by Angela Enos
Attending a WFYL Writer’s conference certainly provides a writer with a wealth of information. And, if you have made the decision to dig your heels in, climb the mountain, and build a platform, attending the Business of Being a Writer conference is invaluable. Afterall, we are all writers, but we are not all business savvy. Yet, a writer is an entrepreneur, and being a successful author requires more than just creating a winning manuscript. Though formerly unchartered ground for me, the business of becoming a writer has now become a well-traveled path.
I needed to formulate a plan and organize my thoughts into concise steps. First thought, financing. How much is this going to cost? I had a family friend that I thought might help me get started by investing in my vision to build a platform. Therefore, I began to write out the steps I needed to take, and the money required. I spent days working out the details and rehearsed my speech. In the end, as I stood and presented the sales pitch to my friend, I realized that I was selling myself as well. I truly believed in the plan I was about to initiate.
Below are the steps to my business plan, along with the dollar values I paid, which will obviously vary. I pray that these steps help you get started as you begin writing, pitching, and believing in your platform.
Things I need to do:
- Establish your brand and platform. See previous blog “After the Conference – How to Determine Your Brand and Platform,” posted 1/13/2020.
- Obtain professional photos (to be used on website, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) – $300
- Obtain website professional to create a website, produce a banner for Facebook business page, set up YouTube channel, create business email, and create email marketing service provider $1,500
- Pay for website subscription for one year – $250
- Create business cards with new photo – $30
- Clean up personal Facebook
- Update Linkedin
- Write out a realistic timeline: photo shoot to launch date
- Order banner for marketing and video production – $20
- Learn how to create a meme
- Giveaways?!
- Create a launch team
- Send Launch team members some business cards and a free gift for signing up
- Purchase free gift for launch team members – $25
- Learn how to create Facebook ads – (I spent $10-$15 a week on ads. You can spend $5 a week or $500 a week.)
- Learn Instagram and begin to post on Instagram
- Consider Etsy and Twitter benefits and use if appropriate
- Create three-fold brochure for marketing
- Obtain speaking engagements
Videography
- Learn how to make videos for Facebook and Youtube and learn how to post videos.
- Download video editing software and learn how to use it.
- What equipment do I need? Microphone? Camera? Teleprompter?
- Find free music to add to videos during editing.
You may note that many of these steps did not involve money. It is possible to do all of this on a low budget. You don’t need an MBA or a fat wallet. You need a vision and a few organizational skills. WFYL offers professional assistance in many of these areas. See: https://writingforyourlife.com/writer-support-services/
Now, combine your creative juices with a dash of organizational skills and begin to type. You can create a business plan that fits your platform. Begin to believe in yourself and your mission; and stay passionate.
Angela Enos is a retired youth pastor and children’s pastor; now author, speaker, and the founder of Prayers for Life, an innovative online prayer school designed to bring power and victory to God’s people. Angela produces a weekly 10-minute teaching video, a bi-weekly electronic Newsletter, and supplemental videos and inspirational postings. Check out Angela’s website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page for further details and to view her life-changing videos.
Website: www.angelaenoslive.com
