Distinctive #3: Career
In the Conservatory you will start your own business ventures and earn money as an entrepreneur.
How We Set Writers Up for Career Success
In today’s digital age, authors must take an active role in marketing their work. But many writers don’t know where to get started, aside from making a social media account or email list and hoping they somehow get followers.
That’s why the Author Conservatory helps students launch and grow their own business ventures. Entrepreneurial experience gives students the experience and skills needed to eventually sell books and make money.
That way, they don’t need to rely just on book royalties to support themselves–and they actually have real marketing experience before they need to sell their first book.
You get to practice marketing skills with easier business ventures (e.g. pet-sitting, tutoring, house-cleaning, or an Etsy shop) before you need to market your books.
Entrepreneurship teaches you to handle rejection and persist through failure. This is invaluable once you start pitching your novels.
Developing business savvy prepares you to navigate the business of publishing, including book contracts, rights and licenses, etc.
Writers who are making and saving money can afford to attend writer’s conferences, pay for professional edits, and invest in their writing career.
Entrepreneurial skills give writers more options to craft a viable career around their love of writing.
How We Train Writers to Become Entrepreneurs
Mentorship plays a pivotal role. At The Author Conservatory, students benefit from the wisdom and guidance of experienced mentors who have successfully built and run their own businesses. Through one-on-one coaching, ongoing training and in-depth module study, students gain insights into how to find and serve customers, create a business plan, manage finances, and diversify their income streams.
“I’m making about the same amount that I made working five days a week last year on the farm…and I’m only working like two days a week with housecleaning.”
Navigating the Publishing Landscape
The publishing industry can be daunting, with ever-evolving trends and technologies. But once students have a foundation as an entrepreneur, they’re better equipped to value their work and navigate the complexities of the industry.
The Author Conservatory further prepares students by helping them strategically navigate the various pathways to publication, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid models. Understanding these options empowers students to make informed decisions about their careers and choose the route that best aligns with their goals and creative vision.
A More Viable Career Path
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 175,000 people in the entire United States claim “writer & author” as their primary profession, with an average annual income of $73,728.
Few writers make a living off book royalties alone. But many writers do support themselves by building a business around their writing.
By combining writing skills with entrepreneurial experience, our students have the tools to avoid becoming “starving artists.”
(These profiles accurately reflect what is possible when students are trained in both writing and business skills – but results reflect our students’ own intense dedication and hard work. We cannot guarantee these outcomes for every student.)
