Business Plans For Writers

Why Does a Writer Need a Business Plan?

This article assumes that, if you are reading this, you have a writing talent. Moreover, you have within you a desire to write and to make a living from your writing. Congratulations. You're part of the way there.

However, talent and desire are only the first steps. A great business idea needs a plan to bring it to fruition, and you as a writer would do well to develop a business plan for yourself.

For writers, there's also a spiritual element involved, since the work we do is so personal to each writer. The universe tends to bring you what you ask for and what you focus on. If you ask to be a "successful writer", you can write a letter to a friend or keep a daily journal and fulfill that ambition. A business plan will help you in your desire to create a vocation from your skills, and help you to get specific enough to focus and receive what you truly want.

Even though we're all writers, we don't all want the same things. Success for one person would be misery for another. Some may want to top the New York Times bestseller list. Some may feel successful earning a lot of money. Some may want to see their name in a Broadway program listing or rolling in the credits of some movie. What does it mean for you? Putting together a business plan can keep you moving in a direction that will be satisfying for you (not your mother, your spouse, or any other outside person).

Most business plans are used to gather financing from outside sources or to report to investors. Though you may be funding your own freelance business (at least in the beginning), it's worthwhile to have a document that you review regularly, to keep you on track.

Adjust your business plan periodically as you need to, in order to reach your goals. If you do come to the point where outside funding is possible, a business plan may assist you in getting grants or other outside assistance. The more business-like you are in your approach to your writing, the more others will take your work seriously.

What should a business plan for writers look like?