Buying Options

Print List Price:	$11.99
Kindle Price:	$7.99 Save $4.00 (33%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.

Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

Enter a promotion code or Gift Card

Share <Embed>

Business For Authors. How To Be An Author Entrepreneur (Books for Writers Book 5) by [Joanna Penn]

Follow the Author

Joanna Penn

Business For Authors. How To Be An Author Entrepreneur (Books for Writers Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Joanna Penn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

230 ratings

Book 5 of 13: Books for Writers

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Kindle

"Please retry"

$7.99

—

Audible Audiobook, Unabridged

"Please retry"

$0.00

Free with your Audible trial

Paperback

"Please retry"

$11.99

$7.19

Are you ready to take the next step in your author journey?

Art for the sake of art is important. Writing for the love of it, or to create something beautiful on the page, is absolutely worthwhile and critical to expand the sum of human expression.

But I’m not here to talk about creativity or the craft of writing in this book. My aim is to take the result of your creativity into the realm of actually paying the bills.

˃˃˃ To take you from being an author to running a business as an author.

I was a business consultant for 13 years before I gave up my job in September 2011 to become a full-time author-entrepreneur. I worked for large corporates and small businesses, implementing financial systems across Europe and Asia Pacific.

I’ve also started a number of my own businesses ”" a scuba dive charter boat in New Zealand, a customized travel website, a property investment portfolio in Australia as well as my freelance consultancy. I’ve failed a lot and learned many lessons in my entrepreneurial life and I share them all in this book.

In the last six years of being an author, through tempestuous changes in the publishing world, I've learned the business side of being a writer and I now earn a good living as an author-entrepreneur. I’m an author because it's my passion and my joy but also because it's a viable business in this age of global and digital opportunity.

˃˃˃ In the book, you will learn:

** Part 1: From Author To Entrepreneur

The arc of the author’s journey, definition of an author-entrepreneur, deciding on your definition of success. Plus/ should you start a company?

** Part 2: Products and Services

How you can turn one manuscript into multiple streams of income by exploiting all the different rights, various business models for authors and how to evaluate them, information on contracts, copyright and piracy. Plus/ putting together a production plan.

** Part 3: Employees, Suppliers and Contractors

The team you need to run your business. Your role as author and what you’re committing to, as well as co-writing. Editors, agents and publishers, translators, book designers and formatters, audiobook narrators, book-keeping and accounting, virtual assistants. Plus/ how to manage your team.

** Part 4: Customers

In-depth questions to help you understand who your customers are and what they want, as well as customer service options for authors.

** Part 5: Sales and Distribution

How to sell through distributors and your options, plus all the information you need to sell direct. ISBNs and publishing imprints ”" do you need them? Plus/ your options for pricing.

** Part 6: Marketing

Key overarching marketing concepts. Book-based marketing including cover, back copy and sales pages on the distributors. Author-based marketing around building your platform, and customer-based marketing around your niche audience and targeted media.

** Part 7: Financials

Changing your mindset about money, and assessing where you are now vs where you want to be. Revenues of the author business and how to increase that revenue. Costs of the author business and funding your startup. Banking, PayPal, accounting, reporting, tax and estate planning.

** Part 8: Strategy and Planning

Developing your strategy and business plan. Managing your time and developing professional habits. The long term view and the process for becoming a full-time author. Plus/ looking after yourself.

** Part 9: Next Steps

Questions from the book to help you work out everything to do with your business, plus encouragement for your next steps.

