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Books for Writers #12
Your Author Business Plan: Take Your Author Career To The Next Level
You are an author. You turn ideas into reality in the shape of a book. You turn the thoughts in your head into valuable intellectual property assets. You understand how powerful the written word can be. Now it's time to use your words to create a business plan to take your writing career to the next level — whatever that means for your situation. I'm Joanna Penn and I've been a full-time author-entrepreneur for almost a decade. In this book, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a business plan that will help you achieve your creative and financial goals. It’s relevant for fiction and non-fiction authors, as well as those who want to include other products, services, and income streams. It’s also applicable whether you’re just starting out or if you already have a mature author business. A plan helps at any stage of the journey. The final chapter will give you a framework for simplifying your plan and turning it into achievable steps across a chosen timeline. In each section, I give examples from my own business plan and there are questions for you to answer, templates, and resources that might help along the way, as well as example business plans for different kinds of authors. It's time to take your author career to the next level. Let's get started on your business plan. Please This book doesn’t go into detail on how to do the specific topics, for example, how to self-publish a book, or how to do content marketing. I cover those topics in my other Books for Authors. If you already have my previous business book, Business for Authors , this is a rewritten and updated sub-set of that material, focusing on the specifics of a plan as opposed to everything involved in running a business. This book acts as a companion as well as a more recent update to my own author journey. It will help you bring it all together into a coherent plan that you can use to take your author business into the future. Books for Authors by Joanna Penn
175 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2020
113 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Penn
46 books1,237 followersJoanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling fiction and memoir author as J.F. Penn.
She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. She lives in Bath, England with her husband and two British shorthair cats, and enjoys a nice G&T.
See also Goodreads author's profile as J.F. Penn.
She’s also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. She lives in Bath, England with her husband and two British shorthair cats, and enjoys a nice G&T.
See also Goodreads author's profile as J.F. Penn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 4, 2023
As always, Joanna is clear and to the point. And her design is clean and pleasing to the eye. I'm looking forward to downloading her business plan template and getting to work!
October 1, 2021
4.0
This was a helpful read. It provided a high-level look at what I should be thinking about in order to make a business out of writing.
It was broken up into 4 main parts:
1. Business summary (identifying goals, branding, identifying genre/sub-genres, knowing the competition, knowing the readers)
2. Production (identifying production goals and services, planning out a process that works for you, having tangible goals on the calendar, knowing what route to publish through, having monetary goals that drive that planning)
3. Marketing (networking is important, make a website, make an email list, have an ARC team, consider paid advertising routes with some suggestions, leverage social media)
4. Financials (Identifying your mindset when creating financial goals, factor in initial investments into your budgeting, identify what will be your ongoing costs, remember to invest and pay yourself)
It wasn't fluffy, but some of the advice was common sense. And it certainly was not an 'in the weeds' book. This is a book designed to give you a general idea of what specifically worked for Joanna Penn.
I do wish I had read this a little earlier on in my writing-as-a-career journey. The structured approach to a writing business was very helpful. That said, I would not recommend this to anyone who is looking for more concrete details about the individual steps that she recommends. This book is more of a starting point, a launch pad, into other resources that will help down the line. Penn knowingly included links to other resources (many of them from her) to help writers get more granular about their business strategies.
Overall, this contained solid advice, and I would recommend it, especially to those ready to plunge into writing as a full-time job!
This was a helpful read. It provided a high-level look at what I should be thinking about in order to make a business out of writing.
It was broken up into 4 main parts:
1. Business summary (identifying goals, branding, identifying genre/sub-genres, knowing the competition, knowing the readers)
2. Production (identifying production goals and services, planning out a process that works for you, having tangible goals on the calendar, knowing what route to publish through, having monetary goals that drive that planning)
3. Marketing (networking is important, make a website, make an email list, have an ARC team, consider paid advertising routes with some suggestions, leverage social media)
4. Financials (Identifying your mindset when creating financial goals, factor in initial investments into your budgeting, identify what will be your ongoing costs, remember to invest and pay yourself)
It wasn't fluffy, but some of the advice was common sense. And it certainly was not an 'in the weeds' book. This is a book designed to give you a general idea of what specifically worked for Joanna Penn.
