#252 Nicolas Cole - How To Make Your First $10K Writing Online

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Nov 20, 2024

Nicolas Cole, a bestselling author and entrepreneur known for his work in ghostwriting and content creation, dives into how to thrive in the digital writing space. He discusses scaling a ghostwriting agency from $0 to $180K/month and why patience is key. Cole emphasizes the growing opportunities for writers in the age of AI, encouraging niche specialization and self-publishing. He also shares strategies for avoiding burnout during rapid growth and the importance of marketing for success in writing, providing actionable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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ANECDOTE

Category Pirates

Nicolas Cole, with partners, built a successful paid newsletter on category design, Category Pirates.
They monetized content four ways: newsletter, mini-books, audiobooks, and print books.

ADVICE

Repeat Core Ideas

Repeat core ideas consistently to build authority and resonate with your audience.
Ryan Holiday's success with stoicism exemplifies this principle.

INSIGHT

Evangelize the Topic

Evangelize the topic, not yourself, to become a category leader.
Encourage others to participate in your niche to grow the overall market and establish your leadership.

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Watch This NEXT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlK2P76_ZZs

Think writers can't make money with the rise of AI?

Nicolas Cole proves that profitable online writing is not only possible but scalable, and he’s sharing how on today’s episode of Kickoff Sessions

Nicolas, a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind Ship 30 for 30, dives deep into the strategies that took his ghostwriting agency from $0 to $180K/month.

With nearly a decade of experience in digital writing and content creation, Nicolas reveals the mindset, systems, and tactical moves that helped him build a writing business online—and a brand that lasts.

He also shares actionable tips for writers and entrepreneurs, including how to dominate a niche, why self-publishing beats traditional deals, and how patience and specificity are the ultimate superpowers in the creator economy.

You’ll also learn how to avoid the burnout that comes with rapid growth, why AI is creating more opportunities for writers (not fewer), and the key to building a category of one in any industry.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more episodes like this!

Connect with Nicolas Cole
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolascole77/

My Socials:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/darrenlee.ks
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-lee1

(00:00) Preview and Introduction
(01:11) The 10x Choice: Scaling or Balance
(04:18) The Reality of Scaling Too Fast
(08:14) The Benefits of a Hybrid Agency Model
(10:29) Why Small, Profitable Agencies Win
(12:04) How to Dominate a Niche as a Writer
(19:03) Creating a Category of One in Your Niche
(21:53) How to Monetize Content
(24:10) Repeating Core Ideas for Maximum Impact
(27:33) Why Competition Grows Your Category
(29:03) Ghostwriting in 2025
(31:39) AI’s Impact on Writing
(34:15) Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
(37:44) Understanding the Business of Writing
(42:13) Books as Part of a Bigger Ecosystem
(47:49) The Power of Long-Term Influence in Writing
(50:14) Approach to Creativity and Content Systems
(55:36) Turning Pro: Discipline and Life Choices
(59:01) Surrounding Yourself with The Right People
(01:03:08) Lessons for Writers and Entrepreneurs

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