What do you mean by "that's where the real money is"? I'm already building an email list, but not sure how exactly you propose monetizing it.
Now it's time to give them more value in terms of content, bonuses and other things which they are looking for to create loyality. After that you promote an existing product as affiliate (in your case it could be blinkist like site) or better create a product that is aligned with the interests of your list.
Sorry I'm on a mobile so it's hard typing but here is a case study for you(1). There was another one from nomadlist you should lookup too.
Good luck with your endeavours
(1) https://www.matthewwoodward.co.uk/work/ideas/product-launch-...