I do wish I had read this a little earlier on in my writing-as-a-career journey. The structured approach to a writing business was very helpful. That said, I would not recommend this to anyone who is looking for more concrete details about the individual steps that she recommends. This book is more of a starting point, a launch pad, into other resources that will help down the line. Penn knowingly included links to other resources (many of them from her) to help writers get more granular about their business strategies.
Overall, this contained solid advice, and I would recommend it, especially to those ready to plunge into writing as a full-time job!
December 13, 2020
I read through the book quickly to get the gist of the concepts. Now I am going to reread the book in more depth, and answer the many questions posed, by the author, that support the reader in the process of making their own business plan.
This book is filled with thought-provoking questions, resources and examples for each step, as well as example plans. There is a bibliography full of other books to refer to throughout. It is a minefield of information and well worth a read for anyone starting or running an author business.
This book is filled with thought-provoking questions, resources and examples for each step, as well as example plans. There is a bibliography full of other books to refer to throughout. It is a minefield of information and well worth a read for anyone starting or running an author business.
January 6, 2021
This was an interesting read with lots of questions and a main outline on how to create your author business plan. I think this book asks some great questions and makes you think about what your goal is and what you want to achieve with your business.
This book takes you through different parts of an author business plan and explains different aspects as well as plenty of questions that can help you create your own plan. This is mostly taking a very big picture view of your business and what you want it to be.
I kinda lost the overview a few times and for me the most helpful parts were the two author business plan examples at the end of the book as that really showed what the author is aiming for and her idea of what a business plan looks like and that really helped for me as it gave me the overview.
While I definitely think this is a great book it doesn't really feel as essential to me somehow. I definitely think there are some great ideas and questions in this book that can be helpful to consider so you know what you want out of your business and where you want to go. It just didn't really get me excited about it. I see the value in it, but on the other hand I think it's because I usually think about a lot of these things myself already I don't really feel that this book added as much knowledge for me personally. I mostly think this wasn't quite the book for me, but I am sure others will find more value in it.
Just like Joanna Penn's other books it's written in a pleasant manner, explains things well and makes it easy to follow. I also like how whether you're a beginning author or experienced author you can get something from this book.
To summarize: This book helps you compile an author business plan. It explains different aspects to consider and how to bring those together in a general plan for your business. I like the author's writing style and the way she explains things. Although for me this book didn't quite hit the mark as I ask a lot of these questions naturally already. The example of author business plans at the end where the most helpful to me as it showed me what the author's idea is for this plan and how it can look like. While this book didn't resonate as much with me, I think others might get more value out of it.
This book takes you through different parts of an author business plan and explains different aspects as well as plenty of questions that can help you create your own plan. This is mostly taking a very big picture view of your business and what you want it to be.
I kinda lost the overview a few times and for me the most helpful parts were the two author business plan examples at the end of the book as that really showed what the author is aiming for and her idea of what a business plan looks like and that really helped for me as it gave me the overview.
While I definitely think this is a great book it doesn't really feel as essential to me somehow. I definitely think there are some great ideas and questions in this book that can be helpful to consider so you know what you want out of your business and where you want to go. It just didn't really get me excited about it. I see the value in it, but on the other hand I think it's because I usually think about a lot of these things myself already I don't really feel that this book added as much knowledge for me personally. I mostly think this wasn't quite the book for me, but I am sure others will find more value in it.
Just like Joanna Penn's other books it's written in a pleasant manner, explains things well and makes it easy to follow. I also like how whether you're a beginning author or experienced author you can get something from this book.