** Appendices, Workbook and Bonus Downloads including a workbook and business plan template.

If you want to go from being an author, to running a business as an author, download a sample or buy now<

Print length

336 pages
Language

English
Publication date

September 24, 2014
File size

1311 KB
Page Flip

Enabled
Word Wise

Not Enabled
Enhanced typesetting

Enabled
See all details

Next 5 for you in this series See full series

Total Price: $33.84

By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use

Joanna Penn
133
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $4.99
Joanna Penn
94
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
Joanna Penn
364
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $7.99
Joanna Penn
359
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
Joanna Penn
1,817
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $0.00
Joanna Penn
412
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $7.99

Create your FREE Amazon Business account to save up to 10% with Business-only prices and free shipping. Register today

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ready to become CEO of your own Global Media Empire? Then Business for Authors is for you, featuring clear and concise steps to managing your writing career." New York Times and USA Today bestselling author CJ Lyons "I wish I had been given this book when I first graduated from my MFA program, back when the accounting of writing was even more of a mystery to me. With warmth and intelligence, Penn demystifies so much about what it takes to be a writer for life. This is a book that will remain on my bookshelf for the years to come." Elizabeth Hyde Stevens, Author of Make Art Make Money: Lessons from Jim Henson on Fueling Your Creative Career and Lecturer at Boston University and Harvard University Extension School "The best book I know of for authors who are serious about making their writing into more than a hobby. Joanna Penn writes in an engaging, personal style to lead you through the often-confusing world of publishing for profit, sharing her own hard-won lessons. A boon to self-publishers everywhere." Joel Friedlander, TheBookDesigner.com "BUSINESS FOR AUTHORS ought to be required reading if you're a beginning writer who wants to make money in publishing. You can learn it all the hard way, like I did, but that usually takes years and it usually means that you'll make a LOT of mistakes along the way. Or you can read through Joanna Penn's awesome little guidebook in just a few hours and save yourself a huge amount of time, energy, and money." Randy Ingermanson, author of "Writing Fiction for Dummies" "This book demonstrates why Joanna Penn has become a favorite role model for professional author-publishers, those indie-minded writers who want to turn their passion into their job. In it Penn offers the step-by-step process she has followed to success and covers every aspect of earning a good living from writing. Not a word is wasted and not a lesson offered that hasn't been forged in the hotbed of her own experience. A must-have book for every indie author." Orna Ross, Bestselling author and founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors "Business for Authors has now become my business bible. Packed with advice, experience and knowledge, it opened my mind to so much more that I could be doing." Mel Sherratt, Crime writer and Amazon UK #1 Bestseller. "With Business for Authors, I felt like I stepped inside the brain of an entrepreneur. I love how Joanna explored the topic from so many angles, and then provided real-life context of how she worked through each opportunity/challenge." Dan Blank, WeGrowMedia.com "There's no doubt about it, to be successful as an author today you must think like an entrepreneur. But maybe you need some advice and guidance on exactly how to do that? Good news! Joanna Penn's latest book Business for Authors will walk you through everything you need to know for success. It's a comprehensive step-by-step guide for authors, written by someone who walks the walk as a best-selling author and entrepreneur." Jim F. Kukral, Author Marketing Club --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

Joanna Penn is an author, international speaker and entrepreneur. Writing as J.F.Penn, she is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author. Joanna was voted one of the Guardian UK Top 100 creative professionals in 2013. Connect @thecreativepenn --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MQTR9HA
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 24, 2014
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1311 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
Lending ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #309,084 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #76 in Nonfiction Writing Reference
- #133 in Business Writing Skills (Kindle Store)
- #133 in Fiction Writing Reference (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
230 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Joanna Penn

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Joanna Penn is a bestselling author, international speaker and award-winning entrepreneur based in Bath, England.

Her site, www.TheCreativePenn.com helps authors with creativity, writing, publishing, book marketing and creative entrepreneurship. It has been voted one of the top 100 sites for authors by Writers Digest. Joanna has a popular podcast, The Creative Penn, and a YouTube Channel.

You can get a free Author 2.0 Blueprint ebook and video series at www.TheCreativePenn.com/blueprint

You can also connect with Joanna on Twitter @thecreativepenn

and on Facebook.com/TheCreativePenn

Joanna is a travel junkie, weaving her adventures into her Award-nominated, bestselling thrillers as J.F.Penn and podcasting at www.BooksAndTravel.page

She's a cat person and enjoys a nice G&T.

