Best route for all author goals
Hello author friends,
When I say author business, I don't mean a grown-up version of a lemonade stand for writers. Or a dabbling freelance practice. I mean something that looks, talks, acts, and quacks like a business. It can be a part-time business, a full-time business, a side hustle. It can bring you an extra $10,000 to $20,000 a year, six figures, or other amounts in between and beyond.
Because I firmly believe, based on my three decades of experience and observation in the book publishing world, that there is no way to author success and satisfaction that comes close to entrepreneurship. Not only are entrepreneurial skills and an entrepreneurial approach the best way for an author to get what they want from their authorship, for 99% of authors, I think it's the only way.
Let that sink it. It is no exaggeration. You probably know that there are 3 million new books published each year in the U.S. alone. 99.99% of books (9,999 of every 10,0000) don't, can't, compete in this world. But authors have more than competition available to them. They also have creativity, collaboration, hustle, know-how, passion, and service...the hallmarks of entrepreneurship.
And the authors who approach their work like a business and harness the values, attitudes, and practices of entrepreneurs can find success on their own terms. The can build income-generating, sustainable author businesses they love.
Yes, it's hard work. But writing is hard work. Writing well is really hard work. Not selling books or finding readers is hard. Perpetual disappointment and under-compensation is hard. Choose the hard that gets you where you want to go. Choose the hard that is a path paved with many satisfactions. The entrepreneurial approach is key for all your goals...not just the financial ones.
You probably understand that writer's block, no matter how devastating, is part of being a writer. Do you also have blocks when it comes to business? Many authors do. Instead of thinking that business blocks are permanent, excluding, in charge of your fate, it's time to see those obstacles, impasses, and limiting beliefs as part of the package. They can be overcome and worked around. You can learn business. Incrementally. At your own pace. In your own way.
Do your business blocks create an impenetrable wall or are they simply components of Old West swinging saloon doors? Can you push on them and mosey on through?
There are SO many books and authors beyond what we see in shiny catalogs and on best seller lists that deserve attention, readers, and income. You may be such an author and your books may be those books.
In the coming year, my goal is to double down on making the case for business and entrepreneurship for authors in these newsletters, my other writing, and my author coaching. Will you keep an open mind and keep taking steps in this direction for yourself?
Here are a few articles that may get you in the mood for a renewed commitment to your
author business:
Will you join us for a year of inspiration, learning, support, and author business building?
Learn about the Profitable Author Substack subscription that comes with guarantees! (through 12/31/2024)…
Through the end of December, I am offering a way to both build your author business and meet your author goals in 2025 AND get a free copy of my new 500-page book a week befofe it's official release. Check it out! If you want the guarantees, you must subscribe before the end of the year.
Chicago Area Event Coordinators - Updated Database for Those Doing Author Programs
Conspire Creative has recently spent 20+ hours creating an updated database of Chicago-area event and program coordinators (at libraries, museums, historical societies, other organizations, senior centers, and more). This list of 280 names (and growing) includes organization, organization type, first/last name, and email address for each contact.
We are offering this resource to you for $28. If you do author events in the Chicago area and your research time is worth more than $1.40/hour, this is for you. One paid event or one event with a handful of book sales will pay for this cost your first time out. Pay with PayPal, Venmo, or credit card here.
Thanks, all, for reading and continuing to come back for support in building your author enterprise. This spot is reserved for you.
May your holidays be merry and bright...and your new year tremendous.
All the best,
Sharon
