I’m a big believer in having a side hustle, especially these days. But there’s more than practicality afoot when it comes to the arts, and the solitary grind of writing most of all. The people who consistently wake up before dawn to put in a few hundred words before starting their “real” jobs, or who retreat to their writing desks after a full day at the office or looking after kids, amaze me with their passion and persistence. And when they break through with a best-seller that turns them into a full-time author living off their own words, I want to stand up and applaud. Of course, there are plenty of talented writers out there now, performing the tricky balancing act of making ends meet while showing serious discipline to their craft on the side. In their honor, these are the stories of those whose books made it big—because sometimes, you really can quit your day job.—Kat, Audible Editor

The Interstellar Adventure That Blasted Off His Career

From computer programmer to sci-fi sensation — with a little help from Bob

Like his intrepid, space-traveling hero, Bob, Dennis E. Taylor has had quite a journey. He spent years as predominately a fan of science fiction, devouring books while working as a computer programmer. But when he went looking for a publisher for his own We Are Legion (We Are Bob), he ended up with an unorthodox plan: audio first. The book was self-published in print, but for the audio version Taylor worked with Audible, securing the legendary Ray Porter as narrator. The payoff was enormous—Porter is pitch-perfect as Bob, the level-headed earthling turned sentient space probe in search of habitable planets. His dizzying performance only becomes more impressive as Bob’s clones multiply and become more distinct, helping cement the audiobook as Audible's top sci-fi listen for 2016. Now a beloved trilogy, the Bobiverse turned Taylor into a full-time writer—and all of us at Audible into ardent fans.

Kat J.

Audible Editor

The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

By: Rick Riordan

Narrated by: Jesse Bernstein

Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Release date: 07-01-05

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 33,310 ratings

When Lightning Strikes

Once upon a time, before Rick Riordan became one of the most beloved kids' fantasy authors, he was a middle-school teacher of English and history. The subjects were perfect springboards into Riordan's rich, mythical worlds, but we're sure glad the success of The Lightning Thief catapulted him into writing full time. We don't think we could have waited any longer than necessary for his latest, The Burning Maze, the third book in The Trials of Apollo series.
Seabiscuit

An American Legend

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Release date: 11-16-10

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,892 ratings

Off to the Races

The story behind Seabiscuit is almost as enthralling as the book itself. In college, Laura Hillenbrand fell ill with chronic fatigue syndrome, which left her housebound and unable to continue classes. She wrote for horse racing magazines, and then, slowly, began writing the character-driven sports book that took the world by storm. She’s since written Unbroken, another thrilling work of historical nonfiction.
21

Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions

By: Ben Mezrich

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Release date: 01-29-08

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,061 ratings

A Winning Hand

Ben Mezrich was the struggling author of six books and deep in debt when, in a bar, he stumbled upon the MIT students who had gamed the world's most sophisticated casinos and were flush with cash. He may have chanced upon the story, but grit, reporting, and narrative flair are what turned 21 into a blockbuster book and an Oscar-nominated film.
Me Before You

A Novel

By: Jojo Moyes

Narrated by: Susan Lyons, Anna Bentink, Steven Crossley, Alex Tregear, Andrew Wincott, Owen Lindsay

Series: Me Before You Trilogy, Book 1

Length: 14 hrs and 40 mins

Release date: 12-31-12

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 37,129 ratings

The Risky Plot That Paid Off

Despite its pretty cover and best-seller status, Me Before You is a heavy listen. It goes deep into the hard choices and emotional chaos of a quadriplegic love story—not exactly best-seller fare—and was Moyes' eighth novel, the first seven of which flew under the radar until this one exploded onto the scene. The many fans of the series are so glad it did.
Rules of Civility

A Novel

By: Amor Towles

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 07-26-11

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 9,927 ratings

A Civil Smash Success

Amor Towles' career crackles with serendipity. After the Tiananmen Square massacre ended his plans to teach in China, he came to New York to work in finance, where he remained for decades. Manhattan became the setting of his debut novel, and Towles' deft portrayal of the city's gritty 1930s atmosphere—not to mention his finely drawn characters and crisp prose— set him on the writerly path for life.
Carrie

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Sissy Spacek, Margaret Atwood

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Release date: 08-07-12

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 8,065 ratings

Out of the Dustbin, Onto the Best-Seller List

Scare master Stephen King once held a series of odd jobs to pay the bills while working on novel ideas and selling short stories. But his breakthrough book almost didn't see the light of day. King initially thought his story about a telekinetic girl who gets her revenge on the bullies was destined to be a flop. His wife, Tabitha, spotted the manuscript in the garbage, read it, and seriously disagreed. She insisted he finish the novel—and the rest is horror history.