How to Write for a Living

Season 3, episode 18 is here!My friend Jari Roomer from Write Build Scale joined me for a conversation about the most powerful growth lever on Substack.We talked about why collaboration matters more than ever, how to approach other creators without feeling awkward, and the specific strategies that brought us thousands of subscribers without spending a dime on ads.What we covered:- Why collaborations are the antidote to publishing in the void, and how they make the entire Substack journey more enjoyable while getting your work in front of audiences that already want what you offer- The guest posting approach that creates evergreen pathways for discovery months after you publish, turning one piece of content into a long-term subscriber magnet that keeps working while you sleep- Newsletter recommendations as the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it growth strategy, how Jari gained over 8,000 subscribers in 2025 from recommendations alone, and why most creators hesitate to reach out when it’s actually a win-win scenario- Going live on Substack as the collaboration format that builds the deepest connections, lets your audience see you’re a real person when things go wrong, and makes it easier for introverts who can share the talking with a guest- The exact DM approach that gets more yes responses to collaboration requests, including why you should offer multiple collaboration options and how to make it as easy as possible for someone to say yes- How to use AI as a ghostwriting tool rather than a crutch by recording 30-minute voice memos of your thoughts and stories, then letting AI handle the actual writing process while keeping your authentic voice intact- The ladder strategy for linking posts that guides readers to take the next step up rather than sending them sideways through your archive, and why fewer links actually create more conversions than overwhelming people with options This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 17 is here!In this episode, I sit down with my old school friend Stuart Thompson, who now runs a long-standing gym here in Northern Ireland.We talk about what it really takes to build a business over nearly a decade - not just systems and social media, but relationships, energy, and knowing your limits. We also cover fitness, creativity, confidence, and turning up consistently even when no one’s watching.This is an honest, practical, and surprisingly relevant chat, whether you run a gym, write online, or are just trying to build something for the long haul.What we covered:- How Stuart’s gym actually started- The underrated power of handwritten notes- Why not growing up sporty helped nurture Stuart’s story- Why confidence comes from reps (in fitness and in writing)- What it’s like running a people business as an introvert- Why asking for reviews is awkward but necessary- Why sticking around mattersMake sure to check out Cross Functional Fitness before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 16 is here!In this week’s episode, Parker Worth and I chat about his journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a successful creator living in Brazil.Parker discusses the importance of storytelling in building a personal brand and the challenges of navigating the ever-changing landscape of online content creation, and emphasises the need for creators to build relationships and trust with their audience, write real-life stories that convert, and understand their audience’s pain points.What we cover:- Parker Worth’s journey from electrician to creator in Brazil.- The significance of storytelling in personal branding.- How to navigate the challenges of the online creator landscape.- Why building relationships and trust with your audience is crucial.- How using personal stories can lead to higher engagement.- Why understanding audience pain points is essential for content creation.- Why embracing fear can lead to significant personal and professional growth.Make sure to subscribe to Parker’s newsletter before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 15 is here!In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on the critical importance of incorporating video and audio content into a creator’s strategy for 2026 and beyond.I walk you through how online platforms favour video, the engagement benefits of live video, and the monetisation opportunities it presents, as well as the community-building aspect of going live, the authenticity it fosters, and the compounding effects of creating video content in general.In this episode, I break down why:- Incorporating video and audio is becoming essential for audience growth- Live video can significantly increase engagement rates- Platforms prioritise video content over text-based content- Going live can help convert followers into subscribers- Video content enhances personal branding and authority- Live video creates a sense of community among viewers- Authenticity in live video builds trust with the audience- Starting to go live now can future-proof your content strategy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 14 is here!In this solo episode, I walk through exactly how to build a creator presence from absolute scratch with no fancy equipment, no complex strategy, just clarity and consistency.This is for anyone who feels like the smallest voice in the room but wants to create something real online.In this episode:- Why your personal brand is actually about how people feel when they encounter you, and how that feeling is what makes readers stick around long after they discover your work- The five traps that kill most creator journeys before they start- My recommendation to commit to one platform for six months minimum before spreading yourself thin across the internet- How to craft the one simple promise that becomes your positioning - a single sentence that tells people exactly who you help and what you do for them within