Don't Forget Your Heart

Today, I write you as a busy woman. Well it's not like news to your ears, but I have a lot of things good happening for me right now.

I'm planning a wedding for myself. (Squee!)
I'm developing a freelance writing business. (A new web blog, developing a business plan, creating a portfolio, etc.)
I'm in the midst of being 'in between jobs.' (Yes, no more retail!)
To Love An Irishman is coming out in a month and a half.

The days count down to my book's release date and I can't believe it's almost here! Luckily, creating a business is like planning a wedding or writing a novel.

Research, research, research!

Now I spend many hours browsing the internet, bookstores, and libraries for advice. You have to have an outlined plan of how you are going to go about setting up rates, clientele, services, and time-managing content output. Not to mention, I still have a whole other blog and website to manage (along with my author one).

Here is a simple way to go about starting your own business:

Step One: Obtain a business license (if required in your state). (Just think: wedding license!)
Step Two: Create a business plan. (Just imagine yourself creating an outline for your latest novel only in business terms.)
Step Three: Create a portfolio, display project rates (the amount you charge clients), and explain the services you provide. Include writing samples of any previous work. (No previous experience is required, but it's good to have something to show!)
Step Four: Create a website to showcase it on, and a blog to gain readers. (We know how to create both a website and a blog, don't we?)
Step Four: Find work online or check magazines and newspapers for submission guidelines. (Think www.elance.com and www.poewar.com.)
Step Five: Provide clientele with your best writing so they keep coming back for more! (Isn't this the main goal in everything we do? We love our loyal readers!)