Think Like a Writer, Act Like a CEO: The Business of Writing

Practical steps to treat your writing like a professional business.

Many writers dream of turning their writing passion into a paying gig or even full-time career, but they struggle to bridge the gap between creative expression and professional success. The journey from hobbyist to professional requires a mindset shift and a commitment to treating writing as a business. Yes, creativity is at the heart of what we do, but a strategic approach to your writing career can lead to consistent results and long-term success. Writing is an artform, but publishing that art is a business.

If you want to build a sustainable writing career, it’s time to think beyond the craft and embrace the business side of writing. This article will guide you through actionable steps you can take to make the transition. We’re covering everything today! Mindset shifts, marketing basics, and financial planning are in your near future—are you ready? Let’s go!

Establish a Business Mindset

Transitioning from a hobbyist to a professional starts with adopting a business-first mentality. This involves discipline, prioritization, and some strategic goal setting.

Hobbyist writers romanticize the creative process. They wait for inspiration, write only when the mood strikes, and imagine a muse guiding their pen. Professional writers, however, understand that consistency outweighs fleeting inspiration. To treat writing like a career:

• Commit to showing up daily: Even if you don’t feel like it, sit down and write. Make writing a non-negotiable part of your day, just as you would a traditional job.

• Reframe your thinking: View writing as work you love, not just your passion project. This small mindset shift can impact how seriously you take your work.

• Celebrate progress, not perfection: Some writing days will feel more productive than others. Your focus key should remain on consistency, not brilliance.

Prioritize Writing as a Core Responsibility

It’s easy to push writing to the back burner when life gets busy, but successful writers prioritize their craft by making it a core responsibility. This means:

• Setting boundaries: Communicate with family and friends about your dedicated writing time to minimize interruptions.

• Saying “No”: Avoid overcommitting to activities or responsibilities that encroach on your writing schedule.

• Treating your writing like an appointment: Block off specific times on your calendar and honor them as you would any important meeting.

Strategic Goal-Setting

Professional writers set clear, actionable goals. These goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Let’s look at some short-term and long-term goals:

• Short-term goals: Write 1,000 words per day, complete a chapter a week, or research self-publishing platforms this week.

• Long-term goals: Finish a first draft in six months, secure an agent in 10 months, or self-publish your book within a year.

To stay accountable, break larger goals into manageable steps and track your progress regularly.

Develop a Mission Statement

Every successful business starts with a mission, and your writing career should be no different. A mission statement serves as your guiding star, and it needs to remind you why you write and what you hope to achieve. Here’s how to create one:

Reflect on your “Why.”

• Why do you write?

• What impact do you want your work to have on readers?

Think about your audience.

• Who are you writing for?

• What do you want them to gain from your work?

Keep it concise.

A good mission statement is clear and inspiring. For example:

• My mission is to inspire readers with stories of hope and resilience while building a sustainable writing career through consistent publishing and community engagement.

• I aim to educate and entertain readers by crafting compelling nonfiction that simplifies complex ideas.