Do you need a writing business mentor?

The truth is every author needs a mentor no matter how successful their career. A writing mentor will encourage you to pursue their writing passion and share their expertise on the craft of writing through blog posts, introductions to agents and editors and giving their time at conferences to answer questions by those just starting off. These special people also answer questions from authors they meet because, believe it or not; they still turn to their mentors for advice. A writing business mentor does the same. They can answer your business questions, recommend qualified accountants that specialize in handling publishing contracts and can make valuable introductions to people looking to collaborate with other authors who are looking to grow their business.

The million dollar question everyone asks is how do you find a writing business mentor?

How can you find a writing business mentor can be a million dollar question because many authors are making a million dollars a year writing. A writing business mentor can help you whether you are a traditionally published author looking for an introduction to the agent of your dreams, or an indie-publisher looking for an introduction to a well known online marketing guru to participate in a webinar.

Finding a mentor is not hard. Here are five ways you can find a writing business mentor:

1. Search blogs on topics that have to do with the business side of being an author.
2. Go to conferences for writers and write down which speakers talk about the business side of writing. Association conferences are an excellent place to find potential writing business mentors.
3. Search for books that discuss business topics for writers.
4. A writing association is a great place to find writing business mentors. Volunteer to help at meetings. Run for office. Get involved. People want to help people who are giving their time to help others.
5. Look for podcast interviews on the business side of writing. (The person conducting the podcast could be a potential writing business mentor too!)

 

Once you find a potential writing business mentor, how do you approach them?

There is a secret that many authors do not know.

Finding experts to answer your questions on building your writing business is step one, but you need to the author to agree to help you. Many authors, if not most, do not know how to ask someone to be their writing business mentor.

Here is the secret to getting a writing business mentor – don’t ask them to be your mentor! Instead, help them be successful. Think you don’t have anything to offer them? You are wrong. Here are a few ideas on how you can support them:

1.  Read their books. Then post honest reviews. Every writer appreciates insightful feedback. Talk about what you liked about the book and how the information helped you.  They will remember thoughtful responses that show you did read their book.
2. Follow them on Twitter and engage in conversations with them. Don’t ask them questions. Comment on what they tweet. Don’t look to get anything from them, look for ways you can broaden their reach through your growing follower base.
3. Contribute to your potential writing mentor success.

 

That is the secret to getting a writing business mentor: give whatever you can. Recommend their book to others. Ask them if they are looking for first readers. Introduce yourself when you attend their panels at conferences just don’t ask for anything. Wait until they ask you if they can help you. When that happens, you will know that you have their trust. Now, don’t abuse it!

Treat your writing business mentor like a trusted colleague.

That magical moment will come when your writing business mentor starts to ask you questions. You can now ask them for advice, but only once a year! Okay, maybe twice, but don’t become a pest. Remember, they have books to write too.  You might be thinking you could have more than two questions. So does everyone. That is why you need more than one writing business mentor. Look to help three or four writers.

And by the way, as your book sales and short story sales increase, remember to looking for those writers who have started to leave reviews on your books. Respond to their tweets and engage in conversations with them. Make an effort to remember the names of those writers who approach you at conferences where you give talks. Recognize the time has come for you to pay forward by being some writer’s writing business mentor![/vc_column_text]