How to Write for a Living

Season 3, episode 22 is here!I threw together this episode to answer questions from my Substack chat thread, where writers shared what’s actually slowing them down right now.As it turns out, the struggles are universal: too many platforms, not enough time, and the back-of-the-mind realisation that writing often isn’t enough - you have to market yourself too.What I covered:- When it’s okay to ruthlessly cut platforms that aren’t working)- The 80/20 rule for your first few months on Substack that nobody talks about- How to structure your day when you’re balancing soul-satisfying creative work with contracts that actually pay the bills- The broken expectation every writer hits: you can’t just write anymore, you have to be your own marketing executive too (and how to make that less painful)- Why you shouldn’t box yourself into a theme at the start- The TikTok strategy for finding ARC readers when you don’t know 50 people willing to review your book- Finding your value offer as a writer by asking yourself: what could you talk about on a soapbox for 30 minutes straight, and what would light you up seeing someone else achieve? 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 21 is here!Dani Zacarias joined me to talk about her journey from criminology student to creator economy veteran, working at Wattpad, Skillshare, and now Sendowl.She shared a harrowing story about crossing a closed border with boulders exploding around her, why the pressure from VCs often misses what actually matters in content creation, and how writers can build sustainable businesses around their work.What we covered:- How Dani’s path from wanting to be a lawyer led her through international nonprofits and into the creator economy, including the moment in Uganda when a reader cried because he finally saw Ugandan names in a book for the first time- Why Silicon Valley and VC-funded companies trivialise art and creation by pushing data over taste, and how she learned to fight for what she believed in even when billions of dollars were telling her she was wrong- The border crossing in Peru where protesters closed the route with tripwires designed to decapitate motorcyclists, pits filled with glass, and boulders rolling down hills, and how she and her now-husband made it through by going completely silent and focused- Brandon Sanderson’s keynote argument that art isn’t about consumption or making money but about reflecting on who you are as a person, and why the creator economy’s obsession with content volume is dangerous for durability and meaning- What she learned from working at Wattpad by analysing massive amounts of data on reader behavior, discovering that people forgive bad writing but never forgive bad plot- Why Sendowl exists for creators who want total ownership of their audience and customer lists without platform algorithms changing the rules, offering unlimited products and storage that scales with your business instead of eating 10% of every sale- Her advice to think holistically beyond just the story itself, building an ecosystem with merchandise, short stories, and IP that fantasy and sci-fi fans want to engage with because that’s where the sustainable money actually lives➡️ Interested in Sendowl? Email Dani at dani@sendowl.com and mention this podcast for a potential discount. 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 20 is here!Neera Mahajan joined me to talk about writing books fast, building authority, and turning a single book into a scalable business.She shared why most writers never finish their books, the difference between vanity projects and strategic assets, and how she helps creators write their books in 30 days through implementation over information.This one’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to finish their book!In this episode:- Why Neera started writing not because she was good at it but because she was bad, and how quitting her job to write full-time led to publishing 14 books that now serve as the foundation of her entire business model- The moment she realised three years of articles gave her nothing to show for the effort, and how one voice in her head telling her to write that damn book changed everything about her authority and income overnight- Why most writers fail to finish their books because they make them too big and drift in and out of the work, and the strict framework of 13 chapters maximum with 2,000 words each that actually gets books done in 30 days- The difference between vanity projects and strategic authority assets, including how a strategic book needs a clear audience, addresses one specific problem, and launches your tiered offer at the end instead of just existing on a shelf- Her four-level productivity system for writers that starts with calendar management and email inbox zero, and why she now surrounds herself with notebooks that travel from room to room capturing ideas before they disappear- Why her cohort focuses on implementation and daily accountability rather than piling on more information, requiring participants to write 500-1,000 words daily toward their book while working in a group settingCheck out all of Neera’s books 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 19 is here!I was super excited to have Justin Moore join me to talk about something most writers think is out of reach: getting paid by brands to create content.Justin shared the sponsorship strategies that built his multi-million dollar business, why your follower count matters less than you think, and the pitching method that stops brands from hitting delete on your emails.This is the perfect episode for anyone interested in finding game-changing sponsorships for their content!What we covered:- Why writers with small audiences can still land sponsorships by offering something completely different than traditional influencer posts, and how your writing skills become the product itself rather than just your audience size- The ROPE method for pitching brands that flips the script on how most creators approach sponsorships, starting with what the brand cares about instead of bragging about your follower count in the first sentence- How Justin’s wife went from accepting free products for years to earning $700 monthly from a single brand deal, and the simple question that changed everything about how they approached collaborations- The sponsorship continuum concept that changes what you pitch based on where you are in your growth journey, from ghostwriting for brands at the start to commanding premium rates once you’ve scaled- Why having a rate card on your website is the worst possible strategy for pricing sponsorships, and the budget range question that gets brands to reveal their numbers 75% of the time without you naming a price first- The ARC framework that determines how much leverage you have in negotiations based on whether brands want awareness, repurposing rights, or conversion metrics from the partnership- Why Justin believes books will outlast almost every other content format in the age of AI, and how writing Sponsor Magnet became the most impactful thing he’s done for his business despite never considering himself a writer👉 Want to learn these strategies in person? Justin’s hosting Sponsor Games in San Antonio, March 15-18. Use code DAVID500 for $500 off your ticket! Find out more 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 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