Create an Author Business Plan
| |

Create an Author Business Plan That Works—6 Best Hacks

By Reading Time: 3 minutes

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Stop Guessing—Start Growing

Many new indie authors dream of making a living from their books, but few create an author business plan to guide the way. Without one, you’re operating on hope and hustle, which can quickly lead to burnout, wasted resources, and stagnation.

This writer’s guide walks you through how to create a simple, sustainable author business plan that works, all without spreadsheets full of jargon. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this straightforward blueprint will help you set goals, stay focused, and grow your writing career intentionally with an author business plan.

(Note: This is for educational and informational purposes. It’s not intended as a substitute for a legal or financial professional advisor. Always seek the advice of a licensed professional.)

Discover The Power Of an Author Business Plan

You don’t need an MBA to run your writing like a business. You need clarity. An author business plan helps you do that. Think of it as your roadmap to becoming a career author—something you can revisit and revise as your goals evolve. A business plan:

  • Set realistic goals (both creative and financial)
  • Prioritize projects and timelines
  • Track income and expenses
  • Identify opportunities for growth
  • Make smarter decisions with confidence

The 6 Core Elements of an Author Business Plan

Here’s what to include in your streamlined, sustainable plan:

1. Your Mission & Vision

What’s your purpose as an author? Who do you write for? What impact do you want your stories (or knowledge) to make?

Example: “To inspire middle-grade readers to embrace curiosity and courage through adventurous sci-fi stories.”

2. Product Strategy

What books will you publish in the next 1–3 years? Include genres, series, spin-offs, or nonfiction topics.

  • Upcoming releases
  • Backlist sales strategy
  • Formats (eBooks, paperbacks, audiobooks)

3. Target Audience

Who is your ideal reader? Define their age, interests, pain points, and buying habits.

  • What problem do you solve?
  • Where does your audience hang out online?
  • What tropes or hooks do they love?

4. Revenue Streams

What income sources will you build?

  • Book royalties
  • Courses or speaking
  • Affiliate income
  • Patreon, Substack, Kickstarter
  • Merchandise or licensing

Pro Tip: Diversified income = greater sustainability.

5. Marketing & Platform Plan

How will you build visibility and connect with readers?

  • Email newsletter growth
  • Social media content strategy
  • Launch and promo plans
  • Collaborations or partnerships
  • Website and SEO presence

6. Budget & Metrics

Track what matters.

  • Income goals
  • Production costs
  • ROI on ads
  • Time spent vs. results
  • Milestones by quarter

Keep It Simple, Flexible, and Actionable: The Key to Your Success

Your author business plan should evolve with you. Start with a one-page version. Focus on action. Use a whiteboard or Notion board to keep your plan visible and alive. Review it quarterly. It’s your plan, so tweak it as needed to suit your evolving needs and goals.

Wrap-Up: Write Your Author Business Plan Today

An author business plan doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful. By putting your goals, strategies, and values down on paper, you create a clear path forward. Your plan becomes a living document. It keeps you grounded and focused as your author career grows.

For more guidance on building an author business, see other writer’s guides in this series, starting with Author Financials—6 Top Tips for New Indie Authors.

If you have a draft and want to explore how AI can help you self-publish it, read, Is Your Book Ready to Self-Publish? Lastly, for help writing a non-fiction book, read Write Your First Non-Fiction eBook: a 30-Day Workbook for Getting It Done.

Writing is an ongoing adventure that involves continuous learning and improvement. You don’t have to go through this alone. We are excited to accompany you every step of the way, providing you with the necessary support, motivation, and practical advice to navigate the world of writing with confidence.

Don’t wait. Start today! How can we help? To let us know, please fill out our Contact form. Happy writing!

Author Business Plan Checklist

  • I’ve clarified my mission and long-term vision
  • I’ve mapped out my next 1–3 book releases
  • I’ve identified my ideal audience and what they want
  • I’ve listed all current and potential income streams
  • I’ve outlined my basic marketing strategy
  • I’ve set measurable goals for income, growth, and output
  • I’ve committed to reviewing my plan regularly

#

Similar Posts