2 Ways to Create $1,500 a Month Publishing?

Recently, I was asked, "how do you create a steady $1,500.00 a month publishing books?" I laughed at first! Steady income and publishing haven't always gone hand in hand. Book sales have been extremely unpredictable. I've had months where I earned $12,000.00, and months where I earned $1,200.00.

Book sales fluctuate like the weather. I find "steady income" by illustrating books and public speaking.

Illustration is one of my biggest income generators. I illustrate from January through March and June through September. I spend countless hours creating artwork. The dollar per hour isn't the best, and finding good clients comes with challenges. 

Many of you are thinking, "I can't draw!" So public speaking is my best suggestion as a "steady income" for authors. Here is a formula I use.

1. Charge a minimum of $500 per visit. Three speaking events per month yields $1,500.00. Schedule a total of 36 throughout the year. Seems daunting, right?
2. Sell books at the events. Some schools don't collect book sales, however some do! On average 10% of students purchase a book. 1,000 students generally equals 100 books sold. Being conservative 5% would yield 50 book sales. If you make $5 a book, that's $250 extra. Now only 2 speaking events are needed a month, or 24 per year.

School visits can be repeated monthly. Elementary schools generally bring authors in from February through late April and October through November. It's a small window of time to schedule 24-36 events. Just remember this is about one month of "work."

Illustrating and public speaking are two ways I create a "steady income" publishing books. By creating more products and being social, book sales will become more consistent.

Mark Wayne Adams
Award-winning Illustrator of The Belly Button Fairy

When is the Best Time to Schedule School Visits?

"When is the best time to schedule a school visit?" A very popular question from authors planning who plan to speak in schools. I book school visits from one month to a year in advance. The reason for a wide range is that most schools have limited budgets and a variety of time frames for scheduling. The best time for me to schedule is six months ahead.  

When planning spring visits, send contact emails starting December 1st. The holidays are a rushed time. Many educators are planners and respond immediately. Follow up emails can start after January 15th. This gives the staff time to settle in after the new year. Non planners will find an urgent need to book an author visit.  

If planning fall visits, send contact emails before May 1st. Emails after this date educators are in holiday mode mindset and ignore the email.  I don't start emailing educators until a week before school starts in the fall. 

Booking schools means planning life one year in advance. Middle and high schools may be different. No matter what age group, get your official fingerprint ID done. You can register at the county courthouse.

A great resource for scheduling is Jane Wood's Schools: A Niche Market for Authors.

Mark Wayne Adams

Award-winning illustrator of Jilli, That's Silly!: A Story About Being a Girl