21 Business Ideas For Novelists [2024]

Are you a novelist looking for new business opportunities in 2024? You could transform your storytelling skills into profitable ventures. As a writer, you already possess the creativity and discipline needed to succeed in various fields.

From self-publishing services to content creation, the possibilities are vast. Perhaps you could offer freelance writing or open an online course teaching others the craft of novel writing. This article explores some exciting business ideas that could help you diversify your income streams.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other novelist businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a novelist, creating an AI writing tool makes perfect sense. By leveraging your deep understanding of storytelling, you could develop an AI that assists writers, businesses, and students in generating high-quality content. An AI writing tool can serve as a reliable assistant, enabling users to produce error-free and engaging content effortlessly. This innovative approach not only diversifies your income stream but also positions you at the forefront of a digital revolution in writing.

Why create an AI writing tool? - You'll transform writing efficiency. Automating content creation saves time and reduces error, making the process seamless. - You'll meet a rising demand. With the increasing need for high-quality content across industries, your tool will be invaluable. - You'll leverage storytelling expertise. As a novelist, your knack for compelling narratives can give your AI a unique edge.

For more insights on starting an AI writing tool business, check out this link.

2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a brilliant way for a novelist to supplement their income and reach a broader audience. A podcast allows you to showcase your storytelling skills, share insights from the writing process, and discuss themes relevant to your work, thereby fostering a deeper connection with your readers. It also creates opportunities to earn through sponsorships, advertisements, or even directing listeners to purchase your novels. For more insights, you can check out podcast success stories here.

Why starting a podcast?

• You could leverage your storytelling skills, making your podcast a captivating experience for listeners.
• It’s an excellent platform for promoting your books and directly engaging with your audience.
• Podcasting opens new revenue streams through sponsorships and advertisements, helping you monetize your passion.

3. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Are you a novelist looking for a new creative outlet that also supplements your income? Starting a niche website could be an ideal opportunity for you. By focusing on a specific topic you’re passionate about, you can create a platform that resonates with dedicated followers, all while generating income through various monetization strategies.

Creating compelling content not only showcases your writing skills but also helps you build a loyal audience. Whether through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, your niche website can become a reliable source of passive income. For insight into successful niche website businesses, check out some niche website success stories.

Why start a niche website?

• You’ll have the chance to explore and share your other interests, beyond novel writing.
• Building a niche audience means you create a dedicated community around your expertise.
• This venture allows you to diversify your income streams, providing financial stability and creative satisfaction.

4. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As a novelist, starting an online course sales business could provide a lucrative way to supplement your income by sharing your expertise and passion for writing. This venture allows you to monetize your skills by teaching others about storytelling, character development, or the nuances of the publishing industry. Given the e-learning market's projected growth to over $645 billion, now is an ideal time to create and sell courses targeted at aspiring writers and readers. For more on making money with an online course, check out this link.

Why consider starting an online course sales business?

• You could turn your passion for writing into a steady stream of passive income.
• Sharing your knowledge provides a fulfilling way to engage with a community of aspiring writers.
• The groundwork you lay in creating a course pays off as you can continue to monetize it over time with minimal ongoing effort.

5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

If you have a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be your next big move as a novelist. This platform offers you the chance to share insights about your writing process, discuss book reviews, or even provide educational content on creative writing and storytelling. Through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise, you could supplement your income while connecting with a broader audience who shares your passion for literature.

Why consider starting a YouTube channel?

• You can reach a global audience. Share your unique voice and literary insights with viewers from around the world.
• Monetization opportunities abound. Earn revenue through ads, sponsorships, and selling merchandise related to your writing.
• Build a community of readers and fellow writers. Engaging with your audience can foster a loyal fanbase and potentially drive book sales.

