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Make Writing a Business

Authors work under different conditions, in various locations,

and with diverse methods. Some write part time, and other, full

time. Sadly many authors treat writing as a hobby rather than

the business it is. By approaching their craft as a business,

writers experience more success creatively, time-wise, and,

hopefully, financially.

The first step in approaching word craft as a business is to set

up a professional work area. If a room for an office isn't

available, set up a corner for a work area. Have the tools of

the trade, a dictionary, thesaurus, and writing method on hand.

If a computer is used from the beginning, it and a printer

should be on the desk or a computer station next to the desk..

If the author writes by hand, tablets as well as pens and/or

pencils should be there. Some authors take notes on note cards

to track characters, time lines, or ideas. If so, a stack of new

cards should be where they can found easily.

Any more, a computer and printer are a must. Copies are needed

for thorough proofreading and editing. Query letters, synopses,

copies of articles, stories, and novels have to be computer

generated and printed. Therefore, having both items are

necessary in the work area.

Secondly, scheduling set times for planning, researching, and

actually writing result in a more business-like set of mind. If

writing part time, awaking a hour earlier in the morning creates

a professional time to use for writing. Personally, I have found

that I do my best work early in the morning or in the early

evening. If life's experiences take up the morning hours, I make

sure I work in the evening. If activities take an evening, I

make sure I write that morning.

Always be prepared to take notes or jot down ideas. Carrying a

tablet or pad of paper with a pen or pencil makes writing down

ideas or working on a story or article possible wherever I go.

Professionals never just think of ideas or solve problems during

working hours.

Authors should always keep track of all expenses: printer toner,

paper, postage, etc. Everyone remembers office expenses, but

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keeping a log of dates, times, hours writing, editing, revising,

attending writing conferences as well as signings and other

promotional activities is also important.

Having a sales tax permit makes selling any books more

business-like, another step in having one's own "company."

Writers should promote their work, and promotion is a major part

of creating a business atmosphere and validating their work.

Writers should think of themselves as professionals. How we view

ourselves is how others will also. We need to approach our

writing as a business, one where we are the CEOs.

About the author:

Vivian Gilbert Zabel taught English for years after a career in

the business world. She has a portfolio at

http://www.Writing.Com/authors/vzabel and books Hidden Lies

and Other Stories and Walking the Earth through

Amazon.com. This article has been submitted in affiliation with

http://www.Facsimile.Com/ which is a site for Fax Machines.