Do you see yourself as an authorpreneur? Like it or not, being a writer also necessitates developing one’s business sense. Like any skill, we can educate ourselves to overcome weaknesses. More importantly, we can learn to play to our strengths. I’ve known today’s guest post author, Colleen Story, for quite a few years now. It’s a pleasure to provide space for her to share some motivational words with you today and to also spread word about the upcoming Writer CEO One-Day Workshop.

5 Signs You Need to Embrace the Identity of “Author Entrepreneur” aka Authorpreneur

You’ve probably heard of the word “authorpreneur.”

It’s become more common over the past several years, particularly with the explosive popularity of self-publishing. A combination of the words author and entrepreneur, it describes that individual who sees his writing not just as a creative endeavor, but a business opportunity.

You may not think of yourself as an authorpreneur just yet, or maybe you want to run your own writing business, but you’re not sure you’re cut out for it. Perhaps you’ve started a writing business, but now you’re not sure it’s for you.

Is this the type of identity that really suits you? Check out the following signs. If you recognize yourself in most of them, it’s likely you either already are or should be an authorpreneur.

(Check out the special deal below for writers who want to learn the secrets of a successful author business!)

1. You have a clear vision for your creative projects.

Authorpreneurs can envision what their careers will look like 10 years down the road. You often fantasize about how your life will be as a writing professional. You can see yourself publishing your books, running your author platform, speaking to like-minded groups of people, and creating more products for your followers to enjoy.

You imagine what your days will be like when you reach your goals, and you have the ability to map out just how you will travel to your envisioned destination. Whatever obstacles may stand in your way, you’ll get past them, because you know where you’re going.

2. You like being in control of your own destiny.

Authorpreneurs find it uncomfortable to let go of the reins, so to speak. You may enjoy landing traditional publishing contracts, but then squirm when the publishing company makes what you think is a bad decision on a cover, or fails to give the book a proper launch.

You know there’s a better way to do things. You long to take control of every step of the book’s production, even if the idea of doing it all makes you a little nervous. You want to give your book (or other creative project) every chance of succeeding, and you can’t help but believe the only way to do that is to do it yourself.

3. You’re organized and efficient and thrive on new challenges.

Authorpreneurs must be able to think like business CEOs. You’re already organized when it comes to your projects, papers, finances, and schedule. You’re big on lists and/or calendars, and you can be counted upon to follow through on what you say you’re going to do.

When a challenge comes your way, you may experience some self-doubt, but in the end you enjoy the process of searching for and finding solutions, and then implementing those solutions and reveling in the eventual payoffs.

4. You have a strong desire to make at least a side income from your writing.

Some writers simply enjoy the process of creating a story and sharing it with readers, but authorpreneurs want more—they want to make at least some money from their efforts, or enjoy some other sort of return, such as a boost in professional clout.

This desire is strong in you. You don’t mind working hard, but you want to enjoy the rewards of that hard work. Those rewards may come in the following forms:

• extra cash
• an increasing number of readers enjoying your work
• awards and other evidence of your growing expertise
• invites and opportunities to expand your services (speak, mentor others, write in new areas, etc.)
• a growing customer base to which you can sell more products

These sorts of rewards are great motivators for you, and keep you coming back again and again to pursue them.

5. You’ve got grit, and you know how to be resourceful and persevere.

The writing industry isn’t easy. Authorpreneurs know this, and it doesn’t scare them.

When problems come up, as they always do in the writing life, you may feel frustrated, but you don’t quit. You figure out how to solve them, even if that means becoming a student all over again.

When disappointments occur, you may feel bad for a while, but you bounce back. You know when to let go of those methods that are no longer working for you, and you’re willing to try new techniques that might.

When you fail, you’re not happy about it, but neither are you too proud to learn from it and start over again. You persevere because of that vision in your head. You can’t let it go, and instead, you do whatever you have to do to bring it to fruition.

If these five signs sound familiar to you, you’re most likely an author entrepreneur at heart.

Discover the secrets to a successful author business at the Writer CEO one-day workshop September 14, 2019, in Boise Idaho!

Exclusive special for readers of Jeri Walker’s blog: For a limited time, when you sign up at the early-bird price (only $59 for a full-day workshop), you’ll receive a free bonus package from instructors Donna Cook and Colleen M. Story:

1. 3 Ways to Make Your Author Platform More Effective
2. Three Surprising but Powerful Strategies to Level Up Your Business
3. One voucher good for a FREE one-on-one 30-minute session with Donna, and a FREE platform assessment with Colleen after the conference.

For more information or to sign up now and get your free bonus package, see the Writer CEO workshop page.

Does the title of authorpreneur fit you? Check out these five signs to see. via @colleen_m_story

Powered By the Tweet This Plugin

Tweet This

How readily do you identify with the term authorpreneur? What setbacks and successes have you had along the way? Who are some great examples of authorpreneuers that come to mind?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy reading Local Marketing Tips for Authors or How to Establish an Author Platform.

Please share responsibly. Jeri Walker, 2019.