On September 8th, 2025, ALLi asked: How are you diversifying your author income beyond book sales, and what’s working for you?

For me, diversification has meant building beyond the books themselves.  I set up a merchandise shop on my website where I sell both book-themed items and author brand merch.  On top of that, I created a membership system that gives readers access to story bibles, second and discarded drafts, and other behind-the-scenes content.  I even offer a tier where members can have their names included in the acknowledgments of future books as a personal thank-you for their support.

It's not just about extra income streams—it’s about deepening the connection with readers.  Having multiple ways for them to engage, whether it’s through merchandize, memberships, or future books, creates a stronger bond than book sales alone ever could.