Writing is a Business: Tips for Success

 

by Heather Weidner

As a kid, when I dreamed about becoming a writer, I thought the writing life was all about creating the great American novel, cashing royalty checks (lots of them), and doing a book tour from time to time. I learned along my writing path that writing and publishing are a business, and writers need to treat their work that way.

My family and friends often saw my writing as a project or a hobby. When I said I was writing, I always felt like people didn’t take it as seriously as I did. I learned through the years that I needed to guard and preserve my writing time. So, now when I’m asked what plans I have or what I’m doing, I say, “I’m working.”

Agents, editors, and publishers sign authors who have manuscripts they think they can sell. Sometimes, you’re not rejected because of the writing. It could be that the topic/subject has been done before, or it will be hard to sell in your genre. Do your research and learn what is out there before you pick a setting or hook for your book. Also make sure that your manuscript matches the agent or publisher’s submission requirements. Don’t get rejected because you didn’t follow instructions.

Publishers are planning several years ahead to fill their slots, and there are not a lot of openings on the dockets. It takes months/years for a book to be published traditionally. Make your manuscript the best it can be before you start querying. Agents, editors, and publishers are more apt to take a project that doesn’t need a complete overhaul or tons of proofreading.

Book stores get hundreds of requests for signings. They have to outlay time and money for events for staffing, stocking books, and promotion. Many are choosy or reluctant to host unknown authors. Some will not host authors whose unsold books are not returnable. Find ways to sell your proposed signing (e.g. a book talk on a subject that their shoppers would be interested in, providing a group of authors who can bring readers to the store, or discussing your marketing campaign for publicizing the event). Find out if they will let you provide the books on consignment. Sometimes, that is an alternative if they cannot return unsold books.

Always be professional. It sounds like a no-brainer, but you want to be easy to work with. People tend to avoid the whiners, divas, and complainers. Make sure that you are polished and polite and that your marketing materials look professional.

• You need a professional headshot (not a selfie).
• Your social media sites, websites, newsletter, and business cards should have the same look and feel. (One shouldn’t be red and black while the others are pink and mint green.) The similar look and your author photo let people know that it is your site and what to expect from your books.
• Make sure you have business cards with you at all times. You never know when a networking opportunity will appear.
• Have a press kit on your website with short and long biographies, headshots, your book credits, and a way to contact you.

Make sure you know the rules for sales tax, business licenses, and other requirements for your state/territory. Keep good records and all of your receipts. This makes it easier when tax time rolls around.

Be organized. You know you’re going to get questions about your social media links, book links, biography, book covers, and summaries. Create a Word document and have all this information in one place. It makes it a lot easier when you’re answering questions or preparing interviews or guest blog posts.

Writing is a tough business. Everyone has feedback, and there are a lot of rejections. But you can be prepared and ready for all kinds of opportunities.

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries.

Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, Sisters in Crime – Chessie, Guppies, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/heatherweidner