Beyond the Margins: Build a Profitable Author Business

Hello Author Friends,

We don't necessarily like to grapple with them, but like any worthwhile venture, building an author business comes with hard lessons. Business is full of them. And after years and years of working with authors trying to make a living from their writing and build sustainable careers and enterprises brick by brick, I’ve noticed certain recurring pitfalls, whether from misunderstanding or habit.

These obstacles rarely come from laziness or lack of ability. Many times they come from the kind of things we don't know we don't know. Often, they come from strengths taken too far or in the wrong direction: perfectionism mistaken for care, rigidity mistaken for principles, or devotion to writing-craft that leaves business-craft neglected.

Here are a few hard truths worth wrestling with:

• Investigate and adapt your principles, or they may shoot you in the foot: Values Sabotage: When Authors Use Principles to Undermine Their Own Businesses​
• Don’t be the hammer for every nail—not every problem needs fixing: Two Reframes for Your Author Business Problems​
• Being a good writer isn’t enough: What Many Authors Get Wrong About the Business of Being an Author​
• Yes, speed can give you the edge: The Need for Speed in an Author Business, Even if You’re Not Feeling It​

Thanks to my savvy assistant, Kristoffer Balintona, who has been asssembling these article lists for me with his own fresh perspective! He helps me see my own content with new eyes.

Free Virtual Power Hours

Take a moment and RSVP for one or more of our free monthly Zoom calls. It's one hour that combines a little bit of author business education and a lot of community support and brainstorming for your questions and challenges.

• June: Audiobooks as Business Strategy​
• July: Author Branding as Business Strategy​
• August: Marketing Your Books to Younger Generations​

In-Person Events Coming Later This Year

• Author Business Bingo, October
• Speed Networking for Authors, September
• Authors, Come Paint Your Book Cover, August

Paint, sip, and build the author business you've been dreaming of!

What if one evening could spark both your creativity and your author business clarity?

Bottle & Bottega, Lakeview

2900 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

August 25, 6pm–9pm

Join me for an intimate, one-of-a-kind evening designed exclusively for authors who are serious about building a business they love around their books.

You'll paint your book cover on a 16" x 20" (or 11" x 14") canvas. You'll sip wine. You'll eat cupcakes. And in the middle of all that creative energy, you'll receive personalized and group coaching on the author business and book marketing moves that matter for you.

Intimate by design, transformative by intention, and magically delicious. Think of it as your author business breakthrough—with better snacks.

The evening includes:

• A guided painting session where you re-create your book cover on canvas (no experience necessary)
• Wine, soft drinks, and cupcakes
• Group author business and book marketing coaching from Sharon
• Personalized coaching moments woven throughout the evening
• A room full of serious, like-minded authors

P.S. Don't have a book yet? Come paint the cover of the one you're going to write. There's no better vision board than a canvas.

Space is strictly limited to 16 authors.

Early Bird Rate: $80 (first 6 seats only); Regular Rate: $95

All painting supplies, wine, soft drinks, and cupcakes included.

Email me if interested in reserving a spot: sharon@conspirecreative.com.

All the best,

Sharon

Sharon Woodhouse, owner, Conspire Creative

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