Writers Earning Money on Substack: Living Life on Your Terms with Amie McNee

Can you really make money as a writer while staying true to your creativity?

That’s the question so many of us ask when we think about building a career with words.

In this episode of Sparkle on Substack, I (Claire Venus) sat down with author and creative mentor Amie McNee to talk about the realities of earning as a writer, finding freedom on Substack, and embracing creativity without rules.

Whether you’re a novelist, a journal-keeper, or someone curious about writing online, this conversation is full of permission slips, honesty, and practical wisdom.

Who Is Amie McNee?

Amie is a fiction and nonfiction author who champions the creative process. Her latest book, We Need Your Art, is a powerful exploration of why creativity is essential to life. Alongside her novels, she has built an international following by writing openly about the challenges and joys of being a working artist.

She’s also one of many writers who’ve turned to Substack - the newsletter and community platform that’s helping creatives earn money directly from their audience.

Why Writers Are Choosing Substack

Like many of us, Amie was hesitant at first:

“I resisted it for about a year. I was really protective of my email list. But I was struggling to build it elsewhere… so I thought, let me just have a play with this app. And it was love at first sight.”

Her story echoes what thousands of writers are discovering:

• Substack simplifies publishing. No tech headaches, just a blank page ready for your words.

• It’s free to start. Perfect if you want to test your ideas before paying for tools.

• It feels human. As Amy puts it: “It’s yours to delight in. It’s a blank page for you to use as an artist, whatever sort of artist you are.”

Messy Creativity Over Perfectionism

One of Amie’s most refreshing takes is on the myth of perfection:

“Some of my messiest, most chaotic essays have profoundly moved people—way more than the ones I really tried at.”

This is a reminder for every writer: consistency and honesty trump polish. On Substack, readers value your voice more than flawless grammar.

Tip for writers earning money: Don’t over-edit your posts into lifelessness. Share work that feels alive, even if it’s imperfect.

Living Life on Your Terms as a Writer

For Amie, creativity isn’t just about output, it’s about living intentionally.

• Moving from Australia to the UK gave her and her partner space and inspiration.

• Building multiple income streams (books, workshops, Substack, speaking) keeps her safe from relying on one system.

• Choosing curiosity over rigid schedules keeps her writing joyful.

As she told me:

“I want to be a writer until the day I die. And the idea of that dream being in the hands of a publisher frightens me. That’s why I build many streams of income so I can do life on my terms.”

How Writers Earn Money on Substack

If you’re wondering “but can Substack really pay the bills?” here’s what we know:

• On average, 1-10% of free subscribers convert to paid.

• Writers can also earn via sponsorships and partnerships once their readership grows.

• Many adopt a patronage model keeping content free but inviting readers to support.

Amie loves the idea of turning on paid subscriptions without putting anything behind a paywall:

“It’s a payment that says, I’m really appreciative of the huge amount of free work you’ve given. Like a patron, but with no gatekeeping.”

This mirrors the Substack philosophy: readers pay to support, not just to access.

Key Takeaways for Writers

1. Start before you’re ready. You don’t need a “perfect” plan - Substack is built for experimenting.

2. Mess is magnetic. Authentic, unpolished writing often resonates more than over-edited pieces.

3. Build income streams. Substack can be one part of your writing career, alongside books, courses, or speaking.

4. Choose freedom. The beauty of platforms like Substack is that you can make them work on your own terms.

Final Thoughts

Talking with Amie was a reminder that writing isn’t just about words—it’s about choosing how you live as an artist. Platforms like Substack give us the tools to earn money, grow community, and stay creative without bending to rules that don’t fit.

✨ If you’re a writer dreaming of earning from your words and living life on your terms, maybe it’s time to give Substack a try?

If you loved this conversation:

• 🎧 Listen to the full Sparkle on Substack episode on apple, spotify or Substack. You can also watch on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nz8-9ZlFB4

• Subscribe to Sparkle on Substack for more soulful strategies on growing as a writer

• Find Aime on IG - https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtowrite/

• ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help more creatives who like to write find us!

Thanks for being here.