How to Write for a Living
Episodes
404: Telling stories about the things no-one wants to talk about (with Not Exactly Ana)
03 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 4, episode 4 is here!Not Exactly Ana didn’t know what Substack was when she joined. She wasn’t a seasoned writer or a marketing expert. She...
403: How to access your main character energy (with Olivia Wickstrom)
26 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 4, episode 3 is here!Olivia Wickstrom didn’t set out to build a Substack. She set out to make affiliate income from a cottagecore blog. What ...
402: Things that passed me by (and why you shouldn't let my next event pass YOU by)
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 4, episode 2 is here!This one’s a bit different. No big interview, no deep dive into strategy, just a Saturday morning coffee chat, a new rec...
401: Welcome to Season Four (let's build it together)!
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season Four!This is the first episode of season four, recorded live on Substack for the first time. I explained why I’m experimenting wit...
325: The one story every writer needs to stop avoiding (with Amelia O'Loughlin)
29 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 25 is here!Amelia O’Loughlin joined me to talk about her journey from dance to screenwriting, how a chance encounter on South Bank...
324: Why your early work will suck... and why that's actually perfect (with Angela Hollowell)
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 24 is here!Angela Hollowell joined me to talk about her journey from photographer to filmmaker, why she publishes three times a week...
323: Why waiting to monetise your Substack is actually costing you money (with Philip Hofmacher)
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
➡️ Learn the exact system used by Write • Build • Scale to build, launch, and automate your first mini-course so you can build your own passiv...
322: Your big writing questions answered
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 22 is here!I threw together this episode to answer questions from my Substack chat thread, where writers shared what’s actually sl...
321: Why doing things the hard way matters more than ever (with Dani Zacarias)
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 21 is here!Dani Zacarias joined me to talk about her journey from criminology student to creator economy veteran, working at Wattpad...
320: Write that damn book! (with Neera Mahajan)
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 20 is here!Neera Mahajan joined me to talk about writing books fast, building authority, and turning a single book into a scalable b...
319: The $5 Million Question: How writers actually get paid by brands without a massive following (with Justin Moore)
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 19 is here!I was super excited to have Justin Moore join me to talk about something most writers think is out of reach: getting paid...
318: Why collaboration beats algorithm gaming every time (with Jari Roomer)
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 18 is here!My friend Jari Roomer from Write Build Scale joined me for a conversation about the most powerful growth lever on Substac...
317: How to build a successful solo business as an introvert (with Stuart Thompson)
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 17 is here!In this episode, I sit down with my old school friend Stuart Thompson, who now runs a long-standing gym here in Northern ...
316: The art of storytelling in content creation (with Parker Worth)
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 16 is here!In this week’s episode, Parker Worth and I chat about his journey from being a high school dropout to becoming a succes...
315: Why going Live can be rocket fuel for your creator career
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 15 is here!In this solo episode, I share my thoughts on the critical importance of incorporating video and audio content into a crea...
314: How to build your online creator presence from absolute scratch
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 14 is here!In this solo episode, I walk through exactly how to build a creator presence from absolute scratch with no fancy equipmen...
313: The ghostwriter who ate lemons for dinner (with Taylin Simmonds)
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 13 is here!I recently went live with Taylin John Simmonds to talk about the honest reality of making money as a writer, and afterwar...
312: Looking back, planning forward (3 Substack levers to pull in 2026)
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 12 is here!This solo episode is a relaxed, open conversation about reviewing your 2025 creative work and getting intentional about 2...
311: How to research, build and sell digital courses in 2026 (with Jari Roomer)
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 11 is here!In this episode, Jari Roomer and I explore how to meaningfully grow a creator business by developing and selling digital ...
310: How going the extra mile for clients can build a life-changing solo business (with Christine McIlroy)
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 10 is here!In this extra-special chat with my wife, Christine McIlroy, we peel back how our life together has intertwined with our c...
309: How to turn content into clients without changing who you are (with Taylin Simmonds)
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 9 is here!In this episode, Taylin John Simmonds and I talk about what it really takes to build a creative business from scratch with...
308: How to keep the magic alive in your writing (with Walter Rhein)
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 8 is here!In this episode, Walter Rhein and I dive deep into the world of fantasy writing - where stories begin, how they evolve, an...
307: Why most Substack writers lose readers before they’ve even hit publish
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 7 is here!In this solo episode, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes writers make on Substack - losing readers before they’ve ...
306: Why learning to speak in public might be the smartest move you make this year (with Veronica Llorca-Smith)
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 6 is here!In this conversation, Veronica Llorca-Smith and I caught up one year after our very first podcast together to talk about w...
305: How writing can build a life you actually want (with Peter Murphy)
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 5 is here!In this conversation, Peter William Murphy shares his winding path from growing up in Kerry to teaching abroad, then divin...
304: The future of the creator economy and how to stand out in it (with Write Build Scale)
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 4 is here!In this episode, I sat down with my friends in the Write • Build • Scale team - Jari, Sinem, and Philip - for a big-pi...
303: How to build a solopreneur business that offers real freedom (with Anfernee)
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 3 is here!In this conversation, Anfernee shares his journey from corporate work into solopreneurship, why he started The Solopreneur...
302: The honest truth about publishing, branding, and maintaining momentum (with Shelby Leigh)
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3, episode 2 is here!In this conversation, poet and marketer Shelby Leigh shares her path from self-publishing to traditional publishing, the l...
301: Why every writer needs a brand in 2025 (and how to start building yours)
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 is here!In this solo kickoff to season three, I dive into one of the topics I care about most right now: writer branding.I unpack why it matt...
224: What literary agents really look for (with Kate McKean)
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Season 2 finale is here!In this conversation, literary agent Kate McKean offers an inside look at how publishing really works, from the first quer...
223: Building an authentic business that lasts (with George Kao)
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 23 is here!In this episode, George Kao shares his journey from Silicon Valley to Mexico, why he calls himself an “authentic busine...
222: How to build a million-dollar writing business without selling your soul (with Kieran Drew)
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 22 is here!In this episode, Kieran Drew tells me what it was like to leave dentistry to build a thriving online writing business.He ...
221: Kickstarter, loyal readers, and the business of telling great stories (with Russell Nohelty)
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 21 is here!In this conversation, Russell Nohelty unpacks the realities of making a living as a writer, from the hidden math of capit...
220: How to grow a newsletter, build a paid community, and stay human online (with Chenell Basilio)
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 20 is here!In this conversation, Chenell Basilio shares how she went from a solo deep-dive experiment to building a newsletter follo...
219: How to build a high-trust creator business (with Jay Clouse)
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 19 is here!In this conversation, Jay Clouse opens up about the business behind his creative work, the systems that keep his communit...
218: What no one tells you about going solo as a writer (with Erica Schneider)
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 18 is here!In this episode, Erica Schneider shares what it really takes to go from full-time agency work to running your own solopre...
217: Creating courses people actually finish - and pay for (with Rodney Daut)
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 17 is here!In this episode, Rodney Daut breaks down what creators often get wrong about building and selling courses, and how to ret...
216: How to become a bestselling author and build a business around your book (featuring Dina Marais)
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 16 is here!In this episode, I chat to Dina Marais, a coach and publisher who helps aspiring authors turn their stories into bestsell...
215: How to find your true newsletter niche and get paid for it (featuring Ciler Demiralp)
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 15 is here!In this episode, I chat to Ciler from Newsletter Circle about the realities of building a sustainable newsletter business...
214: How to close the recognition gap as a writer (featuring Alex Mathers)
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 14 is here!In this episode, I chat to Alex Mathers about how writers can use clear positioning, consistent messaging, and audience t...
213: How (and why) to treat Substack like a business (featuring Yana G.Y.)
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 13 is here!In this episode, I chat to Yana G.Y. about how and why to treat Substack like a business and generate real, sustainable i...
212: Start and Grow on Substack
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 12 is here!In this episode, I chat to… myself… about why Substack is the best place to be right now as a writer, and what I’d ...
211: Growing a writing business with purpose and consistency (featuring Derek Hughes)
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 11 is here!In this episode, I chat to Derek Hughes about how he’s built a thriving online writing business on Substack and Medium....
208: Perfecting your offer as a solopreneur (featuring Michael Lim)
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 8 is here!In this episode, I chat with Michael Lim, who’s currently living the sweet creator life in Bali and can’t believe he’...
207: How to create and launch digital products that your audience actually want (featuring Jari Roomer)
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 7 is here!In this episode, I chat with Jari Roomer, who expertly walks us through the process of creating and lauching digital produ...
206: Going behind the scenes with a Ghostwriter (featuring Emma Nelson)
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 2, episode 6 is here!In this episode, I chat with Emma Nelson, who shares some fascinating insights on what it’s like to be a professional gh...
205: Positioning yourself effectively as a writing-based solopreneur (with Scott Perry)
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 is here!In this episode, I chat with Scott Perry, who’s on a mission to help seasoned solopreneurs build their ideal lifestyle.We covered ...
204: What I'll do more and less of in 2025
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 is here!In this episode, I share what I’m doing more and less of in 2025, and why. I also answer a handful of questions from subscribers (...
203: How to grow your online audience (with Ana Calin)
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 is here!Today, I chat to Ana Calin about the best ways to grow an online audience, particularly here on Substack (where she’s absolutely f...
202: Growing a writing-based business from scratch (with Claudia Faith)
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 2 of Season 2 is here!Today, I chat to Claudia Faith about how she grew a sustainable writing-based business on Substack, where she helps othe...
201: Becoming a Minimalist Side Hustler (with Jamie Northrup)
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 2!In the very first episode of the second season, I chat to Jamie Northrup about what it means to have a “minimalist” approach t...
117: What I've learned about Substack in 2024 (Season One Finale)
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The season one finale is here!In today’s episode, I chat to you about my main takeaways from my first full calendar year on Substack. It’s been a ...
116: Building a Writing Business (with Derek Hughes)
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 16 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Derek Hughes, a self-proclaimed “old bloke with no writing experience” who’s now making five ...
115: Travel Writing (with Lizzie Mulherin)
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 15 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Lizzie Mulherin about all things travel writing (because who wouldn’t want to do that for a livin...
114: Mini Book Publishing (with Chris Stanley)
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 14 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Chris Stanley about… well, you guessed it… mini books!What are mini books, I hear you say? Why ...
113: Storytelling with Daily Emails (with John Bejakovic)
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 13 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to John Bejakovic about how he effectively uses a daily email approach to nurture trust and loyalty am...
112: Hyping Yourself (with Lucy Werner)
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 12 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Lucy Werner about how to hype yourself as a writer without feeling the dreaded “ick” of self-pr...
111: Serial Fiction (with Simon K Jones)
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 11 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Simon K Jones about publishing serial fiction on Substack and why you should consider giving it a g...
110: Book Funnels (with Renee Puvvada)
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 10 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Renee Puvvada about book funnels, landing pages, reviews, and how to maximise your chances of avoid...
109: Michael Thompson on Gentle Book Promotion, Authenticity in the Age of AI, and Storytelling on Notes
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 9 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Michael Thompson about the power of gentle book promotion and effective storytelling in online writi...
108: Sinem Günel on Medium Mastery, Scroll-Stopping Content, and Making Money as a Writer
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 8 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Sinem Günel about what’s working on Medium right now and how writers can go the extra mile, conte...
107: Philip Hofmacher on Community, Entrepreneurship, and a Meaningful Approach to Substack
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 7 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Philip Hofmacher about all things entreprenurship - this is a great one for anyone hoping to build a...
106: Anna Vatuone on TikTok, Taking Chances and the Power of Personal Branding for Writers
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to the Smarter Solopreneur herself, Maya Sayvanova! This was a really fun conversation about what it’...
105: Maya Sayvanova on Smarter Solopreneurship, Substack Growth and Writing Clarity
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 5 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to the Smarter Solopreneur herself, Maya Sayvanova! This was a really fun conversation about what it’...
104: Claire Venus on Substack Sustainability, Kickstarting a Book, and Staying Creative in the Digital Realm
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 4 is here!In today’s episode, I chat to Substackian extraordinaire Claire Venus about her upcoming book co-authored with Russell Nohelty (yo...
103: Evelyn Skye on Substack, Storytelling and Sustainability for Writers
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 3 is here!In this edition of the podcast, I chat to New York Times best-selling author Evelyn Skye about her approach to storytelling, why she...
102: Veronica Llorca-Smith on Book Deals, Solopreneurship, Public Speaking, and the Power of Community on Substack
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this first EVER guest episode, I speak to Veronica Llorca-Smith of The Lemon Tree Mindset about solopreneurial life, what it’s like to be an intr...
101: Welcome to the Podcast!
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the How to Write for a Living podcast!In this brief opening episode, I introduce the podcast, explain how it’ll work going forward, and p...