Claim OwnershipHow to Write for a Living
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© David McIlroy
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Writers should get paid for doing what they love. Let's talk about how to make that happen.
thedavidmcilroy.substack.com
thedavidmcilroy.substack.com
46 Episodes
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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
Season 2, episode 20 is here!In this conversation, Chenell Basilio shares how she went from a solo deep-dive experiment to building a newsletter followed by tens of thousands and her own successful community. We get into what drives real growth, how to stay visible without burning out, and why keeping things human is still the most underrated advantage online.What we covered:- How Growth in Reverse started with a 60-hour research obsession and four subscribers- The simple moment that got Jay Clouse to become one of Chenell’s first readers and how that early support changed everything- Why human connection and 1:1 outreach still outperform any automation or tactic- How Chenell approaches branding without overthinking it and the little design details that actually matter- What makes a sponsorship worth taking and how to grow trust without ever calling yourself an expert- The tool Chenell’s most excited about right now and why it exists- Why creators should worry less about followers and more about retention, relationships, and staying in the game long enough to get great👉 Make sure to subscribe to Growth in Reverse 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 19 is here!In this conversation, Jay Clouse opens up about the business behind his creative work, the systems that keep his community running, and his growing obsession with one powerful idea: trust.Beginning with his early product background to running a 450-member creator community, Jay shares practical advice and personal insights on building a sustainable creator career from the inside out.What we covered:- Why Jay started over on Substack and what it taught him about empathy, experimentation, and trust- The four key attributes of trust and how they quietly shape every decision your audience makes- How Jay built a high-revenue creator business by focusing on retention, not constant growth- What creators miss when launching communities, and how to fix it with purpose and onboarding- Why going first is one of the most underrated habits for connection, collaboration, and long-term growth- How to brand yourself in an AI-saturated world and become first to mind for a specific idea- The word Jay wants to own in the next phase of his career, and what that says about the future of creator businesses👉 Make sure to subscribe to Jay’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 2, episode 18 is here!In this episode, Erica Schneider shares what it really takes to go from full-time agency work to running your own solopreneur business as a writer. We chat about personal pivots, marketing strategies and emotional clarity in writing - this one’s a real deep dive into the mindset and mechanics of modern creative work.What we covered:- Why Erica left a stable agency job and what she learned from cycling through multiple business models before finding the right fit- The surprising pressure behind selling cohorts and one-on-one offers, and how to know if they’re right for you- How Substack Notes helped Erica gain traction and drive hundreds of subscribers from a single viral post- What it actually takes to thrive as a solopreneur, and why charisma, bias for action, and self-awareness matter more than a polished plan- A breakdown of how Erica writes emotionally resonant emails, builds confident offers, and uses AI as a creative partner, not a replacement- Her “MP3” framework for building a personal brand that connects- How to close the recognition gap and future-proof your writing business in the age of AI 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 17 is here!In this episode, Rodney Daut breaks down what creators often get wrong about building and selling courses, and how to rethink content from the ground up. He shares practical insights, surprising analogies, and sharp strategies for creators who want their work to actually teach (and sell).What we covered:- Why traditional social media failed Rodney, and why Substack Notes became an unexpected growth engine for him- What most creators misunderstand about course design, and how to build training that actually sticks- How to teach complex ideas using “disconnected stories” that hook readers with curiosity before delivering insight- A behind-the-scenes look at building courses for clients in health and education, including a surprising case study that involved milk and Mongolian horsemen (?!)- How Rodney uses AI to improve course content, not replace it, and where it still falls short- What makes a micro course feel valuable, not small, and how a “potato chip” analogy can change how you think about content- A dead-simple trick for finding the real problem your course should solve, and how to name it- Why specificity in your audience and offer isn't about who you are - it's about the problems only you can solve👉 Make sure to subscribe to Rodney’s publication before you go, and grab your free ebook copy of Profitable Playbooks right 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 2, episode 16 is here!In this episode, I chat to Dina Marais, a coach and publisher who helps aspiring authors turn their stories into bestsellers. Our conversation is packed with insights for any writer dreaming of seeing their name on a book cover and building a thriving business behind it.What we covered:- How Dina pivoted from IT to coaching and publishing, helping over 100 authors reach bestseller status.- Why multi-author books are a powerful first step for new writers — and how they work behind the scenes.- The biggest difference between publishing a solo book and a collaborative anthology.