Yes, You Could Be a Self-Employed Author
What if you could have no cap on your dreams or your income? It’s hard for us to think about that sometimes, and it's effortless to limit ourselves. Writers often have employers who give them a paycheck. That’s good; otherwise, we’d all live on the street. But authors, those who write on speculation of getting paid, are in business for themselves. This is the price we pay for our freedom, creative or not. It's a journey of independence, where you are the master of your destiny.
I am a self-employed creative. I know how hard that can be. If that is your goal or your life, I understand what you may be going through, your fears, and your hopes. As a writer, I’ve lived with them all my life. Some say once you go through the Depression, you never leave the Depression. I’ll add that once you’re a writer constantly on the verge of being evicted, you’re always that same worried self. I love Ronald Reagan's statement: “All I want is a country where every man can get rich.” I agree. Being self-employed with an excellent thing to offer is often the key (and dream) of doing exactly this. I want nothing less for you.
Some people get confused, thinking being self-employed is a great way to make a living. Wrong. That’s just working another job. Being self-employed, in the truest sense, is doing something that expresses who you are and getting paid for it. I can’t think of a greater example of that than being an independent, self-employed author. It's about more than just making a living; it's about living your truth and expressing your unique voice.
There are two sides to looking at your solo career. If you do it wrong or don’t have the goods, statistics give you about a 20% chance, at most, to not have to return to your day job. But if you play it right and make self-employment your goal, you get to be your own boss, you get to self-actualize in the context of Maslow, and you can create your own opportunities in a world you create where possibilities are endless. This is what I have found in my life. This is what I hope for you. It sounds like P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman, but it’s true. To be an entrepreneur, you need to be unique. And with the right approach, success is not just a dream; it's a real possibility.
So, what does it mean to be your boss and live this dream of independence? There are two parts: having the bold but needed idea, which could be a unique story concept or a revolutionary product, and having the skill set to see the concept through, which might involve writing skills, marketing knowledge, or technical expertise. It’s really that simple. And it’s really that difficult.
So, as you start to create this independent life you want, or you continue to mold this independent life you are already living, listen to your what-ifs for your business life the same as you listen to your what-ifs for your writing life. For your business life, it could be, 'What if I could turn my passion into a profitable venture?' For your writing life, it might be, 'What if I could write a bestseller?' You fill in the blanks. The important thing is that you dream it, see it, and want something bigger for yourself: not another job that you get paid for in a different way, but another life where you express yourself every day. To me, this is the dream.
So, as we part here, I want to encourage you: don’t just read this post and leave it. Take me seriously if you long for a literary life filled with no cap on dreams or income. Write out “What if…” for your life, not thinking about the money, but thinking about the essence of who you could genuinely be, and then make a list of how to put your plans into action. You can get there, but you must close your eyes and let go.
Like this blog? Sign up for Clay Stafford’s newsletter, which offers encouragement, skills, resources, and knowledge relating to a balanced life while writing, marketing, promoting, and living. By signing up, you'll join a community of like-minded individuals on a similar journey, providing the support and connection you need. https://claystafford.com/newsletter