To summarize: This book helps you compile an author business plan. It explains different aspects to consider and how to bring those together in a general plan for your business. I like the author's writing style and the way she explains things. Although for me this book didn't quite hit the mark as I ask a lot of these questions naturally already. The example of author business plans at the end where the most helpful to me as it showed me what the author's idea is for this plan and how it can look like. While this book didn't resonate as much with me, I think others might get more value out of it.
Read
December 14, 2022Incredibly helpful and practical. It’s a bummer that writing great books is no longer enough of a business plan for authors.
With the current landscape of publishing, both traditional and independent, it makes me wonder how many 2 star books sell well because the author is good at the business side, and how many 4 star books never find an audience because the author lacks the business skills.
Pros and cons to each I guess.
Either way, very useful book.
With the current landscape of publishing, both traditional and independent, it makes me wonder how many 2 star books sell well because the author is good at the business side, and how many 4 star books never find an audience because the author lacks the business skills.
Pros and cons to each I guess.
Either way, very useful book.
November 12, 2023
I did a quick read through of this on a flight - I'll be going through again as I put the steps into practice.
A short yet good, very practical guide to creating an author business plan.
A short yet good, very practical guide to creating an author business plan.
January 25, 2021
As always, Joanna Penn provides clear, concise, and immensely helpful information on her chosen topic. I love her “books for writers” series because I learn so much about different aspects of being an author in a short amount of time.
If you’re looking to learn what a business plan is and create a simple, effective plan for your stage in the author journey, this is the book for you. Joanna gives lots of personal examples and explains how each section can apply at various stages of the author career.
Highly recommended for career authors.
If you’re looking to learn what a business plan is and create a simple, effective plan for your stage in the author journey, this is the book for you. Joanna gives lots of personal examples and explains how each section can apply at various stages of the author career.
Highly recommended for career authors.
February 8, 2025
A solid, practical guide for indie authors seeking to prioritize their publishing and grow it into a strong business. While I was surprised at how short/small this was, it packed a large variety of topics into its pages, and gave a very helpful overview at the many aspects involved in an indie publishing business. There weren't a ton of details in each point, but Penn included long lists of references and suggested other material to read (some free, some not) to dive deeper into individual topics. Ultimately, I believe it achieved its goal of sparking ideas and making me think about decisions I should either be making now, or will need to make in the near future.
I always appreciate Penn's no-nonsense, easily-understandable author advice, and am looking forward to reading her other books!
NOTE: the addition of downloadable plans, templates, and references from www.CreativePenn.com/yourplan gave this an extra star. Extremely helpful! You can download them in Word format and make a copy to format your personal plan in.
I always appreciate Penn's no-nonsense, easily-understandable author advice, and am looking forward to reading her other books!
NOTE: the addition of downloadable plans, templates, and references from www.CreativePenn.com/yourplan gave this an extra star. Extremely helpful! You can download them in Word format and make a copy to format your personal plan in.
January 16, 2022
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Your Author Business Plan is the building blocks of nutrition. Informed knowledge means a fueled body while enjoying food and more. It's essential and delicious.
Are you unsure of what it takes to reach your publishing goals? Do you want to explore the possibility of being an author entrepreneur? Your Author Business Plan offers the basic information to know as you pursue your author career. Each chapter is a starting point.
Joanna Penn created a series of books to help writers and authors reach their full potential when it comes to running a business. While there are so many books and resources about the writing craft, it's a lot harder to find assistance for managing all the other hats of being an author from marketing to contracts to actually making money.
If you're looking for resources in becoming a financially successful author, Joanna Penn can start you off!
Are you unsure of what it takes to reach your publishing goals? Do you want to explore the possibility of being an author entrepreneur? Your Author Business Plan offers the basic information to know as you pursue your author career. Each chapter is a starting point.
Joanna Penn created a series of books to help writers and authors reach their full potential when it comes to running a business. While there are so many books and resources about the writing craft, it's a lot harder to find assistance for managing all the other hats of being an author from marketing to contracts to actually making money.