Joanna has a Masters in Theology from the University of Oxford, Mansfield College, and a post-graduate diploma in Psychology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She spent 13 years in the corporate world before breaking out to become a full-time author-entrepreneur in 2011.

Her bestselling self-help books for writers and authors include:

Successful Self-Publishing: How to self-publish an ebook and print book

How to Market a Book

How to Make a Living with your Writing - listed as one of INC magazine top business books 2015

The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer's Journey

Audio for Authors: Audiobooks, Podcasting and Voice Technologies

Productivity for Authors

Business for Authors: How to be an Author Entrepreneur

Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and Other Introverts

Co-writing a Book: Collaboration and Co-Creation for Writers - co-written with J. Thorn

The Healthy Writer: Reduce your Pain, Improve your Health, and Build a Writing Career for the Long-term - co-written with Dr Euan Lawson

Career Change: Stop Hating your Job, Discover what you Really Want to Do with your Life, and Start Doing It!

Customer reviews

5 star		73%
4 star		21%
3 star		5%
2 star		1%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

How are ratings calculated?

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Kate M. Colby

Joanna Penn outlines basically every aspect of turning one’s love of writing into a business

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

In her book, Business for Authors: How to Be an Author Entrepreneur, Joanna Penn outlines basically every aspect of turning one’s love of writing into a business. Penn begins by describing the mindset one must have to be a successful entrepreneur, and I imagine, quickly weeds out those who see themselves too much as “artists” and not enough as “business people.” This approach may be off-putting to some readers, as many writers do not like to think of their art as business, but it also sets the tone of the book and instills confidence in those who are (or want to become) more business-minded.

The content of Business for Authors builds similarly to an actual business. Penn helps the reader identify her potential business plan by outlining the various business models authors can have as well as the products and services they can offer. However, where the book really gains momentum is when Penn explains how to run one’s authorship like a business by hiring contract laborers (editors, cover designers, etc.), defining a customer base, and determining sales, distribution, and marketing strategies. Even someone with a highly limited knowledge of business can follow along up to this point.

Where Business for Authors becomes more complex is when Penn discusses the financial aspects of running a business. While her explanations are clear and concise, the subject matter still requires the reader to have a solid knowledge of finances, and if this knowledge is not existent, it may be difficult for the reader to follow along. This is not necessarily a critique of Penn, as she clearly states that technical financial knowledge is outside the realm of this book, but there may be some additional research necessary on behalf of the reader to understand this part entirely.

In the final content section of Business for Authors, Penn provides tactics for strategizing and planning one’s author business. This section takes the business knowledge from the rest of the book and shows the reader how he can apply it moving forward. For this section, Penn relies heavily on her personal experience, as she does throughout the book, and while this anecdotal approach is full of great examples and extremely helpful, it would have been beneficial to draw more upon the experiences of other authors and business people for more diversified insights into how an author entrepreneur business could be approached.

On a side note, while Business for Authors is intended for independent publishers, it is also useful for those looking to traditionally publish. Most notably, Penn has entire sections dedicated to agents, publishers, and contracts, and she lists multiple questions one should ask before signing away his rights as well as describes tricky situations and contract language to look out for. Likewise, authors seeking to traditionally publish can benefit from learning to view their novels as products and figuring out ways to market themselves and their products to potential agents, publishers, and readers.

My one advice to prospective readers is to buy the e-book edition and not the print book. Penn has loaded Business for Authors with dozens upon dozens of links to other reference books, articles, and videos, and of course, in print form, you cannot click on these links and must physically type them into your browser. I have not yet re-purchased the book in e-book format (I am considering it, because it is that great of a resource!), but I strongly encourage you all to learn from my mistakes and buy the digital copy to have those resources close at hand.

Additionally, Penn provides a Business for Authors worksheet on her website, which I highly recommend. The worksheet is free, and it contains questions to help guide the reader’s framing of her author business as well as a business plan template that the reader can fill out and revise as necessary.

