AUTHOR BUSINESS PLAN

 

NAME

Pen name(s)

Address:

City, State, ZIP:

P.O. Box (for newsletter):

Email(s):

 

 

I. TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

I. Table of Contents [page 1]

II. Description [page X]

III. Structure and Operation [page X]

IV. Market Analysis [page X]

V. Marketing Plan [page X]

VI. Operations and Management [page X]

VII. Competition Analysis [page X]

VIII. Operations [page X]

 

 

II. DESCRIPTION

 

{Author business} will produce high-quality {genre} books in {digital/print} form. The release plan for {time period} consists of pen names publishing {number} {novels/novellas/nonfiction books/etc.}. These will be offered via {online publishing platform(s)/website/brick-and-mortar bookstore/etc.}.

The target audience will be {casual readers/genre devotees/etc.} in {demographic/environment}. Branding will vary based the genre targeted by each pen name.

This venture will be funded via {source}, with a goal of being profitable by {time}.

 

III. STRUCTURE AND OPERATION

 

The books will be {self-published/pitched to publishers}. The business {will/will not} be incorporated, and taxes will be handled {describe plan}. Existing tech available includes {items}, and additional tech and software will be purchased as follows: {list}.

Editors, proofreaders, sensitivity readers, cover designers, and so on will be paid via {describe method and funds}.

 

IV. MARKET ANALYSIS

 

Publishing is a venture that is ripe with opportunities, yet also saturated. Market conditions for my chosen genre are {describe publishing landscape}. I plan to carve out a niche in {trope/genre} while also meeting reader expectations.

I will build my knowledge of market conditions by {reading books/joining mastermind group/attending conferences/etc.}. I will also research advertising strategies, keywords, and blurb-writing.

Additionally, I will regularly review market trends by following {industry experts/self-publishing podcasts/etc.} and adjust my plans as needed.

 

V. MARKETING PLAN

 

In the initial stage of {time period or number of books}, I will rely mainly on organic growth. For launches, I {will/will not} secure a public relations service for cover reveals, blog tours, etc. I will launch advertising via {platform} at {point in time} with a budget of {amount}. At {point in time}, I will apply for paid email-based book promotion services such as BookBub, Fussy Librarian, or Freebooksy.

The image or “author brand” will center on {tagline that evokes feel, heat level, etc.}. I {will/will not} reveal my identity beyond a pen name.

My pen name {Name} will be focused on {genre}, with a goal of publishing {number} books per year. In line with current trends among competing authors, each book will be priced at {$XX} for ebooks and {$XX} for paperbacks.

 

VI. OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

 

I will run the author business from my home, securing a post office box for newsletters. For privacy, I will take the following measures: {measures}.

The business will be primarily web-based, with a limited number of print books placed in local retail stores and available for print on demand.

I plan to spend {number} hours per week on writing, {number} on editing, and {number} on production, marketing, and promotion. After {period of time or revenue threshold}, I will hire a virtual assistant to handle {review copies/social media posts/PR/etc.}.

In addition to basic {equipment and software}, I plan to purchase {items} by {time period}.

Given my market research, and knowledge of the targeted genre, I anticipate turning of a profit of {amount} by {time period}.

 

VII. COMPETITION ANALYSIS

 

Competing authors or targeted “also boughts” for {Pen name} include: {list of authors}.

These authors typically use {newsletters/newsletter swaps/social media/advertising/etc.}.

My {genre} books espouse {values}, and employ {tropes}. I will reach readers who love {reading experience}.

 

VIII. DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND FINANCES

 

The initial cost outlay will be {amount} for {editing software/formatting program/stock photo package/etc.}.

I will use {author friends/beta readers} for first-round feedback, and then budget {amount} per book for developmental and line editing.

For the first {book/series}, I will use premade covers purchased via {designer website(s) or Facebook groups}. Then I will increase my budget to {amount} for custom covers.

Other ongoing expenses will include {subscriptions/conference fees/etc.}.

My goal is to by profitable by {date}, and realizing {amount} in income by {date}.