- Isolation
- Suspension
- Feeling Overwhelmed
- Indecision
- Ideas: Too Many or Too Few
- Obstacles
Getting started as a writer–as in any new venture–presents a monumental number of choices. If you’re like most beginning authors, you’ve already begun to research what’s required for your new undertaking. And, like those who have gone before you, you’re probably feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Realities of the Writing Life
When you decided to become a writer, you thought it was all about writing, right? Then as you dug deeper into what was involved, you discovered you would be required to do much more than just write.
Becoming a successful author requires knowing how to run a business, understanding the writing and publishing industry, and learning how to market and promote your work. If you were to decide to self-publish, add to those basics the skills of copy editor, proofreader, artist, designer, printer, and sales rep.
I’ve traveled this path, although “path” hardly seems like an appropriate metaphor. At times it seems more like a rudderless ship lost at sea, buffeted by storms while dealing with a damaged hull and a crew of deserters. In spite of what seemed at times insurmountable obstacles, I was able to eventually dock safely, on more than one occasion. Based on what I’ve observed, here are some of the components of a writing business I consider essential.
Writing
The most obvious part of the profession is the writing itself. What seems to be common to all writers is the burning need to get ideas on paper and out to the public.
From those ideas come drafts and from drafts come revisions. Lots of revisions. Then the ideas need to be married to a potential audience of ideal readers. By “ideal,” we can only hope that means loyal fans and repeat customers. Paying customers.
Market Research
I rank market research among the most important tasks you perform. Sometimes it should even take place before beginning to write. This kind of research allows you to identify the reading habits of your target audience and find publications seeking your stories, poems, or articles. Book writers need to vet agents and editors who handle book-length manuscripts. Self-publishers need an understanding of the entire industry, from first drafts to sales and delivery of the finished volume. For them, marketing is done directly to the consumer.
Writing and Publishing Industry
Even traditionally published authors should gain a broad view of the underpinnings of the publishing industry. You need to have an idea where manuscripts are sold, who buys them, why they buy them, and how much they’re willing to pay. It’s also important to know the legal implications of your writing, both from the standpoint of your rights and the rights of your editor, publisher, and agent, and, possibly, the rights of those you write about, whether it’s in a biographical or fictionalized form.
Writing as a Business
One important aspect of writing as a business is to establish yourself as a legal entity. If you’re only writing as a freelancer using your own name, then this is a fairly simple process. Pseudonyms and DBA’s (Doing Business As . . .) complicate things a bit. Every state, county, and metropolitan area has its own set of rules, so make sure you know what those are and abide by them. Be sure to check with an attorney or knowledgeable accountant for specific regulations in your location, whether in the US or abroad.
One of the first steps you can take is to open a separate bank account and credit line for your business and set up a record-keeping system to track income and expenses. Study IRS publications for specific information on what you are required to report and what is considered deductible.
Dealing with Success
Success at last! Or finally. What a wonderful problem to have. But it can take a toll. Depending on your level of success, you may experience some of the following life changes: Less time for friends and family. Envious colleagues. Stress brought on by speaking engagements, promotional activities, or book tours. Unexpected expenses. Moving to a higher tax bracket. Negative reviews. Health problems induced by any or all the above.
I hope the topics mentioned here don’t cause you to become even more overwhelmed. Remember, you don’t have to do all this at once. Pick out one area to focus on before moving on to the next. Make thorough lists of what needs to be done under each topic. Reward yourself as you make progress. These techniques can help you overcome the “overwhelm.” (Even though I’m aware that language changes over time, it still pains me to use that word as a noun.)
This post just touches on some of the topics we’ll be covering at WordsAreForever.com and in my online courses, which are Coming Soon! Leave a comment and let me know which areas you would most like to learn about.
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