Writer Brand Lab
Build a brand that reflects the heart of your writing, draws the right readers to you, and naturally leads them to buy, subscribe, and spread the word.
You’re already writing... but does your brand work as hard as you do?
If you’re like most writers, you’ve poured your heart into your words—books, newsletters, posts, articles—only to wonder:"Why am I still invisible to the people I want to reach?""Why isn’t this turning into the income I need?""Why does building a brand feel so overwhelming?"You don’t need to become a marketing machine.
You need clarity, confidence, and a brand that works while you write.
What is Writer Brand Lab?
Writer Brand Lab is a year-round community featuring a 4-month group cohort to help you:• Define your unique voice, niche, and audience• Build a trust-first presence across the platforms that matter• Turn reputation into revenue, without selling out• Create simple, sustainable systems to keep your brand aliveThis isn’t theory.You’ll walk away with a clear brand, an actionable plan, and the confidence to show up authentically.
Brand clarity
Define exactly who you are as a writer so readers instantly understand why they should follow and support you.
Audience trust
Learn how to build lasting trust through consistency and connection, turning casual readers into loyal fans.
Revenue pathways
Find authentic ways to earn from your writing that feel aligned with your voice, values, and audience.
Sustainable momentum
Create systems and a 90-day plan that keep your brand growing long after the programme ends.
The Cohort Curriculum
Month 1: Brand Foundations• Define your writer identity (voice, values, vision)• Map your niche and ideal audience• Build your brand statement and bio• Mastermind session: Q&A with a brand strategist➡️ Outcome: From unclear to confident identity.Month 2: Visibility + Trust• Build your trust-first ecosystem• Design your reader journey (discovery → loyalty)• Create content pillars and a low-pressure visibility plan• Mastermind session: Q&A with a marketing expert➡️ Outcome: From invisible to recognised and trusted.Month 3: Monetisation + Offers• Explore monetisation models for writers (Base–Boost–Bonus)• Align offers with your brand and audience needs• Learn soft launching and gentle selling strategies• Mastermind session: Q&A with a guest entrepreneur➡️ Outcome: From unsure to income-ready.Month 4: Integration + Momentum• Build your 90-day action plan• Mastermind session: Q&A with a business coach➡️ Outcome: From planning to sustainable action.
Is Writer Brand Lab for you?
This programme is for writers who:• Have already published or posted content, but want their brand to feel solid.• Are serious about connecting writing to income.• Value accountability, feedback, and community over going it alone.• Want a supportive, focused environment without pressure or jargon.Why community is the difference:Clarity doesn’t come from working alone in the dark. It comes from reflection, feedback, and practice in front of others who get it.Inside Writer Brand Lab, you’ll:• Workshop ideas with a small group of peers.• Test your brand messaging in a safe, supportive space.• Learn from expert guests who’ve built their own brands successfully.It’s not just coaching.It’s community, and that’s where the transformation sticks.What you’ll walk away with:✅ A clear writer brand blueprint you can describe in one sentence.✅ A trust-building system for Substack, socials, and beyond.✅ A personalised monetisation roadmap tailored to your energy and audience.✅ A clear plan to keep growing with confidence.Your next chapter starts hereIf you’re ready to stop feeling scattered and start building a brand that readers remember, trust, and support, Writer Brand Lab is for you.
Community Member
$295
✅ 12-month membership✅ All 'How to Write for a Living' Substack paid tier benefits✅ Private community chat space✅ Monthly mastermind sessions✅ 1-to-1 welcome chat✅ Peer feedback + support✅ Ongoing accountability
Full Cohort Member
$995 $495
Everything in Community PLUS:✅ Join the next upcoming 4-month live group cohort (seasonal)✅ Weekly group accountability sessions with hot seats✅ Exclusive access to the Digital Product Lab (templates, guides, and frameworks)✅ Private 1-to-1 strategy session with tailored action plan✅ Priority feedback on your brand statement, bio, and monetisation roadmap✅ Full access to all session recordings and resources
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Community and Cohort memberships?Community gives you access to the private chat space, monthly masterminds, and a 1-to-1 welcome session - perfect if you’re starting out. Cohort includes everything in Community plus the full 4-month live group programme, weekly sessions, feedback from me, and session recordings - best if you already have an audience and want to grow your income.2. How much does it cost?Community Access is $295. Cohort Membership is $495 (down from $995).3. Do I need a big audience to join?Not at all. Community Access is ideal if you’re just starting and want to lay strong foundations. The Cohort is designed for writers who already have some audience and income and want to scale.4. How much time will this take each week?Live sessions are around one hour. If you also work through the exercises and community discussions, expect 2–3 hours per week. The work is designed to be manageable alongside jobs, family, and writing.5. Will I get personal feedback?Cohort members get direct feedback from me in live sessions and via a private 1-to-1 strategy call. All members get peer feedback inside the private community chat.6. What if I miss a session?Cohort members receive access to all session recordings. Community members have access to monthly masterminds live, but not recordings.7. What results can I expect?By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear brand blueprint, an audience-growth system, and an actionable monetisation plan.Many participants see income growth, but the guaranteed outcome is clarity and a practical roadmap for turning your brand into revenue.8. I’m not sure I even have a brand yet - is this right for me?Yes. Cohort Membership was designed with you in mind. You’ll leave knowing exactly who you are as a writer, who you’re writing for, and how to talk about your work in a way that connects.9. Who is the Cohort best for?The Cohort is for writers who already have a Substack, blog, or books and want to move from “some traction” to sustainable income. You’ll test ideas, get hands-on feedback, and leave with a clear action plan.10. How do I know if this is the right step for me?Ask yourself: Do I want clarity about my writer brand, a supportive community, and a practical plan for growing income? If the answer is yes, then Writer Brand Lab was built for you.
© David McIlroy, 2025. All rights reserved.