Why do you write? Do you write for the pure pleasure of it or is money and\/or recognition your motivation? Let me ask this a different way: Do you claim \u201cwriter\u201d on your income tax form? If so, then you either are a career writer or you\u2019re attempting to establish yourself as such. Of course, you probably still enjoy the process of writing and all of the challenges that go with it\u2014otherwise, what\u2019s the point of making it such a major part of your life? <\/p>\n
If you are considering becoming a career writer, there are some things that you should know. Writing as a career is way different from writing only for pleasure. For example:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tYou can no longer write only when inspiration moves you. The business of writing requires discipline and commitment.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAs a career writer, you must also become a marketer. No matter what form your writing business takes, you must promote yourself and\/or pitch your work.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWhen you go professional with your writing, you will be required to keep excellent records, save pertinent receipts and file income taxes. <\/p>\n
\u2022\tFor some who establish careers in the writing\/publishing field, the process of writing often becomes secondary to the other tasks involved in operating the business. This is why it is imperative that you have not only writing ability, but the skills and willingness to transition from creative writer to a business savvy writer.<\/p>\n
What type of business can you create from your writing hobby? Here are a few ideas:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tFreelance magazine article writer.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tFreelance writer of ad copy, newsletters, brochures, etc. for businesses and organizations.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHire on at a radio or TV station to write their commentary\/ad copy, etc.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tGhostwriter\u2014help others write their memoirs, for example.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tTeach writing through a local college or art center or design and present writing workshops.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tEditing and\/or consulting services.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBook shepherd\u2014walk hopeful authors through the process of publishing their books.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHire on as a writer for a company or organization.<\/p>\n
\u2022\t Establish a publishing company and produce books for others.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tProduce your own series of books, promote and sell them. (I suggest a series or multiple books because it is rare that you can create a business from one book. However, if you have produced a book and you are selling it, you are in business and must claim your earnings. You can also deduct your expenses.)<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWrite a book or series of books designed to promote and enhance your credibility in your field.<\/p>\n
There are certainly some innovative businesses cropping up all the time related to writing and publishing. We writers are becoming even more creative in our attempt to ride this economic wave without drowning. I\u2019d like to hear about your writing or publishing business.<\/p>\n
As for me, I have been writing articles for magazines for over 35 years and claiming \u201cwriter\u201d on my income tax form for all of those years. However, it took me maybe five years before I was actually making a profit. Throughout my long career, I have written and published (through my own publishing company and through traditional royalty publishers) 29 books. About 15 years ago, I began teaching and conducting workshops for other writers and around 2000, I actually hung out my shingle and started accepting clients. Currently, I consult with authors and freelance writers with regard to their publishing projects, I edit manuscripts, I teach courses and speak on topics related to writing and publishing and I still write articles for magazines and newsletters and an occasional book. And this is how I earn my living. Way back in 1973, when I was a young mom and homemaker, I parlayed my love for writing into a business and it has changed and grown over the years\u2014always presenting me with surprises and lots and lots of challenges. And I wouldn\u2019t change it for any other type of work. <\/p>\n
For more about me and my work\u2014also a partial list of my books\u2014visit my website at: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Why do you write? Do you write for the pure pleasure of it or is money and\/or recognition your motivation? Let me ask this a different way: Do you claim \u201cwriter\u201d on your income tax form? If so, then you either are a career writer or you\u2019re attempting to establish yourself as such. Of course, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t