One of the most common questions aspiring authors ask is: How do I use my book to make money? How can I ensure a return on my investment of time and money?

The bad news? You probably won’t make substantial money just by selling copies of your book.

The good news? There are many other ways to make money with your book—and often, they are far more lucrative than book sales alone. Here are some of the best ways to monetize your book effectively.

1. Consulting Services

For consultants, a book is the ultimate credibility builder. It establishes authority, raises visibility, and sets you apart from the competition.

Real-World Examples:

• Ashley Welch & Justin Jones used their book to land a speaking slot at Dreamforce, which led to signing AT&T as a client.
• Kirk Drake leveraged his book to command six-figure fees and secure major clients in the credit union industry.
• Joe Mechlinkski signed Fortune 500 clients and was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year thanks to his books.

2. Paid Speaking Engagements

A book serves as a credential for professional speakers. While it’s possible to start a speaking career without a book, having one significantly increases your speaking fees.

Real-World Examples:

• John Ruhlin increased his speaking fee from $5,000 to over $30,000 after publishing Giftology.
• Kevin Kruse made $170,000 in speaking fees in his first year as an author, more than double what he earned in book sales.

3. Professional Services (Medical, Financial, etc.)

Most people don’t know how to choose a doctor, financial advisor, or professional service provider. A book helps establish authority and educates potential clients, making them more likely to trust and hire you.

Real-World Examples:

• Dr. Michael Lewis grew his specialized brain injury practice by over 30% after publishing When Brains Collide.
• Sam Marrella, a financial planner, saw his assets under management double after publishing his book.

4. Coaching Services

For coaches, differentiation is key. A book helps you showcase your expertise and attract new clients.

Real-World Examples:

• Ben Bergeron, a top CrossFit coach, used his book to gain national recognition and new opportunities.
• Cameron Herold, a renowned CEO coach, grew his clientele—including the CEO of Sprint—through his books.

5. Clients for Your Agency

If you run an agency, a book can make client acquisition easier and more efficient.

Real-World Examples:

• Deb Gabor used her book to land high-profile clients like Dell, NBC, and Microsoft.
• Melissa Gonzalez doubled her pop-up retail agency’s business and secured contracts with Macy’s, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs after publishing her book.

6. Selling a Physical Product

Many books serve as guides for products like supplements, food, or fitness gear.

Real-World Example:

• Mark Sisson used his books on the paleo diet to build a successful supplement and food business with Primal Blueprint.

7. Paid Communities & Mastermind Groups

Many authors build exclusive membership communities and mastermind groups based on their book’s content.

Real-World Examples:

• James Maskell grew his Evolution of Medicine mastermind group using his book as a recruitment tool.
• Ari Meisel attracted members to his Less Doing mastermind group through his books.

8. Attracting Freelance Clients

For freelancers, a book acts as a powerful business card that attracts new clients effortlessly.

Real-World Example:

• David Kadavy wrote Design for Hackers, which brought in so much freelance work that he had to build an agency to handle the demand.

9. Workshops & Group Training

A book can lead to paid corporate workshops and training programs.

Real-World Example:

• Mona Patel turned her book Reframe into a thriving workshop business, where both the book and workshops reinforce each other.

10. Raising Money from Investors

If you’re raising capital, a book helps investors understand your vision and expertise.

Real-World Example:

• Jorge Newbery, a real estate investor, used his book to build credibility and attract investment.

Final Thoughts

A book is more than just words on a page—it’s a business asset that can open doors to consulting, speaking gigs, product sales, and more. If you’re strategic about it, your book can be a major revenue driver.

Want to learn more about how to use your book to build your business? Get a free online copy of The Scribe Method here or purchase a hard copy today!