For more insights, check out successful YouTube channel ideas and how they have turned their content into profitable ventures. (/ideas/youtube-channel-776c3594-d38e-4630-89ff-b9c43217243b/success-stories)

6. Print on demand business ($411K/month)

A print-on-demand business would make perfect sense for a novelist looking to supplement their income. Utilizing platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay, you could design and sell custom merchandise such as apparel, home goods, and phone cases. This model allows you to monetize your creativity without the burden of upfront inventory costs, and with minimal startup capital, you can focus on creating unique products that resonate with a global audience.

Why start a print-on-demand business?

• Low initial investment: Your main investment is your creativity, not inventory.
• Flexibility: Operate your business from anywhere and manage it alongside your writing career.
• Scalability: Easily expand your product range and reach new customer bases worldwide.

For more details, be sure to explore the pros and cons of a print-on-demand business.

7. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

For novelists looking to diversify their income streams, starting an AI-based business solution can offer lucrative opportunities. By implementing cutting-edge technology, you could streamline business operations, from customer service to inventory management, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency and make data-driven decisions. Even without a tech background, user-friendly platforms and robust support systems make it accessible for anyone willing to innovate.

The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, and businesses are eager to gain a competitive edge through optimization and automation. This venture allows you to tap into high-impact areas and could provide a strategic pathway to boost business performance. With AI's ability to automate tasks and provide valuable insights, this could be both a profitable and intellectually satisfying endeavor. For more insights on startup costs and profitability, check out this page on AI-based business solutions starterstory.

Why start an AI-based business solution?

• The growing demand for AI offers a rapidly expanding market to explore.
• AI tools automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for creative pursuits like writing.
• You could gain valuable insights into customer behavior and market trends, aiding in better decision-making.

8. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

As a novelist, venturing into the development of a mobile app is a lucrative way to supplement your income and diversify your skill set. Consider creating an app that capitalizes on your storytelling abilities, such as an interactive fiction game or a writing prompt generator. The mobile app market offers vast opportunities, allowing you to reach a global audience and potentially generate significant revenue with the right idea and execution. For those interested, check out inspiring success stories of mobile app ventures.

Why develop a mobile app?

• It allows you to monetize your creativity by turning your stories into engaging, interactive experiences.
• The app market is rapidly growing, offering extensive opportunities for innovative and unique apps.
• Creating a mobile app can provide a new stream of passive income, allowing you to focus on writing while the app generates revenue.

9. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)

Creating a health and wellness app offers novelists a unique opportunity to leverage their storytelling and creative abilities in the growing health tech industry. By designing a platform that delivers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could craft engaging and motivational content that keeps users inspired and committed to their wellness goals. This venture allows novelists to blend creativity with entrepreneurship, making a meaningful impact on users' lives while generating supplementary income.

Why consider starting a health and wellness app?

• Tap into a growing market: The health and wellness app industry is booming, offering substantial potential for success.
• Utilize your storytelling skills: Create compelling content that motivates and engages users in their wellness journey.
• Flexible revenue streams: Monetize your app through subscriptions, in-app purchases, and partnerships with health experts.

For more information on how to start a health and wellness app, visit Starter Story.

10. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

If you're a novelist seeking to diversify your income streams, developing a lead generation tool could be a smart move. This business involves creating a platform that automates the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for other businesses. By leveraging your creativity and analytical skills, you could design a tool that integrates with websites and social media channels to collect valuable data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, and customer interests.

The demand for efficient lead generation solutions is high, providing a lucrative market for your offering. By focusing on how to streamline marketing efforts for companies, you could sustain a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. For inspiration, you can check out some success stories of lead generation tools.

Why developing a lead generation tool?

• You could use your storytelling skills to craft compelling content that attracts businesses.
• You could leverage your analytical abilities to design an intuitive user interface.
• The high demand for effective lead generation tools means ample opportunities for growth and profit.

11. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)

As a novelist, starting an email marketing tool business could be a lucrative and flexible side hustle. With a vast array of email tools catering to entrepreneurs and startups, your expertise in crafting compelling narratives can set your tool apart by offering custom content and nurturing strategies. This business aligns perfectly with your literary skills, allowing you to generate additional income through a platform that is expected to reach $2.53B by 2028, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Why consider launching an email marketing tool?

