For many of creative people
, it is difficult to take off the ‘creative hat’, so to speak, and put on the ‘business hat’. However, in this day and age of living in a noisy and busy world it is vital.
Allison Tait interviewed Hazel Edwards in 2013 about the business of writing in her blog post The Business of Writing: How to be an Authorpreneur. Check out the interview as it is chock full of information. Hazel walks the talk when it comes to authorpreneurship. She has written the book on it, literally, in her book The Business of Writing: How to be an Authorpreneur.
Signing Contracts
Signing your first contract is an exciting event in the life of an author. But, before you let it all go to your head, STOP! Take a deep breath. Put the pen away and have a real good look at the contract. It most likely will not make much sense. So head over to Di Bates’ website and find out what to do before signing that contract in her blog post, Signing Your First Contact.
Did you know that the ASA (Australian Society of Authors), have an amazing array of information on contracts? Pop over to their website to find out about contracts, royalties, rights, different clauses, and what to do if you end up in a dispute with your publisher.
School Visits
According to PETAA (Primary English Teaching Association Australia) in their post, The Business, ‘many authors begin their career as presenters by talking about their first book at their own children’s school. This is usually a very friendly and enjoyable experience, with no payment involved. However, if you want to derive an income from visiting schools then you need to be professional and businesslike in everything you do, including your presentations, financial arrangements and marketing.’
And this is true. Check out PETAA’s website as it includes:
- Getting experience
- Promoting yourself
- Your author website
- Flyers and business cards
- Networking
- Speakers’ and literary agencies
Money Matters:
- Insurance
- Obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Fees and charges
- Grants that schools can apply for to fund visits
- Dealing with requests to do ‘freebies’
- Selling your books
- Registrations
They also include an extensive list of further resources.
Money is often a sticky subject that many are reluctant to face. However, it is necessary. As it has been often pointed out, you wouldn’t expect another professional i.e. plumber, electrician, doctor, lawyer, to give their services for free. So why should we, as authors, settle for doing freebies? As has already been pointed out in the articles above, this is also up to you if you choose to do a ‘freebie’ at a local school, but you should not make it a habit. And the BIG question that stumps many authors is: What do I charge? Check out the ASA (Australian Society of Authors) website to find out the recommended rates.
Further information about ABN’s and legal deposits:
Legal deposits (over view -important information)
I know! I know! There is so much information to get your head around. Don’t rush. Take your time. Ask questions. The writing community are a generous folk and are willing to share experiences and information.
As for me, I am taking off my business hat for a bit, putting on my creative hat and getting back into writing.
2 thoughts to “The Business of Writing: How to be an Authorpreneur”
Some really useful links for aspiring authorpreneurs. Great round up article by Megan.
Thank you Hazel.