five seconds of landing on your profile- The power of predictable touchpoints and why readers follow creators the same way they follow their favorite TV shows- Why confidence comes after consistency, not before it, and how showing up for 3 to 12 months with minimal response is actually part of the process, not a sign you should quit- The recurring format strategy that eliminates decision fatigue and builds loyalty through repetition, turning your weekly presence into something your audience genuinely misses when it’s not there This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 13 is here!I recently went live with Taylin John Simmonds to talk about the honest reality of making money as a writer, and afterwards I thought to myself, “Hey, this would make a great podcast episode!”, et voilà!Taylin’s currently testing ghostwriting on Substack in public, shared his coldest cold email stats, and explained why books might be the worst way to make a living (but still worth doing).What we covered:- Why Taylin sent 10,000 cold emails for Substack ghostwriting clients and what happened next (he’s running the entire experiment in public to see if it’s actually viable)- The credential commoditisation theory he’s been sitting on for six months (spoiler: it’s about why your programmer friends can’t find jobs)- LinkedIn ghostwriting as the most lucrative platform right now, with clients paying $1,000-$5,000/month, and why Substack might be different- The Mark Manson approach to writing books: test your chapters as blog posts first, let virality validate your ideas, and only use titles that have already proven themselves- How to write about whatever you want while still serving your audience - the bridge technique that lets you sneak consciousness development into business content- Why opening with mundane stories (lawnmowers, coffee steam, chopping onions) connects better than dramatic tales of spirit quests in Peru- The painful pattern of spending six months building products nobody wants versus testing ideas in public after just a week or twoMake sure to subscribe to Taylin’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 12 is here!This solo episode is a relaxed, open conversation about reviewing your 2025 creative work and getting intentional about 2026.It’s part reflection, part behind-the-scenes, part gentle push to simplify your process and double down on what genuinely works.What I’ve covered:- How to honestly review your 2025 wins, losses and “busywork” so you don’t drag dead weight into the new year.- Why I’m cutting weekly roundups after nearly 100 editions and what that kind of ruthless pruning makes space for.- The three pillars I’m betting on in 2026: audience growth, income expansion and personal brand depth.- Specific strategies I’ll be leaning on next year, from collaborations to live sessions to experimenting with new formats.- A wider look at income generation beyond paid subs, including digital products, sponsorships and coaching.- Why your voice, your quirks and your personal stories matter more than ever in the AI era.- An invitation to keep the process fun, simple and human while building a creator life that feels genuinely yours.And if you’re interested in working with me 1-to-1, just apply here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 11 is here!In this episode, Jari Roomer and I explore how to meaningfully grow a creator business by developing and selling digital courses (with particular focus on mini-courses).If you’re interested in growing your income in 2026 through semi-passive means, this is a great one for you!Also make sure to claim your spot on Tuesday’s FREE live training session before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 10 is here!In this extra-special chat with my wife, Christine McIlroy, we peel back how our life together has intertwined with our creative work, the shifts we’ve navigated in solopreneurship, and how partnership can both challenge and fuel your writing career in surprising ways.What we covered:- Why going the extra mile for clients is a total game-changer as a solopreneur- What it’s like when you partner in life and in creative purpose, and how sharing a “why” deepens what you publish.- Our journey building businesses in parallel, and how we support each other along the way- The tension between routine and inspiration: how to stay grounded when you work together but also stay individually creative.- What happens when life milestones (moving, family, change) intersect with your writing career - not in polished form, but in real-time.- Why transparency about process matters: how being open about failure, rewriting, and hustle builds trust with readers.- The unseen work behind launching offers, courses, or publications: how support systems, tools, and trade-offs play a role.- Our best mistakes, our biggest learnings, and how ‘doing the work together’ has changed what we believe about freedom, creativity and sustainability.Make sure to check out Christine’s work before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 9 is here!In this episode, Taylin John Simmonds and I talk about what it really takes to build a creative business from scratch without losing your sense of purpose or burning out.Teaching music, ghostwriting at 3am, building an online brand that supports a life of freedom… we cover it all. This is an honest, practical conversation packed with insights for anyone trying to make writing work long term.What we covered:- The unlikely path from musician and teacher to full-time online creator- Why success isn’t about becoming a better writer, but about stacking the right complementary skills- How to build confidence when your identity hasn’t yet caught up with your success- What it really means to find your niche and why lifestyle is a valid form of positioning- The most useful way to think about AI (as a creative assistant, not a replacement)- Why long-form content builds trust faster