Getting Down to Business With Your Writing Business!
(5 Tips for Today's Writer Entrepreneur) By: Jennifer Brown Banks
(5 Tips for Today's Writer Entrepreneur) By: Jennifer Brown Banks
It must be something in the water.
It seems everybody I meet these days deems themselves “a writer”.
It doesn't matter whether they're a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, on their 9 to 5 gig, they're a scribe in their free time!
Perhaps it's the advent of the Internet and the vast array of publishing options currently available.
Or, could be in a tough economy, the need for added income has encouraged folks to be more “creative” in how they put food on the table.
And, I'd venture to say for “attention seekers” it's the thrill of “strutting their stuff” before a virtual audience of thousands that has them venturing the writing path.
Whatever the motive, it makes for a lot of folks in the pool!
Maybe you're one of them.
If so, there's good news and bad.
The good news first...
This is a great time for writers in many ways. The options are endless. With some talent and hard work, you can find your pieces in places like Blogs, websites, newspapers, magazines, Ebooks, and even greeting cards.
Income potential is unlimited. Unlike a job where you are locked into an hourly wage or salary, writing gigs pay anywhere from minimum wage to a monthly mortgage payment. In fact, you can plan your writing projects around your financial goals. Write as little or as much as your heart desires.
The bad news? It's harder than it looks. And in order to stay in the game you need to know how to play your hand.
To this end, here are five quick tips for longevity in your writing business .
1.Devise a game plan. Where would you like to see your work appear? Where would you like to see yourself in 3 months or even 3 years? How much do you need to make monthly to make your efforts worth while? Assess then apply.
2.Understand the needs of your audience. Print publication readers are different than Web readers. Academic writing is different than Blog writing. Get a clue to get a gig.
3.Keep up with your competition. And yes, Virginia there is competition in writing. :-)
4.Don't wait for your muse to meet your deadlines. Do so and you'll be a “starving artist” in the truest sense.
5.Diversify—It's the best way to get more bang for your buck and create multiple income sources.
What noteworthy lessons have you learned as a writer-preneur?