- How writing just one chapter can kickstart your brand and audience building.- Dina’s practical approach to coaching writers — from story feedback to launch strategy.- How to choose book categories and time your launch to hit number one on Amazon.- Why podcast guesting and evergreen content matter more than chasing social media trends.- How to use your book as a gateway to bigger programs, courses, and speaking gigs.- The mindset shift every author needs: don’t wait for perfection, start sharing your story now.- A powerful reminder that your story, exactly as it is, can help walk others home.Make sure to subscribe to Dina’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 2, episode 14 is here!In this episode, I chat to Alex Mathers about how writers can use clear positioning, consistent messaging, and audience trust to generate real, sustainable income online.You’ll learn:- Why most online writers struggle with visibility despite being highly skilled.- The concept of the “Recognition Gap” and how it affects client acquisition.- The importance of having a clear offer, point of view, and market presence.- How to position your writing as a marketing tool, not just content.- Common traps like writing for peers instead of potential clients.- Why consistency doesn’t equal effectiveness in content strategy.- How to identify whether your content is leading to inbound interest.- The difference between content pillars and problem-led marketing.- Simple, real-world signals that show your market position is weak.- A soft but effective call to action approach that drives responses.Make sure to subscribe to Alex’s publications before you go (check out his profile). 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 13 is here!In this episode, I chat to Yana G.Y. about how and why to treat Substack like a business and generate real, sustainable income on the platform.You’ll learn:- Why treating your Substack like a real business changes everything- How Yana hit a 6% conversion rate (and keeps it steady)- The overlooked channel on Substack that converts better than email- What a smart 20-day automation can do for your paid signups- Why selling transformation beats listing features every time- The subtle power of monthly challenges to drive retention and growth- How to actually use AI without sounding like everyone else- A simple system for turning audience insights into paid content ideas- Why branding isn't optional if you want to be memorable- The retention mindset shift that most creators overlook- The one thing most writers are scared to do, and why it’s the key to incomeMake sure to subscribe to Yana’s publication Unplugged by Yana G.Y. 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 12 is here!In this episode, I chat to… myself… about why Substack is the best place to be right now as a writer, and what I’d do if I was just starting out on the platform.You’ll learn:- Why Substack is the #1 platform for writers starting today- How I grew from ~50 to 23,000+ subscribers using simple, consistent strategies- The three biggest advantages of using Substack over other platforms- How to leverage Substack’s discovery tools to grow without a large following- Why owning your email list is more powerful than having social media followers- How Substack integrates seamlessly with YouTube for creators- Tips for turning YouTube videos into Substack content- Three key steps to follow in your first month on Substack- How to engage effectively on Substack to build a loyal audienceThis is a quick and easy episode for anyone who’s just getting started on Substack! 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 11 is here!In this episode, I chat to Derek Hughes about how he’s built a thriving online writing business on Substack and Medium.You’ll learn:- How Derek grew his audience and income with Notes, coaching cohorts, and digital products- Why autonomy and personal freedom matter more than just chasing big income- The most crucial advice for new writers: focus on starting and staying consistent- How to build a rock-solid writing habit and overcome imposter syndrome- Why success in digital products comes from smart marketing, not just creation- How simple, practical resources (like templates) can outperform complex offers- How to stand out as an authentic, differentiated creator in the age of AI- What a balanced, sustainable writing life looks like, and why it’s worth aiming forIf you’ve been looking for practical strategies, hard-earned lessons, and honest encouragement to build your own writing path, this episode delivers. 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 8 is here!In this episode, I chat with Michael Lim, who’s currently living the sweet creator life in Bali and can’t believe he’s almost 30.Here’s some of what we touched on in this one:- The DOT framework for solopreneurs- How to fix your offer using the Three Ps- Why money and titles don’t equate to happiness- Which other writers have influenced Michael’s approachIf you want to hone your offer and generate more income as a writing-based solopreneur, this one’s for you.And don’t forget to check out Michael’s publication, Solopreneur Launch, before you go!Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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 7 is here!In this episode, I chat with Jari Roomer, who expertly walks us through the process of creating and lauching digital products actually wanted by our audience members (which is kind of a big deal!).Here’s some of what we covered:- When to let go as an entrepeneur- How to validate ideas with your audience- The differences between full and mini courses- The best ways to grow an email audience on SubstackIf you’re interested in launching your own digital products, this one’s for you.And don’t forget to check out Jari’s co-hosted publication, Write • Build • Scale!Paid members can watch every full video episode in our Member Resource Hub. 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
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