than any viral post ever could- The one piece of advice that will change how you think about progress and patienceMake sure to subscribe to Taylin’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 8 is here!In this episode, Walter Rhein and I dive deep into the world of fantasy writing - where stories begin, how they evolve, and why imagination still matters in an increasingly practical world.Worldbuilding, villains, the power of silliness - this conversation explores what makes great fantasy resonate and how writers can keep the spark of creativity alive as they grow older.What we covered:- The real connection between nature, folklore, and the fantasy worlds we create- How mythology from different cultures shapes modern fantasy storytelling- Why dialogue and shorter stories are powerful tools for testing your ideas and growing faster as a writer- The difference between good and lazy worldbuilding, and why overplanning kills creativity- What makes a truly great villain, and why the best ones make you question yourself- How writing with (and for) children can reignite your sense of wonder and play- Practical advice for new writers on starting a fantasy novel, finding momentum, and making writing fun againMake sure to subscribe to Walter’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 7 is here!In this solo episode, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes writers make on Substack - losing readers before they’ve even hit publish.I break down the small, overlooked details that make all the difference when someone lands on your publication for the first time, and how a few simple changes can quietly convert visitors into loyal subscribers.If you’ve been writing great posts but not seeing much growth, this one’s for you.What I covered:Why most readers never discover your archive and where they actually find you insteadHow to make your tagline instantly clear, confident, and reader-focusedThe simple tweaks that turn your About page into a conversation instead of a résuméHow to organise your homepage so new readers know exactly where to startWhy clarity and connection will always beat cleverness and complexityThe small design and setup decisions that do your audience-building for you every dayHow to fix all of this in a single afternoon using the Substack Quickfire Launch KitIf you’d like more personalised help with Substack, consider upgrading to my VIP membership to book a 1-to-1 call and publication audit. I’d be more than happy to chat through your next steps! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 6 is here!In this conversation, Veronica Llorca-Smith and I caught up one year after our very first podcast together to talk about what’s changed, what’s grown, and what’s next.This episode is packed with insight for anyone who wants to build a creative career that feels human, purposeful, and sustainable.What we covered:- How a single podcast interview led to the launch of a second Substack in Spanish- The surprising differences between English- and Spanish-speaking creator audiences- How Veronica attracts new coaching clients without ever doing a hard sell- What she’s learned about scaling from one-to-one work to group coaching and cohorts- Why public speaking has been transformational for her as a creator and a businesswoman- How live sessions and webinars can create real community and boost paid subscriptions- Her advice for writers: stop thinking small, and build an ecosystem around your workMake sure to grab Speak to Scale before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 5 is here!In this conversation, Peter William Murphy shares his winding path from growing up in Kerry to teaching abroad, then diving headfirst into writing without a safety net.We talk about his love for Substack, why humor and vulnerability matter online, and how he’s channelling his earnings into building a school with his wife.Peter also opens up about writing his first novel, the pull of Ireland as a setting, and why being open to unexpected opportunities is at the heart of his writing life.What we covered:Peter’s journey from teaching English in Turkey to becoming a writer and creator on SubstackWhy he values having a small but engaged community more than chasing huge subscriber numbersThe role of humor, performance, and honesty in connecting with readers onlineHow his personal experiences with mental health shaped his writing and outlookThe vision he and his wife have for building a school and why he wants his writing to help fund itThe long road of writing his first novel, why it will become a trilogy, and what it’s really aboutHis advice for aspiring writers: be open to every form of writing and stop worrying about what others thinkMake sure to subscribe to Peter’s publication before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 3 is here!In this conversation, Anfernee shares his journey from corporate work into solopreneurship, why he started The Solopreneur Code, and how he helps one-person businesses find more freedom without getting stuck in constant hustle.We talk about growth on Substack, the realities of building digital products, and why mindset is often the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.What we covered:- How Anfernee transitioned from corporate life to running his own business- The early days of The Solopreneur Code and why he chose Substack as his main platform- What steady, sustainable growth looks like and how he thinks about audience building- The role of digital products in creating income streams for solopreneurs- How he uses AI as a tool to save time without losing a personal touch- The most common mistakes solopreneurs make when trying to scale too fast- Why clarity, focus, and systems matter more than chasing trendsDon’t forget to subscribe to The Solopreneur Code before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3, episode 2 is here!In this conversation, poet and marketer Shelby Leigh shares her