Writing books in The Sims 4 can be a great way for your Sims to earn big Simoleons, but not all books sell for the same price. Knowing how to pick the right topics, improve your Sim’s writing skill, and publish strategically can make a huge difference in earnings.
Why Your Sim Should Write Books
Books in Sims 4 are one of the easiest ways to make a steady stream of income. Once your Sim starts publishing, money flows in daily through royalties.
Some genres make way more than others. Mystery and biography books tend to pay the best, while kids’ books are cute but don’t bring in much.
Your Sim doesn’t even need to leave the house for this. Writing can be a full-time work-from-home career, or just a side hustle if they have another job.
The better your Sim’s writing skill and mood, the more money they make.
How Long It Takes to Write a Book
On average, it takes your Sim about 3 to 4 hours to finish a book. That means they could realistically crank out 2-3 books in a day if everything is going well.
The cool part is that you can speed this up with some mood boosts and skill tricks. Inspired and Focused Sims write faster.
Certain traits like Creative and Perfectionist improve the chance of producing Excellent-quality books.
Getting Into the Writing Mood
Inspired Sims write faster and are more likely to produce Excellent books. If you want your Sim to get Inspired, try giving them a thoughtful shower.
Other options include reading a book, browsing Simpedia, or listening to music.
While inspiration fuels creativity, focus helps your Sim stay on task. Focused moodlets can come from studying, drinking Focused potions, or using a telescope.
⇒ Quick Tips:
- Happy Sims with all needs met write better.
- Playing favorite music on speakers can subtly boost performance.
- Activities like jogging, dancing, or watching funny Sims.TV videos help shake off writer’s block.
How to Write Excellent Books
Writing skill level determines which types of books your Sim can produce and how much they earn. Low-level writers start with simpler genres like children’s books or non-fiction. Once they hit level 9, they can write mysteries, and at level 10, biographies.
Higher skill and the right mood increase the chances of Excellent-quality books.
Traits and personal skills also matter. A Fitness-loving Sim writing a fitness book or a comedian Sim writing comedy will produce higher quality work.
Bestsellers bring in even more money, so aim for that sweet spot where your Sim is both Inspired and Creative while writing.
Money and Royalties
Here’s the fun part: how much your Sim can actually make.
Book royalties last about 20 days per book. Daily earnings can vary, sometimes by 40%, so one day might bring 100 Simoleons, the next 300.
Bestsellers can earn 200–800 Simoleons per day.
Literary Digest submissions (available at Writing level 9) can double royalties.
Only the 10 most recent books count for royalties, so older books eventually stop generating cash.
Scriptwriting earns fast royalties, often more than a bestselling novel.
Career Earnings
If your Sim pursues an Author career, they can earn hourly pay based on skill level:
- Short Story Writer (Level 7): 60 Simoleons/hour
- Novelist (Level 8): 115/hour
- Fan Favorite (Level 9): 202/hour
- Bestselling Author (Level 10): 296/hour
- Creator of Worlds: 465/hour
So leveling up your writing skill really pays off, literally.
⇒ Extra Tips
- Keep your Sims entertained or Inspired to overcome writer’s block.
- Sims can have a regular job and write books on the side for extra income.
- An Excellent biography or mystery is far more profitable than ten mediocre books.
- The Creative and Perfectionist traits help produce higher quality books.
Happy Simming!