Business Plan For Writers

I'm a frequent member at a popular message board for writers. The recent discussion there has centered on the ambitions of writers, particularly those writers who identify themselves as WAHMs, or work at home moms. A longtime member left the forums to search for places that will serve her career goals and support needs better. That's left the rest of us discussing business plans and writing goals.

After some searching (not exhaustive by any means), I didn't find a lot of really useful information on business plans for writers, though it appears that if you're interested in being a business plan writer, you're picking a lucrative field! Instead I decided to use the information I have read in the past about creating a business plan to come up with a list for writers who may be interested.

I love being able to be at home with my son, but one of the hurdles I've faced is the inability of others to view what I do as work. Though I thought I'd moved beyond that problem in my mind, the discussions of late have made me realize that I still don't take my writing as seriously as I should. The official reason for creating a business plan is to find funding for a new business concept. Most writers, however, will not be seeking out funding. The business plan, then, becomes a tool for a writer to keep herself on track. He can know that he's headed in the right direction if he has a direction to go. I challenge you to work on your own business plan in the next day or so.

If you've given your writing career much thought, chances are that you'll breeze right through these questions. I completed mine in about 45 minutes today. So, sit down (with no one asking when dinner's going to be ready or hanging on your leg) and work on your business plan. You owe it to yourself.

A Writer's Business Plan Questionnaire

DESCRIPTION
Name of Writing Business
Location or URL
Types of Work You Do
Areas Where You May Be Expanding
Examples of Work, Resume, or Listing of Best Clips
Credentials
History of Qualifications
Memberships
Mission Statement for Your Writing Career

FINANCIAL
What start-up materials did you/will you buy? What is the estimated cost?

What on-going costs do you have associated with your writing career? (Be sure to allot money for postage and office supplies.)

What is your anticipated income for this year? For next year? What is your goal income for those times?

How you do you record your income?

How do you invoice clients? How do you require clients to pay? What do you do about clients who don't pay? How will you charge for projects?

Will you have an hourly rate or set the price by order?

OPERATIONS
What hours (or how many) can you work every week?

Where you will find work? (List specific places.) Will you get books or newsletter subscriptions?

How will you track your projects, both current and upcoming? How will you keep up with queries?

MARKETING
Will you have a website? If so, what will it include? How often will you update it? Will it have a photo?

Will you have business cards? Who will design them? How will you get them to people?

Do you plan any mailings? What will be included? Where will you send them?

Will you join any local organizations? Will you do in-kind work for them? How will you network?

Will you have an ad campaign? Where will it run? What will be its focus?

GOALS
How much would you like to make this year?

What is one major step you can take toward a long-term goal?

What is your vision for your writing career?

Coming this weekend: Setting Goals for Writers