A writer I respect recently commented that “Writers are capitalists.” That may be, but I believe that writers are actually entrepreneurs. I have come up with a list of six characteristics that writers and entrepreneurs share.
- Writers and entrepreneurs recycle and reinvent ideas to establish a new “spin” on a product (this includes books).
- Writers and entrepreneurs must persevere on their own dime, often after a “day-job”, in order to write a publishable manuscript/start a company.
- Writers and entrepreneurs, in today’s age, must build their own platform and “brand”–and they must embrace emerging technology, such as Twitter, to do so.
- Writers and entrepreneurs must not fear rejection, but should work towards acceptance.
- Writers and entrepreneurs must embrace networking of all forms.
- Writers and entrepreneurs work on their own terms, even if partially restricted by seed funding sources or agents/editors.
In light of these similarities, I think writers would benefit if they thought themselves as entrepreneurs and learned some of the strategies that entrepreneurs use to survive in the newbie business world.
It’s great to see someone put into words, exactly what I’ve been thinking lately about writers having to think like entrepreneurs. I must say though, that having more ideas in both realms of thinking, increases the opportunity for rejection. Or should I say that for me it intensifies the rejection. I find it difficult to switch gears between the writing process and attempting to be my own PR person, editor, and business researcher. Although I know that networking is vital, to me it feels like learning to be an actor, and considering how hard it is for many actors to be comfortable in social settings (as opposed to acting on stage or in film) I think successful networking actually takes different skills that can take years to master. Anyway, I just wanted to say that I liked your piece.
These are some nice observations but I would just like to point out that entrepreneurs are also capitalists. Writers and entrepreneurs of the kind we see today could have only arisen out of capitalism where everything is ultimately directed towards making money.
Despite this, I would say that both writers and entrepreneurs display the best of the human condition in that they both possess, creativity, ingenuity and the will to survive!
Good ideas though, I’m not trying to put a negative slant on what you said just adding another view point. You made some well thought out and reasoned points here.
Thanks
Great writing. I have been an online writer for eleven years and I agree wholeheartedly with you.
T
Yes, I like the idea of the writer as entrepreneur. Our business is the subtle and relentless cultivation of people via the written word.
I agree. As a newly contracted Author, I feel it’s so important to work with your marketing agent. Getting out and talking to bookstore owners, business, for possible book signings and public exposure is what makes sucessful authors.
Great post. I have an article on my website about building a platform, which goes along great with your article.
http://www.shellygoodmanwright.com
Happy Writing!
Oh wow. It just goes to show there are others thinking about the same things as yourself. I am not a paid writer yet but I have also found it immensely difficult to network and be entrepreneurial with my work. It’s like owning your own business.
Enterpeneurs ARE capitalists. The truest form of them.