The Business of Writing

Writing is a business. This truth is not always clear to those born with natural talent and who enjoy the creative experience. In many cases, writers don’t want to admit that organization and strategy play a role in the life of a writer. “It’s too confining,” one writer friend of mine once said.

And yet, the concept that writing is a business is undeniable – unless writing is actually a hobby. Dictionary.com defines the word ‘hobby’ like this: “An activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.”

With this is in mind, it’s important to decide if writing is merely a hobby or a main occupation. If you only see yourself dabbling in the writing world for the rest of your life, then it’s surely a hobby. If writing for a living, or becoming an author of books is your ultimate goal, then writing is a career, and therefore, a small business in the making.

Getting published is a sign (and motivation) to many writers that there’s a future in their written word. That’s why it makes sense for beginning writers to submit articles for free or for a small stipend. Later, you can get paid well for doing what you love.

Right after college I was offered two jobs: One was for a pharmaceutical firm that paid a lot of money. Since I was a single mother of three at the time and I needed money, this was very appealing to me. The other job was for a publishing company that offered me half of what the pharmaceutical firm had proposed – barely enough to scratch by. Since I had majored in journalism and believed that writing was my career, I accepted the job with the publishing company. Looking back, I know that this was the wisest move I could have made. It allowed me to practice my craft, and it set me on the path to becoming a well-paid professional writer.

I created a freelance writing business while working for the publishing firm. I supplemented my income and continued moving forward in my career of choice. Now I do what I love and the money has followed.

The question remains. Why is it hard for writers to see themselves as small business owners, or even entrepreneurs? I’ve asked this of several writers over the years and here are some of the answers:

• It’s a creative process, not a business.
• I don’t think like a business person.
• Why would I turn my love for writing into a money-making venture?
• I don’t know how to start a business, let alone run one.
• I never think of the future. I’m just doing what I love.
• I’m more ethereal than linear.
• I just write. That’s all I do.

If this is your mindset, but you plan to write as a career, you should start thinking differently. My goal in writing this article is to help you increase your capacity so you can move to the next level in your writing life. The following are 3 important steps you can take to turn your writing from a hobby to a career.

1. Name your business. I've had several business names. When I moved from Santa Cruz, CA to Southern Oregon I changed my business name to “Writing For All Reasons.” I have recently re-branded myself as Jamee The Writer and The Social Media Teacher.
2. Write out your vision, mission and values statement. If you don’t know how to do this, the Internet is full of good instructions. By having a written vision, you can see where you're planning to go and make your business decisions accordingly.
3. Decide on your target market. In other words, who will read what you write, or who will pay you to write for them. Then, focus your promotional efforts toward that group.

Most writers just starting out are somewhat unsure of their future. They have a desire and perhaps the determination to turn a passion into a living, but fail to understand the need to treat their writing service as a business. However, the well-seasoned writers and authors understand that no matter how hard you try to ignore the business of writing, it will get your attention at some point. So why not get your writing career established on paper so you can start moving in that direction.

If you want to learn more about my writing business, you can send an email to JameeTheWriter@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.