Here’s a more conversational take on what it really means to be a working author:
Let’s Talk About Being a Working Author (Like, Really Talk About It)
Hey there! So you’re thinking about becoming a working author? Let’s have an honest chat about what that really means – because between you and me, it’s probably not what you’re picturing right now.
The Dream vs. Reality Check
We all know that dreamy vision: sitting in a cute café, sipping perfectly crafted lattes while writing your masterpiece, then heading off to sign books for your adoring fans. Trust me, I get it! But here’s the thing – being a working author is actually a lot more like running a small business than living out that Instagram-worthy fantasy.
What’s Actually on Your Plate?
Being a working author means you’re not just writing – you’re:
– Getting the word out about your books (yes, that means marketing!)
– Building your online presence (hello, social media!)
– Growing an email list (it’s not as scary as it sounds)
– Keeping up with what’s happening in publishing
– And yeah, actually writing too
If you just felt your stomach drop reading that list, we should probably talk about what you really want here.
The Daily Grind of a Working Author
Let’s break this down into what it actually looks like day-to-day:
Writing Like It’s Your Job (Because It Is!)
When you write for a job, \you can’t just write when inspiration strikes. You need to show up consistently, even when the muse is ghosting you. And usually, you need to write multiple books, especially if you’re self-publishing or writing genre fiction.
Getting Your Head Around the Marketing Part
I know, I know – marketing sounds about as fun as a root canal. But here’s the thing: it’s really just about connecting with people who’d love your books if only they knew about them! Think of it like being a matchmaker between your stories and your perfect readers. We have a ton of marketing information over on BookPromotion.com whenever you’re ready to start!
Getting Your Business Hat On
Whether you’re going traditional or self-published, you need to understand things like royalties, contracts, and how books actually get into readers’ hands. Not exactly the stuff of writing dreams, but pretty crucial to making this work.
Bouncing Back from the Rough Stuff
Real talk: you’re going to face rejection. Maybe from agents and publishers, maybe from readers who just don’t get your work. The question is: are you ready to pick yourself up and keep going? You’ll also need to put your most patient pants on, because some of the tech stuff (especially the setup) is especially terrible. I’m not even going to sugar coat it.
The Million-Dollar Question
So here’s what you need to ask yourself: Do you want to actually BE an author, or do you just like the idea of being one? (No judgment either way – seriously!)
Think of it this way: it’s kind of like saying you want to be a rockstar. Do you want to actually learn the instrument, practice until your fingers hurt, play tiny gigs to empty rooms, and slowly build your way up? Or do you just want to play air guitar in front of your mirror? (Again, no judgment – air guitar is awesome!)
Money Talk
Let’s be real about the investment needed:
– Time (probably more than you’re thinking)
– Money (for things like editing and proofreading and formatting and cover design and website setup and email marketing services and BookFunnel and paid advertising and so on and so on)
– Energy (because this journey can be exhausting)
But Here’s the Good Stuff
If you’re nodding along and thinking “Yeah, I can handle all that,” here’s the awesome part: being a working author can be incredible! Imagine having readers who can’t wait for your next book. Imagine having an email list of 50,000 or 100,000 people who are hungry for whatever you’re going to do next. That would mean you could pretty much write what you wanted and get paid at the push of the “Send” button.
So… What’s It Gonna Be?
Here’s the deal: there’s absolutely nothing wrong with writing just because you love it. You don’t have to turn it into a career. But if you DO want to make this your job, you need to be ready for both the magical writing moments AND the business side of things.
The choice is yours. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in? Or are you happier keeping writing as your creative happy place? Either way is perfectly fine – just be honest with yourself about what you really want.
What do you think? Does this sound like something you’re ready to tackle? I’d love to hear your thoughts on which parts excite you and which parts make you want to run for the hills!