Stage 9: Build
Turn Your Writing Into a Business
Once you start selling books, offering services, or working with clients, you’re running a business. But treating it like one requires more than just writing. This stage provides the tools to protect yourself legally, stay organized financially, and grow like a true creative entrepreneur.
Business Formation & Legal Setup
Before you make your first sale, it’s smart to protect your name, your assets, and your future. Forming an LLC or legal entity separates your writing business from your personal life. These tools help you set up your business structure and stay compliant with state and federal rules.
Incfile
Form an LLC for free (state fees apply) with paid upgrades for EIN, operating agreements, and more. Ideal for authors ready to protect their brand legally.
https://www.incfile.com/affiliates/
LegalZoom
Trusted provider for LLC setup, business contracts, copyright, and trademarks. Offers step-by-step help and access to legal support.
https://www.legalzoom.com/affiliates
Northwest Registered Agent
Excellent for authors who want privacy-first LLC formation. Includes registered agent services and compliance alerts.
https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/affiliate-program
ZenBusiness
Simplifies LLC formation, EIN registration, operating agreements, and annual compliance. Known for customer-friendly packages.
https://www.zenbusiness.com/affiliate-program/
Business Strategy & Author Training
Being a professional author takes more than writing—it requires strategic thinking, marketing, automation, and mindset. These programs teach you how to treat your writing like a real business and build systems that support long-term income and growth.
Author Nation – Author Business School
Teaches authors how to operate like a business—including marketing, mindset, finances, and systems.
https://www.authornation.com/affiliate-program
Creative CEO by Megan Martin
Courses and templates for creative entrepreneurs who want to turn passion into profit with branding and backend business workflows.
https://meganmartincreative.com/affiliate
Joanna Penn – The Creative Penn
Free and paid resources to help writers treat their work as a scalable business. Includes podcast, books, and toolkits.
https://www.thecreativepenn.com
SelfPubSchool – Business for Authors
Covers taxes, LLC setup, financial systems, and business strategy tailored for full-time indie authors.
https://www.selfpubschool.com/affiliate
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Free government-backed platform offering business plan templates, grant and loan resources, tax guidance, and local mentorship for small business owners—including self-employed writers.
https://www.sba.gov
Business Banking & Finance Platforms
Lili Bank
Online banking built for freelancers and creative businesses. Includes expense tracking and built-in tax tools.
https://www.lili.co/partners
Novo
Business checking account with no monthly fees, integrations for Stripe/PayPal, and virtual cards.
https://www.novo.co/affiliates/
Relay
Business banking with money management tools and no-fee checking—great for organizing income streams from book sales or freelance work.
Mixing personal and business money can cause headaches at tax time—and it limits your credibility. A separate business bank account helps you track income, expenses, and payouts from royalties, freelance work, or direct sales. These tools offer modern, low-fee solutions tailored to solopreneurs and authors.
In-Person Sales & Payment Tools
Book signings, fairs, and speaking events are amazing opportunities to connect with readers—and sell directly. To be ready for sales on the spot, authors need mobile-friendly payment tools. These platforms let you accept cash, credit cards, or digital wallet payments without needing a full register setup.
Cash App
A peer-to-peer mobile payment app used widely for in-person sales. Simple to use with custom $cashtags.
https://cash.app
Chime
Digital bank account with a debit card that can be connected to mobile payment apps or used to receive credit card payments.
https://www.chime.com/affiliate
PayPal Zettle
Point-of-sale system with card reader support, inventory tracking, and connection to your PayPal account.
https://www.zettle.com
Square
Credit card reader and POS system built for small business owners. Accepts chip, swipe, tap, and mobile payments.
https://squareup.com/affiliates
Venmo
Widely used mobile payment app. Authors can create a business profile or QR code to collect payments easily at events.
https://venmo.com
Zelle
Bank-based transfer tool that allows customers to pay you instantly if they use a participating bank. No app or card reader needed.
https://www.zellepay.com