If you are dreaming of or seriously considering turning your writing into your full-time career, Business for Authors by Joanna Penn is the perfect place to start. The book will walk you through the basic process, step-by-step, with personal examples from how Penn built her own author entrepreneur business. Where the book lacks, Penn will direct you to more detailed resources, either from herself or other publishing professionals. I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking to independently publish and considering going the extra mile to full-time entrepreneurship.

13 people found this helpful

Helpful

RS McCoy

A must-read for serious authors

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2017

Verified Purchase

I would put this book down as a must-read for anyone who is really serious about a career as a self-pubbed author.

My issue with most books like this is that they are geared toward beginners, and while those books definitely have a place in the market, I've been doing this too long to really find any value there.

Thankfully, that was not at all an issue with Business for Authors. Every bit of info was for people who have been writing a while, have some works published, and are ready to turn a hobby into a career. The information was really in-depth and applicable to where I am and where I'm looking to go.

I also really enjoyed the resources and the long list of recommended reads, some of which I've read but most I haven't. All in all, a relatively easy and short read (about 200 pages) that is stuffed full with great info and useful advice. I know I'll look back and mark this as one that really changed things for me and my career.

7 people found this helpful

Helpful

Book Reader

AS ALWAYS

Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2016

Verified Purchase

This is another huge hit from Ms. Penn! As of about a year ago I was primarily a fiction reader, but as time has passed, I have developed an interest in non-fiction too.

Ms. Penn is one of the very few non-fiction authors who I continuously purchase books from. I have personally read all her books except for the one on public speaking. Though, I am sure if I was interested in going that route, I would be devouring that book as well.

What you can except from this book is EXACTLY what the title says! This is a great starter book to have to begin your journey with. It breaks down the personal, the YOU side: the psychological, mental, emotional, the whys and your goals, free time and taking time for yourself. Then there's the author side: the inspiration, finding your niche, scheduling creative time, then there's the business workings. She touches on legal structure, bookkeeping and accounting, sales, marketing, taxes, employees/contractors, and so much more.

There's tons of content in this book. I love this author's style, her tone, usage of words. She's fresh and insightful. She includes her personal experiences and blog post from the past. There's also a compiled resource section that features books, podcast, and videos from authors.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You will not go wrong and there is also a FREE companion workbook on her site to help you process your thoughts during or after you read this book.

Another highly recommended!

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

M. Smith

Great tool in transitioning from hobby to business

Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2021

Verified Purchase

I found this book very useful. It was helpful to me as I am beginning to make the shift from writing as a hobby to writing as a business. The author is obviously well read and provided several resources and tools to help set up your writing business. The only thing I found frustrating (hence 4 stars and not 5) was the constant reference to buy her other books in the series. I understand the hustle, but I felt like a few topics were short-changed in the effort upsale us on her other books.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Emily Reading

Recommend for any author serious about their business

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2019

Verified Purchase

Business for authors is a great kickstarter for anyone interested in taking their writing beyond the hobby phase. As well as offering real life examples in the form of Joanna’s own experiences, the nitty gritty of the background going ons of a serious writer’s business are all laid out for your consideration.

There are plenty of hyperlinks for more information, which felt a little odd in the paperback version I purchased, but I’m sure they work much better in the eBook.

The book also features more recommended reading throughout and lots more information in the appendix. If you’re not sure where to start with your author business, this is the book you need.

2 people found this helpful

Indie Author - you should read this book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

I’m a writer. I bought this book because I’ve been reading Joanna’s blog posts for a while and listening to her excellent podcasts. This woman may not have coined the phrase indie author but everything in this book demonstrates that she is far more than an indie author; she is as she explains, an author entrepreneur.

And this book is a neatly contained package of advice for other writers looking to follow a similar path.

Joanna’s writing style is friendly and honest. She holds her hands up about mistakes she’s made in the past in an effort to help us avoid similar methods. Her pragmatism and sheer enthusiasm for her author business makes her a force of nature in the publishing world. If you ever doubt that you are a legitimate author because you want to self-publish read this book and cast those doubts aside.

My next step is to take a look through Joanna’s downloads and start work on a business plan and a production schedule. This kind of practical focus on the business side is exactly what I need.

9 people found this helpful

MsBubble

Highly Recommended

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 7, 2015

Verified Purchase

This book is absolutely great for those wishing to start a business as an author. It gave me a great insight into the types of things I need to think about if pursuing a career as an indie author and the advice is quite invaluable. The author has clearly done her research and provides links, titles and information to read further on almost every topic, some of which link to interviews with people who have more experience or further advice in the topic mentioned. The author also provided useful extra links and resources separately via her website.

I read this book all the way through from beginning to end and found it easy to read and everything explained in detail. This will definitely be a book I will return to again and again as I progress on my journey and I strongly recommend it to those serious about being a professional independent author.

The only annoying thing I found was due to buying the print book. I bought it because I find it annoying using some reference books on a kindle if I need to flick back and forwards for information. Also I wanted to see what kind of quality the print book would be. However the links provided in the print copy are the same as the links in the kindle, which means typing in a bitly url instead of a normal website link. Its a small annoying thing... but maybe it is better than a long-winded website address. Another small thing is that some information was repeated quite a few times in different chapters. However the book is still worth buying, regardless.

2 people found this helpful

J.A.H.

Like many writers I'm a big fan of Joanna's podcasts ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2016

Verified Purchase

Like many writers I'm a big fan of Joanna's podcasts and I also love her fiction.
What makes this book stand out is that it gives the new novelist or non-fiction writer a road map through the indie publishing world of the twenty first century.
Her optimism and enthusiasm shines through.
I also love the way she give emphasis to producing the best work you can. This is not a book about hacking out low grade books. She talks about making art, entertaining people, helping readers and making sure your books are properly edited, proofread and professionally produced for the market.
Everything she says about the business of publishing a book and making a business as a creative writer is useful. I'm using her ideas to plan out a proper indie author career and I can never thank her enough for all the help and insight she has given me. In the past, I've made many of the mistakes she talks about, and have almost given up many times. It became easier to teach writing than to get my work out there. But, as all writers know, the urge to write is a powerful driving force and because of people like Joanna Penn, many of us can now realise our dreams of making a living doing what we love.

One person found this helpful

Claire Upton

Thank you for putting this across in layman's terms

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2015

Verified Purchase

Had I not have invested in this book my latest novel, Double Thinking Girl, would still be a tear-stained PDF awaiting the recovery from my near-nervebreakdown. Instead I picked myself up, got organised & it was out two weeks earlier than expected!! Thank you Ms Penn.
I raced through this book & loved the fact that it was not over complicated with unnecessary use of author/publisher jargon. But instead it felt as though I was sitting across the table sharing a coffee with a friend who was explaining the ins & outs of the independent publishers world.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was already doing most of the things suggested. But it made me realise that I needed to prioritise & order these things in a more manageable manor. I am now working my way back through the book to set it all in stone.
I am also very pleased to hear that the audio version is now available! Yay I can listen along while I do my filing!

One person found this helpful

See all reviews

Joanna Penn
133
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $4.99
Joanna Penn
364
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $7.99
Joanna Penn
94
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
Joanna Penn
105
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $3.91
Joanna Penn
359
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $6.99
Joanna Penn
95
Kindle Edition
1 offer from $7.99

Buying Options

Buy for others

Buying and sending eBooks to others

Follow the Author

Similar authors to follow

Business For Authors. How To Be An Author Entrepreneur (Books for Writers Book 5) Kindle Edition

Are you ready to take the next step in your author journey?

˃˃˃ To take you from being an author to running a business as an author.

˃˃˃ In the book, you will learn:

If you want to go from being an author, to running a business as an author, download a sample or buy now<

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Editorial Reviews

Review

About the Author

Product details

About the author

Joanna Penn

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

Customers who bought this item also bought