The Business of Writing

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m probably the least qualified person here at Seekerville to write this post. I guess I’m doing it because this past year was kind of a coming of age for me as an author. Before, I was just writing my books and blog posts, announcing my releases on Facebook, doing the occasional book signing… 

But my eyes were opened when I was asked to become a Seeker. Y’all these ladies are so knowledgeable. And I’m a firm believer that God puts us where He wants us to grow. For me, this has been a year of growth.

Whether we want to or not, authors wear many hats. Which means life can sometimes feel like a juggling act. And if you’re an author who has a full-time job outside of writing, well, my hat is off to you because you’re juggling far more balls than I can even imagine.

So what does the business of writing look like? What should you be doing to grow your writing career?

Engage with your readers – Authors need readers. But how does one gain more readers? By engaging with the ones you already have. Remember the old shampoo commercial where the gal said, “So I told two friends and they told two friends and so on and so on…”?

Social media is the easiest way to engage with readers. Have you ever finished reading a book by an author you’ve never read before then gone to internet to see what else they’ve written? Make sure your website is up to date with all of your books. Post frequently on your Facebook or Twitter page. Ask questions that encourage your readers to respond. And don’t just promote your books, but also those authors you enjoy reading. Claim your author profiles on Goodreads and BookBub. Share pictures of places and characters from your books on Pinterest.

Promotion – This is one of my least favorite things because I’m not always comfortable promoting myself. Some people are born salesmen and have no problem talking up their latest release, but I struggle. Again, this is where social media can be helpful. Ask questions that might pertain to your story. “What would you do if…?” Or give your followers inside tidbits about your story. What was your inspiration? Or what hunky celeb were you thinking of when you wrote your hero? Just like in your stories, readers want details. Give them a place to go where they can find them.

Consider a blog tour for new releases. You can set up your own or hire it out to someone like the gals at JustRead Publicity Tours.

Newsletters are also important. It doesn’t have to be lengthy or elaborate, but it is an opportunity to make the person reading it feel as though they’re privy to something about you or your story that no one else knows. Everyone wants to feel special, and newsletters are a way to do that. 

A great way to build your mailing list is by participating in a BookSweeps promotion. Yes, it is an expense, but it is an amazing opportunity to reach readers who might otherwise never hear of you. AND you come away with hundreds of people (that's not an exaggeration) who want to subscribe to your newsletter.

The point of promotion is to get your book and name in front of readers.

Accounting – Be sure you keep records of not just your income, but your expenses. Conference fees (including travel and hotel), postage, office supplies, giveaways, promotional materials… My accounting system is pretty much like me. Simple. I make a notation on each receipt and tuck it in a cute snap-close envelope. At tax time, I sort them into their appropriate categories and pass them off to my tax preparer, aka my husband. Of course, accounting can go way beyond this. Some people pay their taxes quarterly. Some people form LLCs... Whatever the case, accounting is just one more aspect of writing that cannot be ignored.

Writing – Yes, this is a given, however it doesn’t always mean you’re writing your next book. Sometimes we have to push the Pause button to do some research. Or maybe there are blog posts you’re responsible for, whether you’re a guest blogger or regular contributor. Don't forget social media. And what about proposals?

I used to think that proposals were something to work on after my current book was turned in. But why not get a head start? Set aside a little bit of time each day, maybe as little as fifteen minutes, where you allow yourself the freedom to think about what’s next. Keep a journal or notebook with story ideas or characters you’d like to explore. Contemplating a series? What’s it about? What ties the stories together? Just a little thought each day can propel your next project. Then, when you do turn in your WIP, you’ve already got a head start.

Being an author involves more than just writing a good book. It means building a readership by engaging with people and making them long for more. It means thinking of yourself as a business owner and contemplating how you’re going to grow that business. 

Before I go, I have to put on my promotion hat because it's almost here. In less than two weeks, Her Colorado Cowboy will be on store shelves.

Lassoing the single mom’s heart…A Rocky Mountain Heroes story

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

Now it’s your turn. Writers, do you consider your writing a business? What steps do you take to grow your business? Readers, what are some ways you like to engage with your favorite authors? 

Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com