For the past few months, my husband and I have had to deal with such a shoddy business, we wonder how they have remained in business for so long.  I won’t bore you with the details, but it made me think of the business side of writing.  I have read that writing should be treated like a business, rather than trying to win the lottery.  Treat writing more seriously, and you will be taken seriously.

This is what I have learnt about being in business, staying in business and how it can be applied to writing:-

• Treat your customers with the respect they deserve; without them, you have no business.  It comes in handy before you start writing to know who your customers are and what they’re interested in.  You then know who and what to aim for.  You’ll understand their needs and will be placed in a better position on how best to serve them.
• Be polite to your customers and keep them informed with what is happening.  Keep customers informed by websites, blogs and social networks and make sure they are updated regularly.  Do not let the customer have to chase you.  Present yourself in a friendly, helpful manner – this will help endear you to your readers.  By taking a blase attitude of ‘if you don’t like it, go somewhere else’, then chances are your readers will.
• You are there to supply a service – customers expect it of you to provide that service.  There is no point in providing a service that you yourself are not interested in, nor can you possibly remain in business if you do not do your job properly, or even at all.  Nobody; readers and editors alike will want to bother with you.
• Do not make promises you can not keep.  If you have trouble with something, it’s easier to be honest about it, rather than letting editors wonder what is going on or leaving your readers wonder when your next book is coming out.  If you can’t do something or deliver on time, say so and stop wasting people’s time.

By providing a top quality customer service, you’ll ensure an honest working relationship with editors and a loyal following with your readers.

Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net