Some write for a profit but are not quite what one can call an authorpreneur. An authorpreneur is an author who uses their writing to build a business. They use their platform for marketing their books and connecting with other authors to create a community of support. They are creative and driven and use their writing to make a living.
According to reports, up to 81% of Americans want to publish a book. Many already managed to do so, but only a few could turn their writing into a sustainable business. So, how do you become an authorpreneur?
If you plan on becoming an authorpreneur yourself, then there are things you need to learn so you can better manage your brand. This will allow you to sell more books, connect with more people, build a stronger platform, and protect your brand. Here are five tips for building a successful brand.
1. Find Your Niche
The first step to building a successful authorpreneur brand is to find your niche. However, most people are not sure what they want to write about. Knowing your niche will help you stand out from the rest, which is essential if you want to make a living as an author.
To find your niche, start by asking yourself these four “what” questions:
- What kind of writing do you want to do?
- What are you passionate about?
- What things do you have to offer that other writers don’t?
- What do you want to be known for?
Your niche will make you unique and allow you to build a successful career as an author. So, take your time to find it.
2. Create A Professional Website
The next step is to create a professional website where people can learn more about you and your work. Your website is essential for building your brand and marketing your books. It should be easy to navigate, informative, and visually appealing. Include a bio, headshot, contact information, and links to your social media platforms.
It also makes sense for your website to have a blog. This is where you can share your thoughts on the writing process, your work, the publishing industry, and anything else that might interest your readers. This is a great way to connect with people and build a following.
3. Use Social Media
Social media is essential for any business. It’s a great way to connect with readers, promote your work, and build a platform. Platform building is crucial for any author who wants to make a living from their writing. You can start selling your books by marketing them on social media.
You can use several social media platforms, but the most popular ones for authors are Goodreads, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. These platforms will allow you to connect with your target audiences, share your work, and promote your brand.
When sharing your work on social media, be professional and consistent. Post regularly, interact with other users and make sure your profile is up-to-date. Don’t forget to use hashtags and engaging visuals to make your posts stand out.
4. Build A Network
You may not be as comfortable in a large crowd, so you made yourself busy with your writing. But as an author/entrepreneur, you must learn how to network. This is essential for building relationships, which is key to success in any business.
The best way to network is to attend events and meet-ups related to your niche. You can also join online groups and forums or connect with other authors on social media.
Building a network will allow you to meet new people, make connections, and learn more about the industry. Promoting your work and building a following is also a good idea. With networking, you can start connecting with other authors, publishers, agents, and booksellers. These connections can help you promote your work, get published, and find new readers.
5. Invest in Ways You Can Protect Your Business
You need to think about the long-term and invest in ways you can protect your business. This includes copyrighting your work, creating LLCs or corporations, getting insurance, and creating contracts. While some of these may seem like unnecessary expenses, they are essential for protecting your business.
For example, copyrighting your work will ensure that no one can steal it or use it without your permission. This is important for preventing plagiarism and protecting your intellectual property. Insurance will cover you financially if something goes wrong with your business. And contracts will help you avoid legal disputes and protect your rights as an author.
Don’t forget about buying the right insurance. Some authorpreneurs think they can skip buying insurance simply because they don’t have any employees. But that’s a mistake. You need insurance to protect your business like any other business owner.
If you don’t know where to start, consider consulting an account manager specializing in employer insurance services. They can help you find the right insurance for your business and budget while considering your business risks. The right insurance provider will help protect your business against potential lawsuits, property damage, and other risks while making timely recommendations depending on changing business needs. It would be better to find an insurance provider who offers other services like accounting services so you won’t have to look for another provider.
Being an authorpreneur is not easy, but it’s possible to make a living from your writing. By following these tips, you can start building a successful career. Remember to be patient, invest in your business, and continue writing and building your network. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals and become a successful authorpreneur.
