I was a college professor for many years, so anytime I’m creating content, I begin with what I call a “key idea.” Anytime that I created class material, it always started with the main idea of what I wanted to talk about or accomplish in that class session.

Other people call this a thesis statement or even a proposition. Regardless of what you call it, it’s a statement or a concept that drives everything else.

As we look at the 7 steps to building a writing business, there is one central idea that ties it all together. Let me give you the key idea, and then I want to break it apart phrase-by-phrase so you can see why each part is so important.

Here’s the key idea: The Writer’s Path is a sequential, achievable process to help you build a multi-faceted, robust writing business based on a growing network and multiple streams of income.

Let’s break this down a bit, phrase by phrase:

Writing business: This is a business based not just on selling the writing itself, but also on products and services based around the writing. In other words, writing is the hub of what you do.

It is also important that we emphasize the word BUSINESS. Coming from the ministry and academic worlds, the idea of making more money was frowned upon to a big degree in my experience. However, money allows you to do good in the world. It’s not something to fear, just a tool for good.

Sequential process: It’s step-by-step, and these steps should be taken more or less in this order. Now, I also want to emphasize that most people don’t necessarily do these steps in a set order, but for the most part, you will find that it’s easier when you do so.

Achievable process: You can do it! If you are motivated and committed, that is. You don’t have to be incredibly talented or work yourself to death.

Multi-faceted, robust writing business: This means your business is not just book sales, but also consists of other streams and possibly with client work as well.

Growing network: This is the big thing I see many writers missing—they don’t network and many have no desire to do so. This is a primary way your business will grow. I want to help writers network and build key relationships in natural ways, based on generosity and adding value to others.

Multiple streams of income: I do client work, as do many of you, and a lot of writers focus just on this. I believe everyone doing client work should have streams of income that don’t rely on clients—streams like courses, membership communities, their own books, podcast sponsorships, etc. I want you to have more security in your finances and also enjoy the benefits of income that comes from your own IP.

Daily Question: Do you believe you can achieve success in your writing business? If so, what does that look like specifically?