path from self-publishing to traditional publishing, the lessons she’s learned about building an audience of hundreds of thousands, and why protecting your mental health is just as important as consistency.Shelby is honest about the lonely stretches, generous with her marketing strategies, and full of encouragement for writers figuring out how to turn words into a living.What we covered:- How Shelby went from anonymously posting poetry on Tumblr to selling books that attracted a Big Five publisher- The role Instagram and TikTok played in her early growth and why she later narrowed her focus to fewer platforms- Why consistency and personal storytelling helped her audience grow past half a million followers- The visual and tonal elements that make a writer’s brand feel cohesive and recognisable- How to set boundaries and build breaks into your creative life without losing momentum- The biggest myth about marketing that holds writers back and a mindset shift to make it easier- Shelby’s best advice for building confidence, growing an email list, and sustaining your writing career long termDon’t forget to subscribe to Shelby on YouTube. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 3 is here!In this solo kickoff to season three, I dive into one of the topics I care about most right now: writer branding.I unpack why it matters more than ever in 2025, how to think about it in practical terms, and the first steps you can take today to start building a brand readers remember and trust.What I covered:- Why trust, not words alone, is the real currency readers buy into- How clarity of voice, values, and vision cuts through the endless noise online- Why your brand should outlast any platform, and how to future-proof your work- The “writer brand triangle” exercise to define your core voice, values, and vision- Why deciding what you’re not about is just as important as deciding what you are about- How to create clear entry points for readers so they instantly know who you are and who you serve- The role of community, practice, and feedback in turning your brand from a list of words into something that fuels real income➡️ Find out more about Writer Brand Lab here. ✍️ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

The Season 2 finale is here!In this conversation, literary agent Kate McKean offers an inside look at how publishing really works, from the first query letter to the call where an author hears their book has sold.With more than 20 years of experience, Kate is refreshingly candid about the realities of writing, rejection, marketing, and building a sustainable career.If you’ve ever wondered what an agent looks for (or what you should actually focus on as a writer), this one’s packed with clarity.What we covered:- How Kate became a literary agent and what her role actually involves day-to-day- What makes a query stand out and the moment she knows she wants to represent a book- Why chasing publishing trends is a losing game and what authors should focus on instead- The difference between platform and brand, and why nonfiction writers can’t afford to ignore platform- Why sincerity and vulnerability matter more than hot takes or cleverness in today’s market- The biggest red flags authors should watch for when querying agents or publishers- How to reframe rejection and see it as part of the process, not a verdict on you as a writer👉 Make sure to subscribe to Kate McKean before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 22 is here!In this episode, Kieran Drew tells me what it was like to leave dentistry to build a thriving online writing business.He shares how he went from zero audience to over 280,000+ readers and more than $1.3M in revenue, why storytelling became his most valuable skill, and how he balances depth, reach, and revenue in his work.We cover everything from selling in a human way to resisting the algorithm’s pull, and why curiosity is his ultimate compass for long-term success.What we covered:- The moment Kieran decided to quit dentistry and bet on himself as a writer- How one vulnerable story unlocked an audience and reshaped his approach to content- The trap of “incentive drag” and how to avoid losing your voice to trends and algorithms- A simple structure for selling without losing trust or turning people off- Why brand is a long-term moat in the age of AI and how to build it authentically- The three pillars of his business: reach, relationships, and revenue… and how Kieran balances them- His best advice for anyone who wants to quit their job and build a writing business from scratch👉 Make sure to subscribe to Kieran’s newsletter before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe

Season 2, episode 21 is here!In this conversation, Russell Nohelty unpacks the realities of making a living as a writer, from the hidden math of capitalism to the promise you make readers in a series.He shares the lessons he’s learned over more than a decade of fiction and nonfiction publishing, why Kickstarter beats most retail launches, and how understanding your audience can open creative and financial doors.Sign up for the newsletter nowWhat we covered in today’s podcast:- Why most authors misunderstand capitalism and how that shapes their career decisions- The “promise” every book series must keep if you want readers to stay with you until the end- The case for Kickstarter as the most reliable launch platform for authors right now- How to identify your highest-value readers and build products they can’t resist- The difference between being in a “growth” season and a “monetisation” season, and why mixing the two rarely works- Practical strategies for writing fantasy that blends multiple mythologies while keeping structure and tone consistent- Why disentangling your self-worth from your success is essential for a sustainable, long-term writing career👉 Make sure to subscribe to The Author Stack before you go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe