsellers or landing a movie deal (though those are nice when they happen). It’s about understanding the business of being an author, implementing proven strategies (over 1,001!) to generate multiple streams of income from your books, expertise, and experience, and empowering you to take charge of your author journey.
The Profitable Author guides you step-by-step Identifying 15 different author income streams, from ebook sales and events to services, merch, and rights sales.Designing a customized author business model that aligns with your goals, values, and lifestyle.Unlocking creative financing hacks to fund your dreams.Finessing author events (and getting paid!).Unleashing your inner entrepreneur and monetizing your expertise.Embracing the power of non-bookstore and volume sales.Mastering essential business skills (without losing your creative spark), including marketing, sales, negotiating, networking, and mindset.Crafting a fabulous sales and marketing plan tailored to YOU and your books, whether you’re a fiction writer, a nonfiction expert, a cookbook queen, or a children’s book hero.Cultivating a network of support to help you thrive as an authorpreneur.
Packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and inspiring insights, The Profitable Author is your essential guide to creating the author life you deserve. Stop waiting for success to find you—take charge and build the profitable author business you love.
FREE WITH PURCHASE! Email author Sharon Woodhouse with your proof of purchase (sharon at conspirecreative dot com), and she will give you a free 3-month subscription to her The Profitable Author / An Author Business You Love Substack author business coaching community.
- GenresWriting
510 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
9 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Woodhouse
4 books4 followersAuthor Sharon Woodhouse is a former indie book publisher and current owner of Conspire Creative, a book business agency that offers coaching, consulting, project management, and business support services for authors and indie publishers. She writes about all aspects of creating holistic, income-generating author businesses you love and finding your place in the vibrant ecosystem of books.
Woodhouse has taken an entrepreneurial approach to just about everything since first becoming self-employed as a teenager over three decades ago. She has directly counseled and coached hundreds of authors, publishers, solo professionals, creative small business owners, and job-changers in various aspects of setting up shop, running a small book-related enterprise, publishing, and promotion, emphasizing options, customized approaches, strategic planning, inexpensive and creative marketing, win-win partnerships, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. She has helped tens of thousands of other authors through her teaching, group coaching, and writing.
In 1994, Woodhouse founded her first publishing company and created with a small staff the beloved Chicago brand of Lake Claremont Press. LCP published over 500,000 books of 80 different titles in its 25 years and won 30 small press awards. In 2011, she started Everything Goes Media, LLC, to encompass her growing range of book industry activities, including consulting, coaching, mediation, print brokering, private publishing, and project management.
Sharon’s businesses, and the authors and books she has published, have been featured in hundreds of local, national, and international media outlets, including A&E, the BBC, Business Week, the Chicago Tribune, CNN, Crain’s Chicago Business, FOX, the History Channel, NPR, the National Geographic Channel, the New York Times, the Travel Channel, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.
Her clients have included all manner of authors, publishers, creatives, business owners, thought leaders, project leaders, consultants, scientists, academics, tradespeople, public figures, corporate dropouts, mid-lifers in transition, students, and retirees. They have come from the arts, the trades, business, academia, law, government, medicine, engineering, science, nonprofits, museums, fundraising, finance, entertainment, media, journalism, and four different continents. Many are multi-passionate, multi-talented, multi-hyphenates!
Sharon received her coaching training from Coach Training Alliance, and is a certified professional coach and a member of the International Coach Federation. She has studied mediation and conflict resolution for 35 years, including with the Peace and Global Studies Department of Earlham College; through NGOs in Geneva, Rome, and Budapest; the ABA; and Mediate.com. She has a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Negotiation from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She has an M.A. in Communication from UWM, where her work focused on mediation, difficult conversations, and coaching presence.
Woodhouse is a longtime advocate of entrepreneurship, vibrant urban neighborhoods, old movie palaces, public transportation, free speech, science, and civilized civic behavior. Her most cherished win was co-leading a community effort to save the historic Davis Theater in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. She currently lives and works in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood.
Follow her writing on holistic author businesses, entrepreneurship for authors, book publishing, and book marketing on Medium.com and Substack.
Woodhouse has taken an entrepreneurial approach to just about everything since first becoming self-employed as a teenager over three decades ago. She has directly counseled and coached hundreds of authors, publishers, solo professionals, creative small business owners, and job-changers in various aspects of setting up shop, running a small book-related enterprise, publishing, and promotion, emphasizing options, customized approaches, strategic planning, inexpensive and creative marketing, win-win partnerships, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset. She has helped tens of thousands of other authors through her teaching, group coaching, and writing.
In 1994, Woodhouse founded her first publishing company and created with a small staff the beloved Chicago brand of Lake Claremont Press. LCP published over 500,000 books of 80 different titles in its 25 years and won 30 small press awards. In 2011, she started Everything Goes Media, LLC, to encompass her growing range of book industry activities, including consulting, coaching, mediation, print brokering, private publishing, and project management.
Sharon’s businesses, and the authors and books she has published, have been featured in hundreds of local, national, and international media outlets, including A&E, the BBC, Business Week, the Chicago Tribune, CNN, Crain’s Chicago Business, FOX, the History Channel, NPR, the National Geographic Channel, the New York Times, the Travel Channel, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.
Her clients have included all manner of authors, publishers, creatives, business owners, thought leaders, project leaders, consultants, scientists, academics, tradespeople, public figures, corporate dropouts, mid-lifers in transition, students, and retirees. They have come from the arts, the trades, business, academia, law, government, medicine, engineering, science, nonprofits, museums, fundraising, finance, entertainment, media, journalism, and four different continents. Many are multi-passionate, multi-talented, multi-hyphenates!
Sharon received her coaching training from Coach Training Alliance, and is a certified professional coach and a member of the International Coach Federation. She has studied mediation and conflict resolution for 35 years, including with the Peace and Global Studies Department of Earlham College; through NGOs in Geneva, Rome, and Budapest; the ABA; and Mediate.com. She has a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Negotiation from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She has an M.A. in Communication from UWM, where her work focused on mediation, difficult conversations, and coaching presence.
Woodhouse is a longtime advocate of entrepreneurship, vibrant urban neighborhoods, old movie palaces, public transportation, free speech, science, and civilized civic behavior. Her most cherished win was co-leading a community effort to save the historic Davis Theater in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. She currently lives and works in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood.
Follow her writing on holistic author businesses, entrepreneurship for authors, book publishing, and book marketing on Medium.com and Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 31, 2025
For authors, the main source of income they can count on as far as their books are concerned is royalties, right? Wrong. Sharon Woodhouse is here to tell you that while royalties can be a source of income for authors, it’s not the only one. In fact, in her book, The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books, she shares over one thousand methods on how authors can generate more money just from one book. By tapping into a variety of methods to make money from a book or as an author, the author facing a low-income stream can soon transform into a profitable author!
Circling back to the idea that many authors think that royalties are the only way to earn money from a book, Woodhouse points out,
The most important thing to know about royalties income is that it is only one stream of author income. Depending on the business model that emerges for you or, better yet, the one you consciously forge, royalties may not even be your largest income stream. (Page 49)
But how exactly can authors earn income from a book or as an author, outside of receiving royalties? Believe me, there are plenty of ways. Woodhouse shares tons of them in this helpful resource that should be on the desk of every author.
Sure, there are talks and events from which authors can earn money, but what else? Most authors may be stumped on this, which is what makes this book so valuable. Woodhouse shares so many alternative and creative methods to earn money from a book or as an author. Some of the ideas are so ingenious that they took this author of twenty years by surprise! Indeed, I never would have thought of these nifty ideas to earn money from a book and as an author. So glad I picked up this book to read!
While a huge emphasis in The Profitable Author is on how being an author is like being in business, there is also a section included on how to make sure you get paid for your services. I’m glad this was included, as not getting paid is one unfortunate downside of being in business, and not just as a freelancer. I thought the tips to avoid this problem were very helpful. I also appreciated how Woodhouse shows the reality of what happens when you are not paid for your services. For example, one service mentioned in this book is speaking at a conference. At first, I thought the suggested fee Woodhouse proposes was high, but consider the reality of the situation: the author in question is stepping away from their paying work to focus on this particular event, they need to get together supplies, their transportation costs need to be covered, lodging needs to be covered if that is a factor, so does their need to eat as well as dress accordingly. So, when thinking about all of these necessities that go with a particular service, pay attention to the fee and whether or not it is being paid. If not, either put them on the “Never Again” list Woodhouse suggests or decline.
The chapter on sales may be intimidating for some authors (I know that used to be intimidating for me, when I first started out!), but the truth is, an author is indeed a salesperson, because the author is ultimately responsible for selling their book! Once the author accepts this fact, perhaps the prospect of partaking in sales techniques to get books sold may not be so intimidating. If there is still any anxiety or stress over this prospect, then you can relax as you read this chapter. Woodhouse understands this and shares how the process can be less stressful for the selling author. Not only this, but she also provides tips on how to make it easier for both the author and prospective customer.
I love how Woodhouse shares successful sales and marketing strategies used by authors of her former independent press. And I also loved the concept of using “vitamins, spaghetti, and ships” in marketing books. I also appreciated the many books she recommends readers check out that are mentioned throughout her book.
The chapter on productivity and time management is most helpful. The “43 Folders” idea is another nifty organizational strategy for authors in this book. This author uses a planner and sticky notes, but the folders are a good suggestion because they keep everything non-digital in one place! And if there is one line a reader can take from this chapter, it’s this:
On those days when the entire schedule goes awry, I can relax knowing my structure is waiting for me tomorrow and I can pick things back up right where I left off. (pg. 404-405).
Woodhouse gives the author strategies, tips, and techniques on how to get it all together, prepare for failure, and what to do when failure or disaster does happen, as well as a reminder that you’ll be ending the day with the knowledge that you can try again tomorrow with everything ready to pick up where you left off.
In the chapter on mindset, I appreciated how Woodhouse shares so many valuable and helpful tips on breaking through our own personal barriers – such as intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk, and giving in to frustrations – in order to stay strong and keep going. As she writes on page 433, about relying on our creativity to keep our business fresh and inspiring, “Create your business forward.”
The Profitable Author by Sharon Woodhouse is a must-have resource for every author. This book is teeming with valuable and proven strategies that will help authors go from struggling to thriving. If you’re an author, get a copy of this book and read everything it has to offer. It will change your life, your career, and your author journey.
Circling back to the idea that many authors think that royalties are the only way to earn money from a book, Woodhouse points out,
The most important thing to know about royalties income is that it is only one stream of author income. Depending on the business model that emerges for you or, better yet, the one you consciously forge, royalties may not even be your largest income stream. (Page 49)
But how exactly can authors earn income from a book or as an author, outside of receiving royalties? Believe me, there are plenty of ways. Woodhouse shares tons of them in this helpful resource that should be on the desk of every author.
Sure, there are talks and events from which authors can earn money, but what else? Most authors may be stumped on this, which is what makes this book so valuable. Woodhouse shares so many alternative and creative methods to earn money from a book or as an author. Some of the ideas are so ingenious that they took this author of twenty years by surprise! Indeed, I never would have thought of these nifty ideas to earn money from a book and as an author. So glad I picked up this book to read!
While a huge emphasis in The Profitable Author is on how being an author is like being in business, there is also a section included on how to make sure you get paid for your services. I’m glad this was included, as not getting paid is one unfortunate downside of being in business, and not just as a freelancer. I thought the tips to avoid this problem were very helpful. I also appreciated how Woodhouse shows the reality of what happens when you are not paid for your services. For example, one service mentioned in this book is speaking at a conference. At first, I thought the suggested fee Woodhouse proposes was high, but consider the reality of the situation: the author in question is stepping away from their paying work to focus on this particular event, they need to get together supplies, their transportation costs need to be covered, lodging needs to be covered if that is a factor, so does their need to eat as well as dress accordingly. So, when thinking about all of these necessities that go with a particular service, pay attention to the fee and whether or not it is being paid. If not, either put them on the “Never Again” list Woodhouse suggests or decline.
The chapter on sales may be intimidating for some authors (I know that used to be intimidating for me, when I first started out!), but the truth is, an author is indeed a salesperson, because the author is ultimately responsible for selling their book! Once the author accepts this fact, perhaps the prospect of partaking in sales techniques to get books sold may not be so intimidating. If there is still any anxiety or stress over this prospect, then you can relax as you read this chapter. Woodhouse understands this and shares how the process can be less stressful for the selling author. Not only this, but she also provides tips on how to make it easier for both the author and prospective customer.
I love how Woodhouse shares successful sales and marketing strategies used by authors of her former independent press. And I also loved the concept of using “vitamins, spaghetti, and ships” in marketing books. I also appreciated the many books she recommends readers check out that are mentioned throughout her book.
The chapter on productivity and time management is most helpful. The “43 Folders” idea is another nifty organizational strategy for authors in this book. This author uses a planner and sticky notes, but the folders are a good suggestion because they keep everything non-digital in one place! And if there is one line a reader can take from this chapter, it’s this:
On those days when the entire schedule goes awry, I can relax knowing my structure is waiting for me tomorrow and I can pick things back up right where I left off. (pg. 404-405).
Woodhouse gives the author strategies, tips, and techniques on how to get it all together, prepare for failure, and what to do when failure or disaster does happen, as well as a reminder that you’ll be ending the day with the knowledge that you can try again tomorrow with everything ready to pick up where you left off.
In the chapter on mindset, I appreciated how Woodhouse shares so many valuable and helpful tips on breaking through our own personal barriers – such as intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk, and giving in to frustrations – in order to stay strong and keep going. As she writes on page 433, about relying on our creativity to keep our business fresh and inspiring, “Create your business forward.”
The Profitable Author by Sharon Woodhouse is a must-have resource for every author. This book is teeming with valuable and proven strategies that will help authors go from struggling to thriving. If you’re an author, get a copy of this book and read everything it has to offer. It will change your life, your career, and your author journey.
December 17, 2025
The Profitable Author lays out a huge and lively roadmap for turning a writing life into a real business. The book moves through mindset, marketing, sales, income streams, and the day-to-day actions that keep an author afloat and happy. It mixes tough love with encouragement, and it shows how an author can build a long game instead of hoping for sudden fame. It also pushes the idea that authors can be multipreneurs who stack skills, products, and creative ventures on top of each other. I found myself flipping pages and feeling the book widen the definition of what an author can become.
The writing is direct and warm. It never hides how hard this business can be, yet it never slips into cynicism. Woodhouse talks about overwhelm and disappointment in a way that feels honest. She also pushes readers to think bigger. I liked how she blends practical advice with a kind of grounded optimism. I could feel her long experience in the field. She explains ideas like daily promotional habits, diversified income, and using personal strengths in a voice that feels friendly.
What struck me most was the emotional undercurrent. The book believes in authors. Not in a cheesy way. More like a steady voice saying you can do this if you show up and keep showing up. I loved how she reframes marketing as something flexible and personal. I also liked the sections about commitment. They hit me in that spot where doubt hangs out. The mix of stories, checklists, and bite-sized reflections creates an easy rhythm. I drifted between curiosity and excitement. Still, the tone stays kind. It feels like a mentor talking at the right speed for someone who wants change but does not want to burn out.
I think this book is a strong fit for authors who want to treat their writing as a real business without losing their soul in the process. It is great for beginners who do not know where to start and for mid-career writers who feel stuck. It works for introverts, side hustlers, and people who like having a big menu of choices instead of rigid rules. I would recommend it to anyone who has a book and a dream and finally wants a plan. It left me energized and surprisingly hopeful.
The writing is direct and warm. It never hides how hard this business can be, yet it never slips into cynicism. Woodhouse talks about overwhelm and disappointment in a way that feels honest. She also pushes readers to think bigger. I liked how she blends practical advice with a kind of grounded optimism. I could feel her long experience in the field. She explains ideas like daily promotional habits, diversified income, and using personal strengths in a voice that feels friendly.
What struck me most was the emotional undercurrent. The book believes in authors. Not in a cheesy way. More like a steady voice saying you can do this if you show up and keep showing up. I loved how she reframes marketing as something flexible and personal. I also liked the sections about commitment. They hit me in that spot where doubt hangs out. The mix of stories, checklists, and bite-sized reflections creates an easy rhythm. I drifted between curiosity and excitement. Still, the tone stays kind. It feels like a mentor talking at the right speed for someone who wants change but does not want to burn out.
