–
A lot of writers are introverts who feel infinitely more comfortable interacting with written words on a page than they do carrying out extraverted activities like marketing. Introvert writers who also happen to be women (and I define that word in a 21st century way) may find the business side of writing to be especially challenging. I won’t duplicate here all that has been written about the unique challenges women face in so many parts of the business and career worlds, but for those who want to read up on the topic, see here and here as decent starting places.
In November 2021 I took the leap to put in my notice at a job that was not working for me, which makes me part of the Great Resignation. Since then, I have been winging it with my own freelance editing, writing, and research business. This has been…uh…let’s just say exhilarating in all kinds of ways, as I’m sure those who have taken similar leaps will understand. One, I am a first-time entrepreneur who doesn’t even know how to do business taxes. (I am like Bernard in Black Books.) Two, I belong to the generation that keeps graduating from various degree programs right when the economy decides to tank or behave unpredictably, so I have developed a sort of knee-jerk paranoia that career struggle is just it for me. Three, I am (despite my bubbly enthusiasm) an introvert who panics at the thought of doing any sort of marketing activity. What’s more, I was a first-generation college student, so I have always been groping in the dark on this journey.
I suspect a lot of women writers are in a similar boat. Whether they are trying to write fiction or nonfiction, they may be struggling to make a career out of it. They may be trying to figure out how to cultivate even a modest client base or following, no matter what route they are taking to create a livelihood from their writing talents. I don’t have anything in the way of stellar tips for fellow women writers who are in this situation. I am exploring this topic just to let you know that you are not alone, and perhaps to throw out some feelers for ways we might help each other succeed.
My best friend is an eCommerce coach. He told me the same thing he tells his clients: To build a following, you need to get on social media each day and “like, follow, or comment” on the posts of at least five relevant social media accounts. He told me this several months ago and I’ve been mentally preparing myself to do it. Starting this blog is part of that. (I need something to actually post if I’m going to have an active social media presence, right?)
My worry is that my anxiety about the business skills aspects of what I do will obscure my confidence in my writing and intellectual skills. I have done writing, editing, and research work for over a decade, but always while working for someone else. I worry that my amateur entrepreneurial skills might make people think I am an amateur in all areas, which is not at all the case.
I try to keep a heavy lid on these worries in my mind. I try to take it on faith that if I keep doing something related to writing, editing, and business efforts approximately 30 to 40 hours per week, then something will have to come of it. I don’t really know what else to do but that.
I’ve been pondering for months how I ought to start my website’s blog. It just occurred to me today that I might start it by explaining to people what I am trying to do here. I am a woman with strong writing, editing, and academic skills. I am also an introvert who is scared to death of entrepreneurship. Wish me luck, and if you are looking to hire a writer, editor, researcher, or jack-of-all-trades nerd, I’m your girl.
Ogma Editing 