By Bob Hostetler. Ahthors August ways authors make money, There are a number of ways authors make money, but writing a book is only one step in a long and arduous journey. And, though the details vary widely from one author to another and one book to anotherthere are six basic ways an author makes money. How much will your advance be? That depends. On your platform. Past sales. And. Also, auyhors depends on the publishing house some publishers rarely deviate from a certain figure, while others base their offers on formulas involving complicated math and mystical incantations.