• You could leverage your storytelling abilities to help businesses craft engaging email campaigns.
• The booming email marketing industry presents a high-demand opportunity.
• It's a low-barrier entry business where you can start small and scale up.

12. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Envision effortlessly managing multiple social media accounts while driving engagement and growth—this is the essence of a social media automation business. By providing tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, you could help small businesses and influencers enhance their social media presence, saving them time and increasing their engagement.

For novelists, diving into social media automation can be a lucrative side business that taps into your creative and tech-savvy strengths. With the rising demand for consistent social media engagement, this business idea not only complements your writing career but also offers a steady income stream. Read more about starting a social media automation business.

Why consider a social media automation business?

• You could leverage your storytelling skills to create compelling and engaging social media content for clients.
• Automating tasks frees up your time, allowing you to focus on your writing while earning additional income.
• With your background in writing, you’re already equipped to craft captivating copy, making it easier to market your services.

13. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

If you are a novelist with technical prowess, starting a WordPress plugin business could be an intriguing side hustle. WordPress plugins are essential to running websites effectively, and there is a continuous demand for innovative solutions. By creating and selling plugins that address specific problems, you could generate additional income streams and diversify your revenue beyond book sales. To get started, you could sell your plugins on platforms such as CodeCanyon or directly from your blog.

Why starting a WordPress plugin business?

• You could leverage your writing skills to create comprehensive documentation and marketing content for your plugins.
• By solving specific problems with your plugins, you position yourself as a helpful creator, building a community that trusts your brand.
• The steady demand for WordPress plugins offers a recurring revenue model, providing financial stability alongside your writing career.

14. Start a laser cut coasters business

Starting a laser cut coasters business can be an excellent side venture for a novelist looking to supplement their income. This enterprise allows for the exploration of a different creative medium, giving you a chance to design custom and intricate pieces. With the precision and flexibility offered by laser cutting technology, you can create unique and personalized coasters that appeal to a wide range of customers, from book lovers to home décor enthusiasts.

Laser cutting technology also enables you to achieve custom designs at a lower cost, maximizing your profits. This business provides an opportunity to diversify your income streams without taking too much time away from your writing. For more details, visit this link.

Why start a laser cut coasters business?

• It allows you to harness your creativity in a new medium.
• Custom designs can attract niche markets, such as literary-themed coasters.
• It provides a profitable and less time-consuming way to supplement your writing income.

15. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog could be an effective way for novelists to supplement their income while engaging with a passionate online community. As a novelist, you have a unique perspective and storytelling ability that can distinguish your blog from others. By focusing on a specific, underserved niche like book reviews, writing tips, or genre commentary, you can create compelling and informative content that attracts avid readers and aspiring writers alike.

To monetize your niche blog, consider providing affiliate links to related products, building a YouTube channel for added visibility, and collaborating with relevant brands in your chosen niche. Over time, this can grow into a side business—or even a full-fledged one—that complements your novel-writing career. For more detailed insights, visit this article on how much niche blogs can make.

Why start a niche blog?

• Your storytelling skills can captivate an engaged audience.
• Blogging provides an additional revenue stream through affiliate marketing and brand partnerships.
• It allows you to build a personal brand and connect with readers in your niche.

16. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business makes sense for novelists looking to supplement their income or even turn their passion for writing into a side business. By promoting products and services related to your niche or interests, you could earn commissions on each sale, creating a stream of passive income. This business model allows you to leverage your writing skills to craft compelling content that drives traffic and sales, and partner with brands that resonate with your readers.

Why start an affiliate marketing business?

• Flexible and low-cost. You could start affiliate marketing with minimal investment and work on it alongside your writing projects.
• Monetize your existing audience. Use your blog, social media, or newsletter to recommend products to your readers, seamlessly integrating with your existing content strategy.
• Scalable income potential. Once you create effective promotional content, it could continue generating passive income as long as people are making purchases through your affiliate links.

