She Strengthens

The Unseen Reality of a Bestselling Author

From Zero to Hero, Overnight

My debut memoir, Becoming: Sex, Second Chances, and Figuring Out Who the Hell I Am, skyrocketed to number one in its category, earning me national attention, media features, and even a shoutout from George Takei. It’s a dream come true, right? Well, not exactly.

The Glamour vs. Reality

Behind the scenes, my life is far from glamorous. Between radio interviews, photo shoots, and meetings with film producers, I’m also a part-time nanny, caring for three kids under 11 in inner-city London. My days are filled with breakfast duties, homework, and swim squad, all while juggling my writing career.

The Publishing Process

My book was snatched up by one of the “Big Four” publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, in a pre-emptive deal. While it was a whirlwind experience, I quickly realized that writing full-time wasn’t sustainable for me. I had to choose where to focus my energy, so I prioritized the book and found a secondary job to make ends meet.

The Financial Reality

My book advance, although handsome, is spread out over 18 months, with 15% going to my agent. The reality is that it’s not as lucrative as it seems. I won’t receive royalty checks until I’ve sold enough books to “pay off” the advance. Foreign territory sales and translations are my best bet for making a decent income, but it’s a long-term process.

The Importance of Side Hustles

I’ve learned that having a secondary job outside of writing is essential. Nannying not only pays the bills but also exercises different mental muscles, allowing me to approach my writing with a fresh perspective. I’m proud to own my diverse income streams and believe it makes me a more interesting person and writer.

Don’t Believe the Hype

It’s easy to assume that successful creatives have it made, but the truth is, making a living in the creative industries is a hustle. People often omit parts of their income streams online, so don’t be jealous of what you see. Instead, be aware of the diversity of income sources and the hard work that goes into making a living as a creative.

The Power of Patience

The publishing industry is unique in that it allows books to grow over time. It’s a lesson in patience, watching my book spread through word-of-mouth and grassroots efforts. I’m still nurturing my writing, and I know that success is just the beginning.