5 Tips for Today's Writer Entrepreneur
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?
Image:Salvator Vuono
Great advice! I've learned the "patience" is an art-form, and today's rejection can be tomorrow's bestseller! Perseverance is key, if you are serious. "Write, write, write!" is my motto.
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! Writing success requires commitment. You're off to a grand start. Thanks for stopping by!
Good advice, and things we need to keep in mind always. Thanks, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteYay! You're back. We missed you. Thanks for stopping by. Hope all is well.
I think people need to first determine if their writing is a hobby or a business. If they have the desire to never return to work for someone else, they have to treat it as a business and follow the tips you provided.
ReplyDeleteAnd stop using so many excuses. If you're going to be a writer, just do it. Like you said, there are so many options and they don't have to wait for traditional sources to pick them up as in the past. They can hop online and create opportunities for themselves.
This is advice from someone who has had all of the excuses in the world and got tired of not having a writing plan and cash flow.
Marcie,
ReplyDeleteBravo! Hopefully others will glean from
this. :-)