The authorpreneur: balancing artistry and business

There’s a misconception that one can “learn” to become an authorpreneur. I consider it a different mindset than a set of skills. Authors are driven by their passion for their craft, whether it’s writing novels, poems, or prose. They write for the pure joy of it, expressing themselves however they please. They don’t mind the money or more readers, but that’s not the primary goal. Conversely, authorpreneurs adopt an entrepreneurial mentality and regard writing as a business venture that includes marketing, sales, and the creation of additional products.

No superiority

Let me make something absolutely clear: neither path is better than the other. They simply lead to different fulfillment.

A friend of mine spent years working on her book. It was a hobby she turned to now and then. Two years ago, she finally published it. Aside from setting up a simple website, she didn’t market it. For her, the goal wasn’t to make money. She just wanted to hold a finished book in her hands and be able to say, 'I’m an author'.

And that’s completely fine. But my goals are different. I love writing. At my core, I’m a storyteller. But I also want to make a living telling stories. That’s why I see myself as an authorpreneur. I’m not chasing quick wins. I’m in it for the long haul, focused on building a sustainable brand and career.

Fiction vs. non-fiction authorpreneurs

Authorpreneurs leverage their works to build multiple income streams. For fiction authors, this might mean publishing ebooks, paperbacks, hardcovers, audiobooks, and special editions. Many also explore selling rights for film or TV adaptations or create merchandise tied to their stories. Collaborations with co-authors or other creatives are common too and can open new doors.

Nonfiction authorpreneurs often use their books to build credibility and drive interest toward their broader business ventures. They become keynote speakers and offer coaching, mentoring, or consulting. Many also develop online courses.

Of course, these paths often overlap. For fiction or nonfiction authors, a diverse and adaptable strategy is key to building sustainable income streams.

The different roles of an authorpreneur

An authorpreneur is not just a creative writer, but also an entrepreneurial manager who takes on different roles in their business. There are many sub-roles authorpreneurs take on, but here are the four primary roles:

• Author & Publisher: Authorpreneurs create compelling content, whether it’s novels or non-fiction books. You also oversee the publishing process, from editing to distribution.
• Content Creator: Beyond books, you create blog posts, podcasts, videos, or online courses to further engage their audience and monetize their works and expertise.
• As a marketing manager, you develop and execute strategies to promote their products, engage with your audience, and drive sales through various channels, including social media, email, or book signings.
• Business Manager: To make sure you can finance all the above, you must manage the business aspects of your career, including budgeting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.

An authorpreneur's challenges

While the autonomy of being your boss and having full control over your business may appeal to you, it comes with its own set of challenges:

• Self-management: To effectively juggle your projects and business tasks, you must excel in self-organization and time management.
• Financial insecurity: The book industry is competitive. So, income can be unpredictable, particularly in the early stages of your career.
• Visibility: Gaining visibility can be a daunting task for many—especially introverts. But to be successful, you must differentiate yourself and carve out a distinct niche.
• Industry changes: You must adapt to market conditions and reader preferences. It takes time to keep up with technological advances and shifts in consumer behavior, and then you must figure out how to adapt to them.

Takeaways

Authorpreneurs blend their artistic passion with an entrepreneurial mentality. They develop business plans and set realistic long-term objectives. Success not only depends on the quality of your work but also on the ability to establish yourself as a brand, identify trends, and respond to changes.

Changes in reading behavior and digitalization will continue to shape the publishing industry. Undoubtedly, authorpreneurs will play a key role in that transformation as they adapt to these changes and find new ways to connect with their audiences.

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