Writing as a business: How do you rate?

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this blog post is to be construed as tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified CPA!

April 15 is just two days away, which puts me in the mind to blog about writing as a business. It stands to reason that if you think and act like a professional, you greatly increase your chances of success, so today we’re going to take a look at what’s involved in a businesslike approach to writing.

Ever since I began my writing career 26 years ago, I’ve worked to maintain a professional attitude--and attitude is everything. Even for those of us who go to work in our jammies, we can exhibit professionalism in our written communication, presentation materials, telephone manners, and responsiveness to editorial requests.

But while all those things are important in developing a businesslike attitude toward writing, it’s our day-to-day routine that really tells the tale. Here’s a quiz to help you evaluate your writing business sense:

1. Do you set “office hours,” certain days of the week and/or specific times of the day that you devote to writing?

• score 5 points for yes
• 0 points for no

2. Do you log the number of writing hours you put in as well as how you spend your writing time (writing, revision, marketing, etc.)?

• 5 points for all of the above
• 3 points for just logging your hours
• 0 points for none of the above

3. Do you have a writing office or study, or at least one corner of a room sectioned off as your workspace?

• 5 points for a designated writing office
• 3 points for a corner of a room
• 1 point if your only available writing spot is the local Starbucks or library
• 0 points if you don’t have a clue where you’ll be writing next

4. Are your computer, reference books, and supplies readily accessible?

• 5 points if everything is easily reachable in your writing workspace
• 3 points if you have a designated shelf or crate somewhere nearby
• 0 points if you have to go searching

5. Do you have a system for tracking manuscript submissions and results, including those to editors, agents, and contests?

• 5 points if you use a spreadsheet or other electronic system
• 3 points if you keep a handwritten log
• 1 point for notes stuffed into file folders
• 0 points if you don’t remember what you sent where

6. Do you belong to one or more professional writers organizations, such as ACFW or RWA?

• 3 points for every national writers organization you belong to
• 2 points for every local organization
• 0 points for none

7. Do you subscribe to writers publications and study them for writing instruction, marketing news, etc.?

• 3 points for every major publication you subscribe to
• 1 point for every writers group or chapter newsletter you read
• 0 points for none

8. Do you belong to a critique group or partnership?

• 5 points if you exchange manuscripts at least once a month
• 3 points if you exchange randomly
• 0 points for no critique group

9. Do you attend writers group meetings and conferences regularly? Take classes to improve your craft?

• 5 points for every major conference you attend annually
• 3 points for regular writers group attendance
• 1 point for every online or local class you have taken in the past year

10. Do you keep track of your writing income and expenses?

• 5 points for yes
• 0 points for no

Expenses (keep all receipts) may include):

• Postage
• Writers group membership dues
• Mileage to and from writing-related events
• Lunch with your critique partner
• Writers magazine subscriptions
• Office supplies and equipment
• Reference books
• Education expense

Well, how did you do?

55 points or higher--you’re a regular writing CEO!
41-54 points--Vice President
31-40 points--Middle Management
21-30 points--Administrative Assistant
11-20 points--Receptionist
10 points or less--Prospective Employee

If you scored 35 points or less, what are two things you could change right now to improve? Can you commit to making those changes within the next month or two? Why or why not?

A few Web sites where you can find more information on the business side of writing (inclusion does NOT indicate Seekerville endorsement of the information provided):

http://totallyhonesttaxtipsforwriters.blogspot.com/

http://www.forwriters.com/taxes.html

http://www.tarakharper.com/k_tax.htm

http://www.publishlawyer.com/carousel8.htm

http://www.writersdb.com/

http://dolphinsoftware.bc.ca/software/writers/

http://hollylisle.com/fm/Articles/faqs6.html

http://freelancewriting.suite101.com/article.cfm/create-a-business-plan-for-your-writing