If you're looking for resources in becoming a financially successful author, Joanna Penn can start you off!
October 4, 2021
I've been stumbling around aimlessly from podcasts to blog posts to books to YouTube videos trying to figure out how to put together the business side of my independent author career and along comes Joanna Penn with "Your Author Business Plan." It's a wonderful and succinct summary of what I learned in years of reading books and blog posts, listening to podcasts, and watching YouTube videos. She won't tell you the fine details of running your author business, but she'll help you with the big ideas and get things rolling with lots of advice, tips, and tricks. In addition, I'd also recommend her podcast "The Creative Penn" for weekly tidbits of information on how to be a better creative both as a writer and a business person.
December 29, 2020
Joanna Penn is awesome, and I have been binging her books the last few weeks as I work on writing my next book. She was kind enough to send me a review copy of this book, and I loved it. After reading four or five of her books, I always worry she's going to have a lot of recycled information, but that's never the case. Each book covers different angles that are beneficial for independent authors.
For the last two years, I've grown my social media following and have made a decent amount of extra income from my writing, YouTube channel, and affiliate links, but Joanna was still able to provide a bunch of useful information that I'm going to add to my tool kit.
For the last two years, I've grown my social media following and have made a decent amount of extra income from my writing, YouTube channel, and affiliate links, but Joanna was still able to provide a bunch of useful information that I'm going to add to my tool kit.
January 15, 2021
I feel like I know Joanna personally.
I don't. But it feels that way. Here writing is in a very personable style and her podcast is incredibly generous. I help people write business plans for their businesses -- so, naturally, I was interested in the unique matters a writer should think about when creating their own business plan. This book provides a helpful overview -- and is recommended particularly if you're looking to create income streams from book sales. The assets spreadsheet referred to at the back of the book is worth the price of admission.
I don't. But it feels that way. Here writing is in a very personable style and her podcast is incredibly generous. I help people write business plans for their businesses -- so, naturally, I was interested in the unique matters a writer should think about when creating their own business plan. This book provides a helpful overview -- and is recommended particularly if you're looking to create income streams from book sales. The assets spreadsheet referred to at the back of the book is worth the price of admission.
January 12, 2023
Your Author Business Plan takes the many aspects of an author business and breaks them into manageable parts that fit together to form an organized plan. The questions at the end of each section helped me to actually create my plan as I went through the book. I had been dreading the business side of being an author, but after reading this book and writing out my plan, I'm excited about my new author business! I love the way the planning is applicable to authors at various stages in their careers. I will definitely revisit this book as my business grows.
January 20, 2021
I'm already more confident in creating my Author Business Plan.
I have followed Joanna Pen for five years now, and I've enjoyed her non-fiction books and podcasts and YouTube videos. I was so excited about the Author Business Plan I shared it with all my Author friends.After reading Joanna's book I feel more confident and organized to write out my own successful author business plan.
I have followed Joanna Pen for five years now, and I've enjoyed her non-fiction books and podcasts and YouTube videos. I was so excited about the Author Business Plan I shared it with all my Author friends.After reading Joanna's book I feel more confident and organized to write out my own successful author business plan.
November 27, 2024
I found this book incredibly useful as I have never started my own business before and needed to think about a business plan for my author business. There were so many things that I hadn’t thought about that are covered in this book. There is also a useful template to help you to follow the instructions and the questions guide you through the decision-making process. Highly recommended if you are looking to start your own author business.
January 1, 2021
I loved this book. Joanna Penn's podcast is already on my must-listen whenever it comes out. I heard her read the first few chapters of this book and bought the ebook immediately to help me set up my own author business plan. It's practical advice that is helpful at all steps of your career and I look forward to referencing it for a long time.
January 6, 2021
Does exactly what it says on the tin.
