How Side Hustle Authors Are Changing the Game

Is it just me, or does time seem to be slipping through our fingers even quicker these days?

Yet, many authors are finding themselves writing bestsellers without quitting their day jobs! I like to call them ‘side hustle authors’ (respectfully, of course) because they are rewriting the rules of success, balancing full-time careers, family lives, and writing, while managing to create stories that captivate readers and sometimes even climb best-seller lists.

But how are they doing it?

Once upon a time, being an author meant committing to writing full-time. You had to choose between making a living and writing. But today, side hustle authors are proving that this doesn’t have to be the case. Thanks to self-publishing, hybrid publishing options, and the advancements to the digital world, aspiring authors can now publish their work on their own terms.

While traditional publishing used to require authors to sacrifice everything, including their IP, earnings & soul, for a book deal, the modern side hustle author can write at their own pace and on their own schedule, without compromising their careers. They are the true embodiment of the ‘work smarter, not harder’ mindset.

So, how do side hustle authors balance day jobs, personal responsibilities, and the often-demanding process of book writing?

Many are full-time professionals who work long hours at their ‘day jobs,’ but they make sure they carve out time in the evenings, weekends, or during lunch breaks to write.

This approach requires impeccable time management. For instance, many side hustle authors utilise practices like writing sprints, dedicated writing time (even if it's just 30 minutes a day), or productivity apps that help them stay on track with their writing goals. They might prioritise deep work over distractions, turning their spare time into a creative oasis.

And, it’s also about how hustle authors are rethinking success in the writing world…

It’s no longer just about signing a book deal or getting an advance from one of the big-5 publishers. These authors are redefining success in ways that feel more personal, achievable, and aligned with their own creative journeys.

For many side hustlers, success is about consistency and building an audience. Instead of chasing trends or focusing on overnight fame, these writers focus on producing quality content over time, knowing that slow and steady wins the race. Building a loyal fan base, receiving positive reviews, and seeing their book make an impact in readers' lives is a win in itself.

Furthermore, side hustle authors often have a unique advantage when it comes to marketing. With their established careers and professional networks, they can leverage social media, email lists, and collaborations with other professionals to market their books in creative ways. Their day jobs give them access to opportunities for cross-promotion that full-time authors might miss.

Let’s now explore how many side hustle authors still manage to create bestsellers.

What's their secret? One key factor is their focus on writing what they love. The pressure to write a book that “sells” is less daunting when you're not relying on it for your primary income. This freedom allows authors to stay true to their unique voice and take creative risks.

Additionally, side hustle authors often seek self-publishing options, which allows them to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and restrictions.

• They can publish on their own schedule – no strict deadlines from a traditional publisher.

• No manipulation of their work to suit a publisher’s opinion of what’s ‘marketable’ – they retain full creative freedom of their work.

• And, there’s no long waiting periods – ones that plague authors working with a traditional publisher.

Many side hustle authors are also masters of niche genres, which means their books often resonate deeply with specific audiences. Writing for a targeted, passionate group of readers can be incredibly rewarding and profitable.

So, the question is, can anyone become a side hustle author?

Yes, but it requires dedication. The rise of self-publishing and the flexibility of online platforms means that anyone with a story can become a published author. However, it takes discipline, time management, and a lot of hard work. Writing a book isn’t an easy task, and balancing that with work commitments and personal life makes it even more challenging.

But for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards are clear. Side hustle authors are proving that writing doesn’t require a leap of faith into full-time writing, it just takes a little bit of time, a lot of passion, and a willingness to juggle multiple roles.

From an independent publisher’s perspective…

The side hustle author movement is redefining what it means to be a successful writer. With a full-time career and a busy personal life, they’re showing the world that it's possible to chase your creative dreams without sacrificing everything (including your sanity). And in many cases, this flexibility is exactly what leads them to success—whether that means reaching best-seller lists, building an engaged audience, or simply finding joy in the writing process.

I started out as a side hustle author and I’m so glad I did! My time was divided between family life and home duties so it took allocating at least 1 hour a day to my writing. It wasn’t always achievable but the conscious effort to give my hobby time, paid off.

If you're someone with a day job and a dream of writing a book, remember that success is about writing with purpose, finding balance, and enjoying the ride!

To further explore self-publishing, book a consultation with me! Check out the services I offer at www.crystalleonardi.com/publishing. Alternatively, it's all been written down for you in my book, '6 Steps to Self-publishing with Crystal Leonardi. You will find it in my online bookshop: www.crystalleonardi.com/bookshop