How to Successfully Expand Your Writing Business: Initial Steps
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Understanding Your Writing Identity
The thought of "the business of writing" can be overwhelming. Personally, it triggers feelings of anxiety and dread. When I hear about building email lists, cultivating social media followers, creating courses and eBooks, and selling premium services, it makes me want to retreat.
Unfortunately, the reality is that writing is indeed a business, but my true passion lies in the act of writing itself. While I recognize the importance of handling the business aspects, I find it extremely unenjoyable.
On a positive note, there are individuals who can manage the business side of things, provided my writing meets a certain standard. This is one reason I aim for traditional publishing, favor Medium for blogging instead of my own site, and prefer higher-paying clients on Fiverr who require less micromanagement.
However, not all writers share my perspective. Many are eager to scale their earnings, yet managing both the writing and the business can be equally taxing. With an effective system, it's possible to handle both for a time, but growth can quickly become burdensome.
So, how can you transition your freelance work into an agency, elevate your blog to a six-figure venture, or transform your novel into a bestseller? While I may have set the bar high, I will only outline the first two steps for you, leaving the rest for your discovery.
Identify Your Core Identity
Are you primarily a writer, or do you lean more towards entrepreneurship? Yes, you can embody both roles, but which do you prefer? Would you rather immerse yourself in writing, or would you choose to focus on establishing email lists and scheduling book sales meetings?
It's essential to recognize your true preference. Being honest with yourself will enable you to create a writing business that aligns with your passions. Ignoring this could lead to burnout and necessitate a fresh start.
Seek Assistance
If you find that you're more entrepreneurial than a writer, consider hiring writers to assist with your projects. This could mean working with freelancers, ghostwriters for your eBooks, or copywriters for your agency. You might even explore using writing AI tools (I've heard positive things about Jarvis.ai, though I'm not affiliated).
Build your business around generating ideas and delegating the execution of these ideas into polished writing. This allows you to concentrate on the business aspects, such as attracting readers.
Successful figures in the industry, like Ogilvy and Luis Bassat, were entrepreneurs who dabbled in writing. They didn't spend countless hours writing; instead, they focused on brainstorming, networking, and forming partnerships. For instance, consider this quote from David Ogilvy:
"I don't know the rules of grammar. If you're trying to persuade people to do something, or buy something, it seems to me you should use their language."
— David Ogilvy
Doesn't that sound more like a business-minded individual rather than a traditional writer?
If you resonate with my desire to write, then seek help for the business component. In my case, my husband took charge of my copywriting endeavors, developed our website, recruited writers, and now assigns me only the projects that excite me.
However, a husband isn't a prerequisite. You can find a co-founder skilled in marketing or sales to help establish your agency, or hire someone, keeping in mind that employees may come and go.
Bloggers can seek assistance in designing their opt-in offers and managing their email lists and social media profiles. Novelists have the option of pursuing traditional publishing or seeking support for all aspects of self-publishing.
Determine your needs and seek assistance accordingly. That's the essence of running a successful business.
Final Thoughts
I realize this advice may seem overly simplified, but that's intentional. Many encounter challenges at the outset, yet once you begin, you'll carve out your path. You'll gain deeper insights into your identity as a writer or entrepreneur, allowing you to accomplish more.
For now, concentrate on these initial steps and take them.
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." — Chauncey Depew
Chapter 1: The Business of Writing
The complexities of managing writing as a business can be daunting.
Section 1.1: Embracing Your Dual Identity
Understanding whether you're primarily a writer or an entrepreneur is crucial.
Subsection 1.1.1: Recognizing Your True Passion
Section 1.2: Finding the Right Support
Getting assistance is key to managing your writing business effectively.