I used to write between lunch breaks at my corporate job. Now my income as a best-selling romantasy author supports my family

•1mo ago

I used to write between lunch breaks at my corporate job. Now my income as a best-selling romantasy author supports my family

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 1:07

Best-selling author Brigid Kemmerer transitioned from a corporate finance career to write romantasy full-time, building a successful literary career that now supports her family. Previously, Kemmerer balanced raising three children while working grueling twelve-hour days in corporate finance, writing exclusively during lunch breaks and stolen moments outside office hours. The career pivot followed commercial traction that led to New York Times bestseller status, securing sufficient financial stability to leave the corporate sector entirely. A decade after making the full-time transition, Kemmerer reflects on the realities of sustaining a writing career outside the predictable framework of traditional corporate employment. While the commercial success of romantasy titles has provided substantial financial rewards and family support, the shift from a steady corporate salary to freelance and publishing income introduces unique financial pressures and shifts in long-term stability. The account highlights broader economic and career shifts within the publishing industry, where specialized genre writing has emerged as a viable alternative.

Published 2026-09-12 08:53:27 UTC · Published by JQJO

Prepared by Neha R. · AI assisted

More context

Timeline

On January 11, 1978, Brigid Kemmerer was born in Omaha, Nebraska.
On December 31, 2013, her early fantasy works gained initial internet publication visibility.
On April 4, 2017, she published Letters to the Lost with Bloomsbury.
On February 17, 2019, her novel reached New York Times bestseller lists.
On January 3, 2021, her fantasy sequels continued building her audience base.
On August 12, 2025, she launched her major romantasy project with Avon.
On September 12, 2026, Business Insider published her personal financial essay.
In coming months, publishers expect continued growth in romantasy market revenues.
In coming years, more corporate workers will evaluate freelance writing alternatives.
Over the next decade, digital publishing trends will shape author incomes.

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: Highlights alternative career paths amid shifting modern U.S. employment markets. Possible long-term US impact: Illustrates long-term economic viability for independent creative professionals in publishing. Most affected groups: Affects aspiring writers, publishing executives, and corporate career transition professionals nationwide. Reader Priorities: Readers should prioritize firsthand author essays and publishing industry market analyses.

Coverage notes

Left: Highlights systemic corporate burnout and the necessity of alternative livelihoods. Center: Reports personal career transition facts and objective publishing industry economic trends. Right: Emphasizes individual enterprise, personal financial risk, and free market self-reliance.