Risk: High

Starting a side hustle as a book author can be risky for someone starting from scratch, especially if they can't afford to lose money. Potential losses could include money for self-publishing, marketing, and editing services, time spent writing, energy invested in promotion, and confidence if the book doesn't sell well. Beginners often spend money on publishing and marketing without recouping their investment. Startup costs for editing, cover design, and advertising may not pay off if the book doesn't attract enough readers. Online discussions mention instances of failed book launches and authors not earning back their expenses.