This book takes you by the hand and guides you through planning and perfecting your writing career. What i appreciate about this book are the non-fiction and fiction examples the author gives of her own career.
This can be used by any author at any stage in their career.
This book takes you by the hand and guides you through planning and perfecting your writing career. What i appreciate about this book are the non-fiction and fiction examples the author gives of her own career.
This can be used by any author at any stage in their career.
Read
January 15, 2021Thank you, Joanna Penn. This book was what I needed to help me work on my goals. I appreciated the genuine advice.
Just the inspiration I desired to transformation what has been in my head for years into an actionable plan.
Just the inspiration I desired to transformation what has been in my head for years into an actionable plan.
March 8, 2021
Excellent concise summary to help plan your author business whether you are just starting out or on the journey. A quick initial read but a book to apply in practice step by step with many valuable prompts to shape your author business. There’s also a course available on your author business plan as well.
December 20, 2021
Indispensable business plan guide
Step-by-step Joanna walks writers through not only how to create a business plan, but why. Then she demonstrates how to use that plan for your daily life.
Chock full of resources, free digital add-ons, and sage advice, this is a must-own resource for any writer wanting to work as a business, rather than just a creative.
Step-by-step Joanna walks writers through not only how to create a business plan, but why. Then she demonstrates how to use that plan for your daily life.
Chock full of resources, free digital add-ons, and sage advice, this is a must-own resource for any writer wanting to work as a business, rather than just a creative.
December 11, 2020
Concise, thorough, practical
Like the podcast, Joanna lays out a no nonsense guide to making a business plan. It has the same elements as any business plan must and goes the extra step to add personal examples. Thanks Joanna. Your success and passion is a gift to all authors.
Like the podcast, Joanna lays out a no nonsense guide to making a business plan. It has the same elements as any business plan must and goes the extra step to add personal examples. Thanks Joanna. Your success and passion is a gift to all authors.
December 19, 2020
No surprise, this book was terrific! Joanna breaks things down into manageable pieces and has helped me rethink how I can further invest in my business. The resources she has on her website will help me create my best business plan for the year ahead. Excited (& a little nervous!) to get started!
January 9, 2021
I am planning to write and publish a novel soon. I came across this and I think this will help me a bit for my author career. I will read more books from this author. I have a feeling her self-help books will be really helpful.
May 13, 2021
Straightforward plan
Joanna has laid out the various components in a straightforward organized fashion that allows you to organize your thoughts and create a plan to follow, whether a new author or an existing one. Thanks, Joanna!
Joanna has laid out the various components in a straightforward organized fashion that allows you to organize your thoughts and create a plan to follow, whether a new author or an existing one. Thanks, Joanna!
September 19, 2021
Another Book Filled With Priceless Information
Joanna Penn does it again! Great book! Don't waste any time read it as soon as you can. Without a business plan your career as a writer is doomed!
Joanna Penn does it again! Great book! Don't waste any time read it as soon as you can. Without a business plan your career as a writer is doomed!
August 3, 2022
Useful For Reflection
This book is more about planning out what you will do as an author and lead you to reflect than new information. If you do that, it will be useful. I’m glad that a link is provided for the extra content for planning.
This book is more about planning out what you will do as an author and lead you to reflect than new information. If you do that, it will be useful. I’m glad that a link is provided for the extra content for planning.
December 13, 2020
Fantastic. Simple and straightforward. This will help you develop a long-range plan for your career as an author at a macro level. Great insights. I love this whole series.
December 21, 2020
Very handy.
January 4, 2021
Excellent summary, complete with instructions for putting together your own unique author business plan. Easy to follow, and to-the-point (with no fluff). Highly recommended for every author.
January 11, 2021
Used as a guide
I moderate A Facebook group called Midwest Author-Entrepreneurs And I used this book as a guide to help our members write this business plans in 2021.
I moderate A Facebook group called Midwest Author-Entrepreneurs And I used this book as a guide to help our members write this business plans in 2021.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews