How to Balance the Dream: Best Side Hustles for Indie Authors Who Want to Keep Writing the Priority

Let’s start here: being an indie author is a beautiful, soul-stirring pursuit, but it’s also one that can leave you feeling the pinch. You pour your heart into your stories, dreaming of the day your books pay the bills, but reality often means juggling finances while protecting your precious writing time. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes downright scary. If you’re staring at your bank account, wondering how to keep the lights on without sacrificing your manuscript, know that you’re not alone. So many of us have been there—myself included.

The good news? There are side hustles that align with your skills as a writer, require minimal startup, and can bring in solid income without stealing your creative energy. These are easy to start, scalable, and designed to let you devote most of your time to what you love: crafting worlds and words.

In this post, I’ll share the best side hustles for indie authors like you. They’re realistic, based on what’s working in 2026, and focused on high-earning potential with low time commitment. We’ll look at how to get started, real examples from indies who’ve succeeded, and tips to maximize your earnings while minimizing burnout. Let’s turn that side hustle into a supportive partner for your writing dream.

Freelance Content Writing or Ghostwriting

As a writer, you already have the core skill: turning ideas into engaging words. Freelance content writing—blog posts, articles, newsletters, or web copy—is one of the easiest ways to monetize that without derailing your book.

Why it’s perfect for indie authors: It’s flexible, remote, and uses your storytelling brain. You can work 10-20 hours a week and still have prime time for your manuscript. Plus, it sharpens your craft.

How to make a lot of money easily: Focus on niches you know (e.g., book marketing, fantasy world-building tips). Rates start at $0.10–$0.20 per word for beginners, scaling to $0.50–$1+ with experience. Aim for clients paying $300–$1,000 per piece (e.g., 1,500-word articles).

Get started: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. Build a profile with your indie author samples. One indie I know, a cozy mystery writer, earns $3,000/month ghostwriting for book coaches—10 articles a month, done in 15 hours/week.

Real story: Author Jane Smith (pseudonym) started freelancing after her first book flopped. She targeted publishing blogs, charging $500 per post. Now, it funds her full-time writing, and she’s on book 5.

Editing or Beta Reading Services

If you have a keen eye for plot holes, character arcs, or grammar, editing is a natural fit. Beta reading is even easier—read and give feedback.

Why it’s ideal: Low time investment (read in evenings), directly related to writing, and helps you network with other authors. You can do 2-3 gigs a month without cutting into your book time.

High-earning potential: Charge $200–$500 for beta reading a full manuscript (easy 5-10 hours). Developmental editing: $1,000–$3,000 per book (more if experienced).

Easy start: Offer on Fiverr, Reddit r/BetaReaders, or your TikTok/Instagram. Use your indie experience as a credential: "Indie author with 2 cozy fantasies — honest feedback to make your book shine."

Success example: A romance indie started beta reading for $250/book. Word-of-mouth grew it to $2,000/month — all while writing her series.

Affiliate Marketing Through Your Author Platform

Promote products you love (books, writing tools, cozy merch) and earn commissions on sales.

Why it fits: Passive once set up — write a review post or TikTok, add affiliate links, and earn while focusing on your book. No inventory, no customer service.

Make lots of money easily: Amazon Associates pays 1-10% on sales. Promote Scrivener ($20 commission), BookBrush ($10+), or cozy teas ($5+). With your 24k TikTok, one viral post can earn $100–$500/month.

Get started: Sign up for Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate. Add links to blog posts like "Best Tools for Cozy Fantasy Writers" or TikTok "My Writing Setup."

Real story: A cozy fantasy author with a small blog earned $4,000/year from affiliate links to writing software — all from evergreen posts.

Creating and Selling Digital Products

Use your writer knowledge to make printables, templates, or guides (e.g., "Cozy Fantasy World-Building Workbook").

Why it’s great: One-time creation, infinite sales. Passive income that supports your writing time.

High earnings: Sell on Etsy or Payhip at $5–$20 each. A good product can make $1,000–$5,000/month once marketed.

Easy start: Canva for design. Examples: Plot outline templates, character sheet packs. Promote on TikTok: "Free sample in bio, full workbook $9.99!"

Example: An indie YA author sells "Query Letter Templates" for $15 — $3,000/month passive after initial setup.

Online Teaching or Workshops

Share your expertise in short courses or webinars (e.g., "How to Write Cozy Fantasy").

Why it fits: 1-2 hours prep per session, schedule around writing. Use Zoom — easy and fun.

Earn big: Charge $50–$200 per workshop. Platforms like Teachable or Skillshare pay royalties (up to $2,000/month for popular classes).

Start: Free Teachable account. Topic: "Building Whimsical Worlds Without Grimdark." Promote to your TikTok audience.

Success: A middle-grade indie runs monthly $97 workshops on character development — full-time income while writing.

Patreon or Subscription Content

Offer exclusive extras to fans (early chapters, bonus art, Q&A).

Why perfect: Low time (1-2 posts/month), recurring income, builds super-fans.

Make money: $3–$10/month tiers. 50 patrons = $150–$500/month.

Easy: Set up free Patreon. Content: "Behind-the-scenes Fey Realm sketches" or "Evelyn bonus scenes."

Story: A cozy author with 100 patrons earns $800/month — enough to cover basics while writing.

These hustles are designed for writers like you — easy entry, flexible hours, and aligned with your skills so they don't steal from your book time. They can bring in $1,000–$5,000/month with consistent effort, giving you the freedom to write.

Remember, it's not about working harder — it's about working smarter. Your books deserve your time, and these side hustles can make that possible.

Which one are you trying first? Share in the comments — let's support each other.