Business of Writing ~ Aww! Don't Bother Me, I'm Writing!

By Sun Chara 

I will nudge, prod, shake, rattle, and roll until you stop tapping those computer keys and I have your attention. Okay! Got it!

You want to be a successful writer?

Then you must devote some...no! a lot of your time, to the Business of Writing.

The publishing industry has ventured into a new era. With the advent of digital, self/indie publishing, the writer now becomes CEO of his company; he not only creates the story, but must market and sell the book. Even authors published with a traditional publisher, unless they’re bringing in the big bucks, are pretty much left on their own with regards to marketing.

Artists, whether performers or writers often have a difficult time reconciling their art with business. This is because creating is a dominant Right Brain function, and doing business is a dominant Left Brain function.

Here lies the dilemma and solution.

Although Right Brain and Left Brain work together, one or the other will dominate depending on your activity.

Once the writer has created his story/Right Brain function, he must shift his focus to business/Left Brain function for maximum output to successfully sell his product/book.

So, what is the Business of Writing?

1. Develop a mindset that your writing is a business

venture, and you are the CEO.

2. Scouting for a good agent...the psychology of this is

cool especially when negotiating a contract. Your agent will handle the heavy duty stuff for you.

3. Technology/Social Media – be knowledgeable/masterful and

use it to promote your book, or hire someone to do this for you.

4. Launch team – build your fan base, so when you have a

book launched your team will get the word out. How to do this you may ask? Networking at conferences/events, social media, or one-by-one collect emails/contact info from authors, readers, bloggers, reviewers, media to build your marketing lists. This is gold!

5. There is so much more: Facebook page, fb groups, twitter,

Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon, metadata, keywords, keyphrases, author bio, newsletter, website, press release, book trailers, YouTube, blogs, tours, reviews, events, conferences, speaking gigs... networking is the name of the game!

Yes…but…when do I write?!

Delegate! You don’t have to do all of it, or do it all yourself. Choose 2-3 online venues that you get jazzed about and focus on those, or hire a publicist to do digital marketing for you, while you oversee the creation of your book and the promotion of your product.

Once you have your business team set, then this will free your time up to do what you love. . . create magic with your words!

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Sun Chara, an Amazon top 100 bestseller, writes sexy, hip ‘n fun contemporary romance for HarperImpulse/HarperCollins. JABBIC winner, Manhattan Millionaire's Cinderella launched her writing career, spinning the 'global millionaires series'. She makes her home in southern California, and has appeared on stage/film to rave reviews in How the Other Half Loves, General Hospital, and McGee & Me. With a Masters Degree in Education, and membership in several professional organizations including: SAG/AFTRA and Romance Writers of America, she enjoys sipping designer Frappuccinos topped with whipped cream/sprinkles, and dancing on the beach...making everyday a celebration! Sun loves to hear from her readers at:
https://facebook.com/suncharaauthorpage   https://twitter.com/sunchara3