Authors work under different conditions, in various locations, and with diverse methods. Some write part time, and other, full time. Sadly many authors treat writing as a hobby rather than the business it is. By approaching their craft as a business, writers experience more success creatively, time-wise, and, hopefully, financially.

The first step in approaching word craft as a business is to set up a professional work area. If a room for an office isn't available, set up a corner for a work area. Have the tools of the trade, a dictionary, thesaurus, and writing method on hand. If a computer is used from the beginning, it and a printer should be on the desk or a computer station next to the desk.. If the author writes by hand, tablets as well as pens and/or pencils should be there. Some authors take notes on note cards to track characters, time lines, or ideas. If so, a stack of new cards should be where they can found easily.

Any more, a computer and printer are a must. Copies are needed for thorough proofreading and editing. Query letters, synopses, copies of articles, stories, and novels have to be computer generated and printed. Therefore, having both items are necessary in the work area.

Secondly, scheduling set times for planning, researching, and actually writing result in a more business-like set of mind. If writing part time, awaking a hour earlier in the morning creates a professional time to use for writing. Personally, I have found that I do my best work early in the morning or in the early evening. If life's experiences take up the morning hours, I make sure I work in the evening. If activities take an evening, I make sure I write that morning.

Always be prepared to take notes or jot down ideas. Carrying a tablet or pad of paper with a pen or pencil makes writing down ideas or working on a story or article possible wherever I go. Professionals never just think of ideas or solve problems during working hours.

Authors should always keep track of all expenses: printer toner, paper, postage, etc. Everyone remembers office expenses, but keeping a log of dates, times, hours writing, editing, revising, attending writing conferences as well as signings and other promotional activities is also important.

Having a sales tax permit makes selling any books more business-like, another step in having one's own "company."

Writers should promote their work, and promotion is a major part of creating a business atmosphere and validating their work.

Writers should think of themselves as professionals. How we view ourselves is how others will also. We need to approach our writing as a business, one where we are the CEOs.

About the author:

Vivian Gilbert Zabel taught English for years after a career in the business world. She has a portfolio at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/vzabel and books Hidden Lies and Other Stories and Walking the Earth through Amazon.com. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Facsimile.Com/ which is a site for Fax Machines.