As a writer, you use lots of different products and services. Many of those have an affiliate program that pays you a percentage of what they receive from the customer whenever the customer purchases through your individual affiliate link.

I love affiliate income because it’s like getting paid to recommend things you are already using. For example, I’m an affiliate for ConvertKit, the email marketing service. When people use my link to sign up with the service, I get a portion of what they pay ConvertKit. The basic idea is that ConvertKit is rewarding me for recommending their product because they may not have had that customer without my recommendation.

Another example is the course Book Marketing Mastery, created and taught by Honorée Corder. I promote this course a couple of times a week here on the podcast because Honorée is great, the course is great, and I know it’s something that will benefit you. Plus, it doesn’t cost you any more to sign up through my affiliate link because Honorée gives me a portion of what you pay her for the course.

And by the way, if you’d like to sign up for Book Marketing Mastery, visit https://dailywriterlife.com/bookmarketingmastery and use the code “DailyWriter” (that’s all one word) to get 10% off.

One thing I want to mention is that an affiliate is different than a sponsor. The difference is in how you get paid. With an affiliate partnership, you get a percentage of what the customer pays the affiliate. With a sponsorship, the company or person behind the product or service you’re promoting pays you directly to advertise it. For example, starting next month, the Vellum app will be a paid sponsor of this podcast. That means they are paying me directly to promote their product on my show.

Here is the main key with affiliate marketing: you must do it in an ethical and responsible way. I never promote things that I don’t personally use or recommend, whether it’s an affiliate partnership or a sponsor. If you’re already using and recommending certain products or services, check to see if they have an affiliate program, then start promoting them in an ethical way. It’s a great way to grow your bank account and have a lot of fun in the process!

Question: What products or services are you already using that have an affiliate program?

The post Making Money as a Writer: Affiliate Marketing appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Today we have amazing opportunities to create, publish, and distribute our self-published books. One of the greatest tools created for self-publishers in recent years is the Vellum app, which is software that helps you create ebooks and print books that look amazing.

I’ve been a heavy Vellum user for years, so I was excited to chat with one of the co-creators, Brad West. Brad has been in the world of indie publishing for over ten years. Before that, he was a senior software developer at Pixar Animation Studios.

In this conversation, Brad shares the fascinating story of how and why he and his co-creators developed Vellum. He also shares his thoughts on the future of self-publishing.

The post Vellum Co-Founder Brad West on Creating Beautiful Books appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Book formatting is one of the last things authors think about when creating their book. However, it’s absolutely vital since that’s where readers spend all their time. My guest today is here to help us get a handle on this critical area of success for your book.

Jody Skinner is a proofreader, book designer, and avid reader. As founder of both Skinner Self-Publishing Services and Smidgen Press, she is living her best book-nerd life now. Both companies keep her hopping, from coaching first-time authors in the end stages of publishing to bringing old books back to life for the modern reader.

A proud military spouse, Jody loves meeting new people, Ubering her three teens, and drinking just one more cup of Earl Grey. Puns always appreciated.

In this conversation, Jody helps us get a better handle on book formatting. She tackles such questions as: How important is attractive and professional-looking formatting to a book’s success? What kinds of formatting programs are available to everyday writers? Why should we consider using the Vellum app?

Check out the links below to connect with Jody on social media, buy her book, and discover more about Vellum:

Try Vellum for 99 Cents

Learn More About Jody’s Self-Publishing Company, Skinner Self-Publishing Services

Find Out More About Smidgen Press

Purchase Jody’s Book on Amazon

Connect with Jody on Instagram

Follow Jody on Facebook

Check Out Smidgen Press on Facebook

Discover Smidgen Press on Instagram

The post Jody Skinner: Creating Beautiful Formatting for Your Book appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.