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Want to make money while you sleep?
First, you have to build the bed.
A systems approach to generating passive income from writing, for those who’d rather be exploring than stuck in an office.
For 50 years, I’ve built systems — software, businesses, IT infrastructure. The goal is always the same: create something that runs efficiently without constant manual intervention.
A few years ago, it struck me that a well-published book is one of the best passive income systems you can design. It’s a project with inputs, processes, and outputs, just like any piece of software.
This is a powerful concept for anyone, but especially for those who want a nomadic lifestyle. It’s a way to build sources of income that aren’t tied to a specific location or time zone.
I’m going to break down how to build two types of “income systems” with your writing: the standalone “product” (a book) and the “subscription service” (articles and newsletters).
Let’s debug the term ‘passive income’
First, let’s get one thing straight. Passive income isn’t “money for nothing.” In my world, we call that a “critical bug” or, more accurately, a complete fantasy. Real passive…
