Build: Turn Your Writing Into a Business

Start Your Writing Business—Because Passion and Profit Can Coexist.

If you've published a book, started a blog, or created any kind of writing project—you’ve already begun something worth protecting and growing. The next step is learning how to treat your writing like a business.

This doesn’t mean you need to become a corporation overnight. It means understanding that what you’re building—whether it’s books, blogs, coaching, or speaking—has value. And with the right structure in place, you can turn your creative work into income that supports your life and legacy.

What Does It Mean to “Build” a Writing Business?

At this stage, you're no longer just writing for fun (though that’s still part of it). You're writing with purpose, direction, and the systems that make it sustainable.

A writing business can look like:

• Selling books or journals online

• Running a blog with affiliate income

• Offering coaching, courses, or speaking services

• Publishing a magazine or content platform

• Freelance writing or technical writing services

• Translating writing into multiple languages for global reach

If you’ve said, “I want this to become more than a hobby,”—you’re ready to build.

Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Writing Into a Business

1. Choose Your Business Plan

What kind of writer are you becoming? Ask yourself:

• Do I want to sell physical or digital products?

• Will I offer services like coaching, editing, or speaking?

• Am I planning to monetize through ads, affiliate links, or sponsorships?

Write it out: My writing business offers ________ to help people with ________.

Creating a business plan isn't just about paperwork—it’s about clarity. When you take time to define your vision, goals, and offerings, you’re not only shaping how you see your writing business but also how others will understand and engage with it. A clear plan provides direction for your work, helps you make informed decisions, and conveys to the world what your business stands for. Whether you’re just starting or shifting gears, writing down what your business looks like today—and what you want it to become—gives you a foundation to build from and grow with.

2. Register Your Business (Start Simple)

You don’t need to create an LLC on day one. But you do need to start thinking legally and professionally.

Common early steps:

• Pick a business name (check availability in your state)

• Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number – free through IRS.gov)

• Open a separate business bank account

• Have a separate business credit card

Taking early steps to separate your business and personal finances is crucial, not only for staying organized but also for protecting yourself legally and simplifying your tax returns later. Keep your business income, expenses, and banking completely separate from your personal accounts. Failing to do this could expose you to legal risk. If someone were to sue your business, they might argue that you’re "piercing the corporate veil"—a legal term that means you haven’t truly kept your business and personal lives distinct. If that claim succeeds, your personal assets (like your home or savings) could be held liable in a lawsuit. Keeping clean financial boundaries helps maintain your legal protection.

3. Set Up Basic Tools to Run Smoothly

Start organizing your backend systems just like any other small business:

• Invoices & Payment: Use tools like Square, PayPal, or Wave for tracking payments and sending invoices.

• Appointments: Use tools like Calendly or Acuity if you’re offering coaching, editing, or consultations.

• File Storage: Organize writing, contracts, and graphics in Google Drive or Dropbox.

The more organized your foundation, the less stress you’ll have as you grow.

4. Build a Business-Friendly Website

If you’re planning to sell products or services, make sure your website includes:

• A clear Services or Shop page

• Easy payment options or contact forms

• An About section that connects your story to your work

• Testimonials or examples of your writing

Start with one product or offer and grow from there.

5. Clarify Your Brand Message

A business needs a message just as much as a book does.

Ask:

• What problem does my writing solve?

• Who am I here to help?

• What outcome do I want people to have?

Your brand message should appear on your website, social media, and in how you talk about your work.

6. Understand What You Can Legally Sell

If you’re building workbooks, teaching writing, or repurposing public domain content, know the laws that apply.

Be mindful of:

• Copyrighted materials

• Privacy and data collection

• Disclaimers for coaching or self-help services

If needed, talk to a small business attorney or research your local laws. Start informed—not scared.

7. Don’t Skip Taxes and Recordkeeping

Even if your income is small, treat it seriously.

• Track your income and expenses in a spreadsheet or tool like QuickBooks

• Save receipts for things like software, equipment, and mileage

• Learn whether you need to file quarterly taxes

Your future self will thank you when tax season comes.

Reach Out to the SBA: You Don’t Have to Build Your Business Alone

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an incredible (and often underused) resource for writers, creatives, and entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. I personally, took advantage of their free classes that covered everything from business types to taxes and working from home. Turn your writing into a business is more effective when you utilize the resources of the SBA. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, the SBA is there to support you. Most people don't have the funds they would like to start their business, so utilizing knowledgeable people who do this every day was smart for me.

Here’s what they offer:

• Free or Low-Cost Classes on business basics, tax structure, at-home businesses, veteran- and women-owned businesses, and more

• One-on-One Mentorship through local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

• Help Creating a Business Plan tailored to your goals and industry

• Guidance on Applying for Government Grants and funding opportunities

• Support for Bidding on Government Contracts and understanding the process

• Tools to Choose the Right Business Structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)

Whether you’re selling books, offering services, or building an online brand, the SBA can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Take the first step: Visit your local SBA office or website and see what resources are available to you. You don’t have to figure it out alone—they’re there to help.

My Writing Business Journey

I never imagined I’d start a writing business after working in management and projects most of my life. But I realized with 10 books total (as of July 2025) that if someone did stumble onto my pebble at the bottom of the ocean, then I would not be prepared and Uncle Sam would have a field day. So I decided that I needed to take this seriously. On April 1, 2025, I started spending time and money daily on my new business. I decided to be a fool and go ALL IN to get my message out to the world.

Starting my blog, publishing my poetry, and now offering writing support, workbooks, and speaking events... it’s been a wild and beautiful ride. And yes, it’s a business. One with heart, mission, and real impact.

The Prompt Corner

The Prompt Corner is to start treating your writing like a business?

These prompts can help:

1. What writing projects or skills could bring in income this year?

2. Describe the audience that would benefit from your writing the most.

3. What services could you offer based on your writing (editing, coaching, etc.)?

4. What would your ideal writing day look like as a full-time business?

5. Make a list of 3 small steps you can take this month to legitimize your writing work.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just begin with what you know.

Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing

Here are tools to help build your writing business:

1. Wave – Free tool for invoices, payments, and basic bookkeeping

2. Calendly – Free/paid appointment scheduling tool

3. Wix Business Plan – Upgrade to accept payments and create service pages

4. US Small Business Administration (SBA) – Learn how to register your business

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.

Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.

RESOURCES PAGE

Write with Us: Turn Your Writing Into a Business

You don’t need to be an expert to start treating your writing like a business. You just need to believe your words are worth something, and then build around that belief. A writing business grows like anything else... one bold step at a time.

Next week, we move into Step 10: Financial Tools – Budget, Invoice & Tax Support. 

Don’t worry—we’ll walk through the tools and habits that make the money side of writing feel less scary and more empowering.

Your words matter. Let’s build something meaningful with them.

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