This is the first in a series of posts on the multiple income streams I have in my business.

£2/$2K In Two New Income Streams - the retreat - https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/2kstreams

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The printed journal.

I guess lots of us would like to write a book, like to create something from our own words and minds...

I was that person just before I set a goal to create a book a year on my way to a traditionally publishing deal back in 2020...

On not waiting to be chosen.

When I made my first physical book to sell back in 2021, I knew it would make a perfect gift for a soon to be mum or a mum stuck at home with young kids. (almost my entire audience or so it seemed).

We were just coming out of the pandemic, cute open box/ parcel videos were all over my IG feed - reveals, physical things to make us feel better, more connected.

I worked with a paper cut artist, a graphic designer and another writer on the Creativity Island project, pre-sold the book before I printed it to get an idea of numbers and collect the money without financial risk.

I also sold some copies into a local bookshop and gallery.

Here are the numbers…

• The book cost me £3.50 to print 100 copies (the more copies you print the cheaper it is) - I used a high quality paper and front cover - the type that you could use sharpies to write on and it wouldn’t bleed through. (I used Mixam in the UK and still use them for all my projects today)

• I sold out all of the copies to my small IG and email audience and ordered a smaller re-print.

• I wrapped them beautifully in pink tissue paper with confetti hearts I stamped myself. I included a tea bag and a handwritten postcard and took them to the post office.

• I charged £20 including postage, a little more for international buyers - this was before Europe and America broke their friendships with the UK so don’t (@) me. Some people bought two or three!! I felt so supported.

• I made £1650 profit on that first run. NB - the artist time was funded but we could have done profit share.

My plan was to sell the book into a publisher - I guess it still is but that part hasn’t happened yet (Projector 2.4 energy) 🥴 - look how cute my IG launch was though…

When you are working online, writing on Substack and thinking about other ways to use your skill set to bring in more money before Christmas, sometimes the answer is right there in front of you.

Did I mention you can make a PDF of your Substack essays and collate them into a physical book people can print themselves? - I bet your audience would buy it! And if you haven't started your Substack yet - WHAT are you waiting for - 😉

It's true - the world is WAITING for your unique creations - do the expansive work to know it’s possible and see what ideas fall in your lap?

If you missed it - I’m circling next week with 7 other female founders in a kinda mastermind afternoon next Wed to support them to set up an additional two income streams.

If you’ve been feeling the pinch or your Substack or biz just isn’t bringing in the money you want it to - BE a multi-passionate like me. I have 10 income streams and since setting them up in 2020, I’ve felt so held by my business and been able to take beautiful risks and make lots of magic happen - here’s the link to read more - let me know if you have questions…

I'd LOVE you to be there and claim this space for yourself with my support.

https://www.creativelyconscious.co.uk/2kstreams

Claire

P.S - hit reply with any questions and know I JUST sent a dm to a friend who is opening a gift shop and pitched my book as I still have 6 copies! Yay - will let you know what she says...