How to Write for a Living

222: How to build a million-dollar writing business without selling your soul (with Kieran Drew)


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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 shares how he went from zero audience to over 280,000+ readers and more than $1.3M in revenue, why storytelling became his most valuable skill, and how he balances depth, reach, and revenue in his work.

We cover everything from selling in a human way to resisting the algorithm’s pull, and why curiosity is his ultimate compass for long-term success.

What we covered:

- The moment Kieran decided to quit dentistry and bet on himself as a writer

- How one vulnerable story unlocked an audience and reshaped his approach to content

- The trap of “incentive drag” and how to avoid losing your voice to trends and algorithms

- A simple structure for selling without losing trust or turning people off

- Why brand is a long-term moat in the age of AI and how to build it authentically

- The three pillars of his business: reach, relationships, and revenue… and how Kieran balances them

- His best advice for anyone who wants to quit their job and build a writing business from scratch

👉 Make sure to subscribe to Kieran’s newsletter before you go!



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe
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How to Write for a LivingBy David McIlroy

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