Writer Q&A - How To Be A Successful Fiction Author

🧙‍♂️ Watch me build a 7-figure fiction writing business, starting at $0: https://nicolascolefiction.substack.com/~If you’re new to my channel… hey there! My name is Nicolas Cole and I’ve been writing online since 2007. Since then, I’ve generated over a billion views on my writing, written 10+ books, and built multiple 7+ figure writing-related businesses, including two of the largest writing programs on the Internet: Ship 30 for 30 & Premium Ghostwriting Academy. I have made millions of dollars writing online, so I fundamentally reject this narrative (pun intended) “nobody makes a living as a writer.”Yes, you absolutely can make a living as a writer. In fact, you can make more than just a living. You can make tons of money as a writer… IF… you’re a digital writer, and embrace learning the new skills required to thrive in a digital world. Which is why I started this YouTube channel.Consider me your Digital Writing Mentor!On this channel I talk about:- Digital Writing- Ghostwriting- Writing With AI- Self-Publishing- Writing Services & Business ModelsSo if you have any questions, drop me a comment on any video and I’ll answer them in a future video!Keep writing,Cole~🔗 Other fiction writing videos I think you'll enjoy:How To Write Fiction That Makes You Money (7 Steps): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxhFXvmt_2QSelf-Publishing Fiction on Amazon (5 Tools to Success): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cek3_IyxwcThe Ultimate Guide to Self Publishing Your First Book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qXRe9qvN24&t=163s---✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: [https://yt.startwritingonline.com](https://yt.startwritingonline.com/)🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: [https://www.ship30for30.com](https://www.ship30for30.com/)👻 Want to enter the lucrative world of ghostwriting? Here’s a free guide to get you started: https://yt.premiumghostwritingblueprint.com🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Come subscribe to our newsletter (100,000+ readers!) on how to Write With AI: https://writewithai.substack.com/

In this Hot Seat with Cole, we unpack how to grow your ghostwriting business without burning out—by treating outreach like a data-driven game, focusing on one offer or niche to scale faster, and remembering that long-term success comes from consistency, not constant reinvention.(00:00) Intro & Welcoming Newcomers(02:00) How Hot Seats Work & Setting the Stage(05:00) Client Metrics Deep Dive: Measuring Success(15:00) Understanding Funnel Performance and Bottleneck Analysis(22:00) Outreach Metrics & Handling Volume(32:00) Networking & Conferences: In-Person vs Digital Growth(41:00) Specializing, Selling Services, and Playing to Your Strengths(52:00) Time Management, Free Work, and Mindset for Success------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

In today’s Hot Seat Live Session with Cole, we did some live workshopping and talked about batching your work effectively by grouping outreach, writing, and calls. When to protect your time through boundaries and scheduling (especially while balancing a 9–5 or client load) so you stay consistent without burnout, and why every habit compounds because mastery comes from volume and consistency, not intensity.(00:00) Monday Kickoff & Wins(02:08) Ghostwriting Struggles & Poll(03:20) Lead Qualification Mindset(07:02) Productivity: Volume and Skill(12:09) Batching Work for Maximum Efficiency(21:21) Time Management & Making Tradeoffs(28:04) Optimal Routines, Habits & Focus(56:52) Lessons, Q&A, and Takeaways------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

In today’s Hot Seat Live Session (09/15/25), Cole does some live workshopping and dives into the strategies that separate average ghostwriters from those building lasting businesses. We explore how to shift from a numbers game to building meaningful trust, when LinkedIn ghostwriting is the right offer (and how to position Loom videos or audits as Trojan horses), and why long-term commitment beats hopping between shiny new tactics.(0:00) Kickoff, Community, and Mindset(6:00) Moving Conversations to Sales(15:00) Deepening Prospect Engagement(22:30) Quality vs Quantity: Outreach Strategy(30:00) Scaling & Client Management Q&A(41:00) Offer Refinement and Branding(54:00) Finding Fulfillment and Focus(01:01:00) Handling Team Dynamics & Final Takeaways------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

🤖 Want to learn how to Write With AI? Click here: https://yt.startwritingwithai.com/In this video, I break down 9 advanced AI writing tips for using ChatGPT and Claude to get insanely high-quality outputs—without spending hours staring at a blank page. I walk you through the 3 core prompt types, and show you exactly how I use each one to write newsletters, ad scripts, video content, and even fiction. If you’ve ever felt like your AI outputs are bland, generic, or just “meh,” it’s not the tool — it’s your prompt clarity. After spending 2,000+ hours inside AI tools and building prompts that automate 50% of my writing work, I’m giving you the frameworks I personally use to write faster, better, and with more leverage. Whether you’re a copywriter, ghostwriter, digital creator, or building your own AI workflow—this is your complete deep-dive guide.(00:00)  How I Use AI To Automate 50% Of My Work(01:01)  1. 3 Ways To Prompt AI(21:07)  2. Claude Projects(27:24)  3. Singular vs. Modular(34:00)  4. Name Your Formats(36:32)  5. Always Use Objective Language(39:25)  6. Reinforce With Positive Attributes(42:16)  7. Use Exact Examples(45:05)  8. Don't Forget The Delivery Instructions(46:55)  9. Ask AI To Iterate On Your Prompts(51:13)  One Final Thought🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About: https://youtu.be/VSawL8YRSlgWhat Is Social Media Ghostwriting?: https://youtu.be/WpK36bydVK08 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94---✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

👻 Looking to START ghostwriting? Click here: https://premiumghostwritingblueprint.com/?el=FictionWritingMasterclassPD&htrafficsource=podcast_organicIn this Fiction Writing Masterclass, I discuss how to differentiate your story and build a successful writing career. I share my journey from creative writing to building a ghostwriting agency, co-founding Ship 30 for 30, and creating a paid newsletter. I dive into the power of category thinking and its application in both non-fiction and fiction writing, explaining how differentiating your genre with modifiers can set you apart in a crowded market. We also explore the integration of AI in writing, emphasizing it’s potential to enhance (not replace) your writing process. This masterclass is for writers looking to monetize their talents, differentiate their work, and use modern tools to excel in the competitive world of writing.(00:00)  Cole's Journey into Online Writing and Ghostwriting Agency(06:08)  Embracing AI in Writing(11:55)  The Future of Teaching Writing in an AI World(17:39)  The Art of Editing vs. Traditional Writing(25:30)  Navigating the Writing Spectrum(29:35)  Overcoming Barriers in the Writing Industry(35:42)  Strategies for Selling and Marketing LitRPG Books(42:08)  The Power of Novellas in Fiction Writing(47:43)  Strategies for Writing to Market and Niching Down(53:42)  Enthusiasm for the Emerging Industry🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:The AI Writing Trend No One Is Talking About: https://youtu.be/VSawL8YRSlg8 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94Differentiate yourself & the Internet will make you RICH: https://youtu.be/5LAUf_bvCvM------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

👻 Looking to START ghostwriting? Click here: https://premiumghostwritingblueprint.com/?el=PD&htrafficsource=podcast_organicWhy write a book when you can earn 100x more with the same content? In this video, I break down the AI writing trend no one is talking about—how nonfiction writers can repurpose their work into high-value long-form AI prompts and digital tools. I explore why books have always been training prompts for human beings, how AI can now deliver those same insights more reliably, and why this shift opens up exponentially more lucrative monetization models. If you're a nonfiction writer, author, or content creator, this is the biggest opportunity you're missing—and it’s hiding in plain sight. Let’s talk about how to turn your knowledge into scalable income in the age of AI.(00:00) Intro(02:37) Why Books Have Always Been Training Prompts(08:43) The Valuable Skill Non-Fiction Writers Aren’t Monetizing Effectively(20:54) Why Non-Fiction Writers Will Write Less and Less Non-Fiction Books🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:Proof AI Won't Ruin The Ghostwriting Industry: https://youtu.be/5XnhgYPloLU8 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94New Secret Industry: What Is Social Media Ghostwriting?: https://youtu.be/WpK36bydVK0----✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

Inside the AI Ghostwriter Hub Turning Prompts Into Publish-Ready AssetsIn this episode, we go behind the scenes of the AI Ghostwriter Hub inside Premium Ghostwriting Academy. The focus: how to turn loose ideas and starter prompts into clear, valuable, and publish-ready content.We walk through practical strategies for using AI as a drafting assistant—not a replacement—and cover how to refine output, adjust tone, and keep the writing aligned with your goals. If you're experimenting with AI in your writing process or helping clients scale content, this session will help you use the tools more effectively.(00:00) Embracing AI in Writing (07:00) The Art of Writing Effective Prompts (12:28) Harnessing AI: Balancing Knowledge and Automation(19:03) Crafting Effective AI Prompts for Engaging Comments(26:28) Secrets to Writing Effective AI Prompts(32:20) Mastering the Art of Writing Formats(38:52) Effective AI Prompts for Ghostwriting (45:42) How to Buy Your First Single Family Rental Property in Illinois(51:18) Unlocking Efficiency with AI Ghostwriting------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

👻 Looking to START ghostwriting? Click here: https://premiumghostwritingblueprint.com/?el=9ProvenWaysPD&htrafficsource=podcast_organicIn this free masterclass, I walk you through 9 proven ways to make $1,000,000 as a writer in 2025. Whether you're already making money from your writing or just starting out, I break down the nine career paths available to writers today—including ghostwriting, digital products, newsletters, SaaS, and more. After generating millions of dollars across multiple writing-based business models, I’m sharing exactly what I wish someone had told me when I started. You’ll learn which paths to pursue first, which to avoid early on, and how to turn your writing into a real income stream. This is not fluff—just actionable advice, real examples, and a clear roadmap for monetizing your writing skills online. (00:00:00) Exploring Writer Career Paths: A Masterclass Introduction(00:07:22) Diverse Business Models for Writers(00:15:08) The Reality of a Literary Writer's Career Path(00:23:28) Understanding the Genre Fiction Market(00:31:34) Leveraging a Traffic Engine for Non-Fiction Success(00:39:44) Monetizing Non-Fiction: Paid Newsletters vs. Books(00:47:48) The Fast Path to Earning with Ghostwriting(00:55:15) Differences Between Sales Copywriting and Ghostwriting(01:03:22) Understanding the Digital Product Business Model(01:11:16) Pros and Cons of Equity Deals in Writing(01:19:17) Strategies for Starting in Ghostwriting🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:8 Services To Make $10k/Mo As A Writer (FREE Masterclass): https://youtu.be/dqiQO7pLg94How To Build A $10k/mo Newsletter Ghostwriting Business: https://youtu.be/7gm0J-aiNbwNo BS Writing Advice for 60 minutes straight: https://youtu.be/OSh1cDAlq-Y-------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com

👻 Looking to START ghostwriting? Click here: https://premiumghostwritingblueprint.com/?el=GoalTimeMoneyPD&htrafficsource=podcast_organicIn this video, I share my ”Goal, Time, Money” Framework I've used for years to make high-stakes decisions and actually achieve my goals. Most people try to chase all three at once—more time, more money, and more progress on personal goals—but the truth is, each one comes at a cost. I break down why identifying your true priority is the only way to make real progress, how to become aware of the trade-offs, and how to avoid the trap of spinning your wheels. If you're tired of feeling stuck and want a practical mindset shift to outperform everyone around you, this framework will change the way you think about progress.(00:00) Intro(00:58) Cost Awareness(05:58) Goal(18:19) Time(21:43) Money🔗 Other videos I think you'll enjoy:How To Make Your First $1 Online: https://youtu.be/L79VCIwv3aQThis Daily Routine made me RICH ($20,000/mo Writing Online): https://youtu.be/nNUmWbjAXPcHow I Would Make My First $100,000/Yr As A Writer (Starting Over): https://youtu.be/8IMwkO0d6Dg------✍️ Want to start writing online? Download this free Ultimate Guide to get started: https://startwritingonline.com🚢 Ready to build your daily writing habit and accelerate your trajectory as a Digital Writer? Join Ship 30 for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com👻 Want me to be your ghostwriting mentor? Apply to join our Premium Ghostwriting Academy: https://join.premiumghostwritingacademy.com/🤖 Need some help learning how to leverage AI as a writer? Check out our favorite ChatGPT prompts for writers: https://startwritingwithai.com💻 Want an endless supply of proven, viral-worthy digital writing templates? Check out our software platform, Typeshare: https://typeshare.co🧙‍♂️Are you a fiction writer? Here's a crash course on how to turn timeless storytelling frameworks into game-changing ChatGPT prompts: https://startfictionwritingwithai.com/📚 For more information on my books, businesses, and other writings, visit my website: https://www.nicolascole.com