Writer's Helper Audrey Owen in the Spotlight

There are many aspiring writers in the world who take one good look at the publishing industry and think, "I love to write, but I'll never break my way into this." Some of us have found sites like AC to help us along our writing path. But when I found Audrey Owen's website, writershelper.com, I thought, now this is someone who has found a way to really earn a living from her writing skills, as well as mastering the internet as a medium for her business.

I was filled with curiosity about how she developed the idea for an editing site for self-publishers, and how she built her business, so I asked her for an interview, and she said yes! So, if you are an aspiring writer, editor or self-publisher, pay close attention. Audrey Owen's experience might give you some good ideas to help you pursue your own goals.

What inspired you to create a site to help self-publishers?

Audrey: I began my editing career as an editor for a self-published writer, Duane Sevos-Sept of Calypso Publishing. Then, when I did my research on which niche to target, I discovered that most editors wouldn't touch self-publishing authors with the proverbial ten-foot pole. The niche was wide open, and I stepped into it.

What kind of writing experience did you have before you started your website?

A: I've always written. My paid writing came late in life. I hadn't thought much about how to sell my writing until I took a writing course as part of my university Master's program. When I understood how the system worked, I began to submit my writing for pay.

I struggle with the issue of whether I'm a editor who writes or a writer who edits. Lately editing has taken the forefront, but I still host a writing group to make sure that I keep writing as well as editing.

Would you consider your web business a full time or part time commitment?

A: My Web business is a full-time job. It began as part time, but grew to take up more and more of my time.

What have been the biggest factors contributing to your success?

A: Technically, I owe my success to Site Build It! I could never have created a site without their tools.