I think this book is a strong fit for authors who want to treat their writing as a real business without losing their soul in the process. It is great for beginners who do not know where to start and for mid-career writers who feel stuck. It works for introverts, side hustlers, and people who like having a big menu of choices instead of rigid rules. I would recommend it to anyone who has a book and a dream and finally wants a plan. It left me energized and surprisingly hopeful.
February 1, 2025
Sharon Woodhouse provides a real eye-opening approach to the business of being a modern author. So many authors think building an email list is enough, but this book is packed with ideas, action plans, and business concepts that will take you so much further and help you build an audience in ways you haven’t yet explored, especially if you rely on a digital-first strategy. I especially love the way her advice tackles mindset as so many are playing it small and don’t even realize it.
Note, this isn’t a book about the craft of writing but how to be a professional author with a professional author business. It’s helpful information for authors at any stage in their careers, whether traditionally or independently published or even pre-published. Read it, absorb the message, and think how you can apply it to your own situation.
Bottom line? I think this book will be a real game-changer for many authors.
Note, this isn’t a book about the craft of writing but how to be a professional author with a professional author business. It’s helpful information for authors at any stage in their careers, whether traditionally or independently published or even pre-published. Read it, absorb the message, and think how you can apply it to your own situation.
Bottom line? I think this book will be a real game-changer for many authors.
Read
June 12, 2025This book ended up being a DNF for me.
There is a lot of information in this book but a lot of it I was already familiar with. I had tried many of the methods mentioned before and found most didn't apply to my particular author journey.
This book looks at various methods of making money as an author. The focus is on earning beyond booksales which is theoretically awesome but not something that my personal author journey has found reasonable to put into practice.
There are also a lot of hyperlinks in this book which made it somewhat chaotic to read.
If you have already read a lot of books about authorpreneurship I don't think you will find much new information in this book. Also, take the suggestions given with a grain of salt. They may work for some authors but I think the methods are incredibly dependant on the books/genres you are writing and are certainly not one size fits most.
There is a lot of information in this book but a lot of it I was already familiar with. I had tried many of the methods mentioned before and found most didn't apply to my particular author journey.
This book looks at various methods of making money as an author. The focus is on earning beyond booksales which is theoretically awesome but not something that my personal author journey has found reasonable to put into practice.
There are also a lot of hyperlinks in this book which made it somewhat chaotic to read.
If you have already read a lot of books about authorpreneurship I don't think you will find much new information in this book. Also, take the suggestions given with a grain of salt. They may work for some authors but I think the methods are incredibly dependant on the books/genres you are writing and are certainly not one size fits most.
August 20, 2025
The Profitable Author is more than a book…
This is like owning the Encyclopedia Britannica of Running an Author Business. Filled with actionable ideas, examples, and references, Woodhouse arranged the information to make it easy to use. Dip in, digest, dip out. Rinse, repeat. After writing 80 books, I doubted I could learn anything new, and I was WRONG. This book is a perfect gift for any author wannabee, as well as anyone dealing with this brave, new world of self-publishing. Mine will have a special place on my desk so I can flip it open and refresh my mojo daily. It’s truly a useful tool. (The author sent me a copy for my true and honest opinion.)
This is like owning the Encyclopedia Britannica of Running an Author Business. Filled with actionable ideas, examples, and references, Woodhouse arranged the information to make it easy to use. Dip in, digest, dip out. Rinse, repeat. After writing 80 books, I doubted I could learn anything new, and I was WRONG. This book is a perfect gift for any author wannabee, as well as anyone dealing with this brave, new world of self-publishing. Mine will have a special place on my desk so I can flip it open and refresh my mojo daily. It’s truly a useful tool. (The author sent me a copy for my true and honest opinion.)
June 10, 2025
Sharon Woodhouse has created a true gem for every writer who dreams of more than just book royalties. The Profitable Author is a powerhouse of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable strategies. It’s not just a book, it’s a roadmap to a fulfilling author career. I felt empowered, inspired, and finally equipped to build a business I love around my writing. Every author needs this on their shelf. Bravo, Sharon!
May 12, 2025
Sharon Woodhouse has written the Mt. Everest of author as entrepreneur self-help books. The others are speed bumps in the road. She folds twenty-five years of experience and 1001 ideas into a completely accessible text. If you want to become a profitable author, buy this book, read it, and follow her advice.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews