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Writing, business plan basics



-- Quote of the Day -- 


"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. "

~ Charles W. Eliot

-- World of Writing -- 

 Why is a business plan important for your career as a writer?  - this is a question I'm asked quite often in interviews and I have found it is common for writers to think that because they are the only person involved they don't need a business plan. But actually a basic plan can be essential to their career. 

As a writer, you are running a business - you will be employed at least part time at this career and will have expenses and operation tactics and succession to consider. As such a business plan will help you and anyone who takes over the reins (i.e. royalties for inheritance, estate plan handlers, etc.). 

The business plan really acts like an outline; it is meant to be flexible enough to ride through the inevitable changes as you alter your focus or activities and as technologies and the writing industry changes. There may also be unforeseen opportunities or obstacles and issues that you'll face. Business plans help you feel less overwhelmed; they empower you with knowledge and encourage you to follow through with your plan.The plan will include where you are now, where you hope to go this year and the steps you'll take to get there, how the business will be run and options for the future.

A lot of people feel very overwhelmed with creating a business plan thinking it will be a huge process, but really it only involves a few pages of information for smaller endeavors and can be grown as your business grows or changes.

Most business plans will start with the business concept - this involves knowing who you are, what you are selling, understanding the industry and where you fit in that industry, the image you want to have and your goals as a writer. Once you've answered those questions you'll more easily be able to choose images, logos, business name, letterhead, the look of your website, the colors you choose - because these will all be chosen to represent your business concept. 

You'll need to decide if you need a business license or business owner insurances, and these can also come later as you grow your career. If you will do freelance work or have a co-writer you many need to learn a little about legal documents and written agreements so that if someone opts out or a dispute arises or if one of you becomes ill or passes away, you'll know what to do.

In our book - Purple Snowflake Marketing, How To Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd - we start out by discussing the realities of this career, followed by some business plan basics and THEN delve into the realm of marketing. The reason for this is simple - an effective marketing plan will be based on taking the career seriously and having a good understanding about your business. 

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Purple Snowflake Marketing, How To Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd



 
  Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!
 

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