Image: at the University of Chicago Press Books' booth at the 2025 AWP Conference in Los Angeles, Jane Friedman stands with her editor Mary Laur, who holds a copy of Jane's book The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition.

It’s right here! The Enterprise of Being a Author, Second Version, is now accessible from all retailers, in paperback and book editions (Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble).

Why a revision was wanted

The primary version launched in 2018, and it was written largely in 2016. Whereas a superb chunk of the primary version stays related and legitimate for writers, particularly the steering on e-book publishing, the sections that handle digital media and publishing, journal publishing, and social media are sorely outdated.

My editor requested me to revise the e-book, so I stated sure.

What’s totally different concerning the second version?

The second version dramatically revises and re-envisions easy methods to finest assist writers perceive the enterprise they’re coming into and easy methods to method their careers with the identical artistic spirit as their writing. It provides refreshed examples and up to date business info in addition to deeper modifications that mirror how my pondering has developed. Almost all of the sections and even most paragraphs have been up to date in a roundabout way.

  • The e-book opens otherwise. I now begin with the largest mindset points that writers face (half 1). What looks as if a small concern or anxiousness at first could be the tip of the a lot bigger iceberg that threatens to upend all the ship. Writers should be taught to acknowledge these points for what they’re and discover ways to deal with them as a result of they not often disappear, even after a author is properly established.
  • Platform constructing constitutes a piece of its personal. Whereas I don’t consider platform constructing comes earlier than the work of writing, it has develop into a first-­order enterprise concern, and it’s sadly a subject dominated by confusion and unhealthy recommendation. Whereas a powerful platform could assist a author land publishing offers or paid writing gigs, that’s not the place its most vital worth lies. When constructed with intent and your distinctive voice, a powerful platform helps no matter enterprise mannequin you may create for your self: it means that you can construct the profession you need moderately than depend on particular individuals or companies to grant entry or permission. I deconstruct the parts of platform partly 2, with steering on the technical facets of internet sites and e-mail newsletters and a proof of how they function a basis for progress.
  • Extra e-book publishing and e-book advertising info. The number-­one query I’ve acquired over my a long time in publishing has at all times been “How do I get my work printed?” or, for e-book authors, “How do I market, promote, and promote my e-book?” I’ve included extra steering on e-book advertising and promotion, in addition to self-­publishing and hybrid publishing.
  • Much less business info on journal and on-line media. Due to the continued enterprise upheaval surrounding newspapers, magazines, journals, and digital media, I’ve pulled again on in-depth dialogue of those industries within the second version. There’s nonetheless appreciable protection partly 4 about easy methods to publish quick work in all forms of print and digital shops, with how-­to info on freelancing and studying to pitch—­abilities that profit writers it doesn’t matter what or the place they publish.
  • Newly added half 6 on enterprise fundamentals. I familiarize writers with taxes, enterprise formation, contract language, and customary authorized points. I like to recommend that nobody skip this half as a result of they assume they don’t want it; in case you’re on this e-book, you in all probability do want it now.
  • Workout routines. Final however not least, this version provides workouts in all chapters that assist you put concepts into motion, so you possibly can look at for your self how the enterprise works.

Publishing will endure extra dramatic evolution within the years forward, however I’ve tried my finest to keep away from presenting info that can develop into irrelevant earlier than the e-book even reaches your arms.

Do you handle synthetic intelligence within the second version?

I added a sidebar in Half 6, below authorized points, giving a high-level overview of the present authorized state of affairs pertaining to AI. Greatest practices round AI use in writing and publishing are nonetheless evolving, and I didn’t wish to say something that will be outdated in a brief timeframe.

Can’t afford the e-book?

  • Examine your native library—the primary version acquired a starred overview from Library Journal, so it’s carried by many library programs in each print and book kind. In case your library doesn’t but have the second version, ask them to order it; they in all probability will.
  • Examine my YouTube channel for interviews and discussions centered on points offered within the e-book.
  • You possibly can at all times entry the e-book’s supplementary assets for gratis to you.
  • Subsequent week, I’m providing a free class in partnership with Scrivener on what I want all writers knew concerning the enterprise of writing. Register.

Have already got the e-book?

I’d find it irresistible in case you’d go away a ranking or overview at Goodreads or Amazon.