Make Writing a Business
Authors work under different conditions, in various locations,
and with diverse methods. Some write part time, and other, full
time. Sadly many authors treat writing as a hobby rather than
the business it is. By approaching their craft as a business,
writers experience more success creatively, time-wise, and,
hopefully, financially.
The first step in approaching word craft as a business is to set
up a professional work area. If a room for an office isn't
available, set up a corner for a work area. Have the tools of
the trade, a dictionary, thesaurus, and writing method on hand.
If a computer is used from the beginning, it and a printer
should be on the desk or a computer station next to the desk..
If the author writes by hand, tablets as well as pens and/or
pencils should be there. Some authors take notes on note cards
to track characters, time lines, or ideas. If so, a stack of new
cards should be where they can found easily.
Any more, a computer and printer are a must. Copies are needed
for thorough proofreading and editing. Query letters, synopses,
copies of articles, stories, and novels have to be computer
generated and printed. Therefore, having both items are
necessary in the work area.
Secondly, scheduling set times for planning, researching, and
actually writing result in a more business-like set of mind. If
writing part time, awaking a hour earlier in the morning creates
a professional time to use for writing. Personally, I have found
that I do my best work early in the morning or in the early
evening. If life's experiences take up the morning hours, I make
sure I work in the evening. If activities take an evening, I
make sure I write that morning.
Always be prepared to take notes or jot down ideas. Carrying a
tablet or pad of paper with a pen or pencil makes writing down
ideas or working on a story or article possible wherever I go.
Professionals never just think of ideas or solve problems during
working hours.
Authors should always keep track of all expenses: printer toner,
paper, postage, etc. Everyone remembers office expenses, but
keeping a log of dates, times, hours writing, editing, revising,
attending writing conferences as well as signings and other
promotional activities is also important.
Having a sales tax permit makes selling any books more
business-like, another step in having one's own "company."
Writers should promote their work, and promotion is a major part
of creating a business atmosphere and validating their work.
Writers should think of themselves as professionals. How we view
ourselves is how others will also. We need to approach our
writing as a business, one where we are the CEOs.