To learn more about the profitability and how to get started with an affiliate marketing business, visit Starter Story.

17. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

As a novelist looking to diversify your income streams, starting a subscription box business could be a highly lucrative and engaging venture. Subscription box businesses offer customers a curated set of niche products on a monthly basis, a concept that can easily be tailored to the literary world. By leveraging your storytelling skills and deep understanding of your readers, you could create a subscription box filled with exclusive literary items, author collectibles, and even signed copies of books, providing an added layer of connection with your audience.

Check out these subscription box business success stories to see how other entrepreneurs have thrived in this space.

Why start a subscription box business?

• It’s a sustainable revenue model with recurring income, offering financial stability.
• You could build a loyal community around your literary brand, enhancing reader engagement.
• It allows you to creatively market your own works alongside curated products from other authors or related merchandise.

18. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)

As a novelist, creating a niche investment platform can be a compelling side business or even a primary venture. You could leverage your storytelling skills to craft a unique narrative around niche markets, be it collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, attracting a specialized audience intrigued by your insight and passion. Furthermore, a niche investment platform offers the opportunity to generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions, providing a steady income stream that could support your writing career.

Why consider starting a niche investment platform?

• Your narrative skills can captivate a targeted audience, making your platform stand out.
• Diversified income streams from transaction fees and subscriptions can provide financial stability.
• Engaging with niche markets allows you to explore new passions while building a unique business.

19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

As a novelist, harnessing your writing talent to start a cold email service business could be a strategic and enjoyable way to supplement your income. You'll find this venture appealing if you love crafting engaging narratives and persuasive language, as these skills are pivotal for creating compelling email campaigns. By helping businesses reach new clients directly through well-targeted cold emails, you blend creativity with marketing savvy, ultimately driving results and revenue.

In addition, the cold email service business offers the flexibility to start small and scale as you gain more experience and success stories. With the ability to leverage email marketing tools and track metrics like open rates and conversions, this business aligns well with a strategic mindset. If you're interested in exploring this idea further, you might find valuable insights in these success stories.

Why start a cold email service business?

• Leverage your writing skills for compelling and effective email campaigns, making it a natural extension of your novelist talents.
• Enjoy the flexibility of starting on a part-time basis and scaling as you grow, creating a sustainable side income or full-fledged business.
• Tap into a constantly in-demand market, providing lead generation services to businesses eager to acquire new clients.

20. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)

Running a dropshipping business can be a fantastic side hustle or even a supplementary income stream for novelists. Since dropshipping doesn’t require managing physical inventory, you could allocate more time to writing while still earning money from your online store. With platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce making it easy to set up your store, you could quickly start selling products related to your niche or interests.

Why consider a dropshipping business?

• It's low-risk and low-cost. You don't need to invest in inventory upfront, meaning less financial risk.
• Flexible time management allows you to balance writing and running your store. This makes it a great side hustle for a novelist.
• You can align your product offerings with your novels' themes or target audience, creating a cohesive brand experience.

For more insights on dropshipping, explore this page within Starter Story: /ideas/dropshipping-business/profitability.

21. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

As a novelist, venturing into a stock photography business offers a creative and lucrative opportunity to supplement your income. Leveraging your storytelling skills, you could capture compelling images that resonate with specific themes, making them highly desirable to businesses and marketers. By investing in quality photography gear, you could build an impressive portfolio and enjoy a steady stream of passive income.

Why starting a stock photography business?

• Your storytelling skills translate to captivating images. As a novelist, your knack for creating engaging narratives can be applied to visual storytelling, making your photos unique.
• Earn passive income by selling exclusive photo licenses. Once your stock photos are uploaded, they can generate revenue continuously without additional effort.
• Diversify your creative portfolio. Adding photography to your skill set not only broadens your horizons but also opens up new revenue streams.

For more insights on starting a stock photography business, visit Starter Story's stock photography business.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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163 Million Dollar Solopreneur Business Ideas

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