How to Start a Home Based Writing Business: Finding a Specialty

Four years ago, the idea of starting a home based writing business seemed like a pipe dream. I was stuck in a low-paying job as a bookseller for a large chain retailer, seemingly with no way out. But it was literally on my way out, at the end of my shifts, that I began noticing books about creating a home based writing business. Skeptical at first, I pulled one and then another off the shelves, sneaking back to the break room to page through them.

A home based writing business? Me? But I wasn't a business-minded person...I could endlessly spin out reasons why I couldn't possibly operate a home based writing business, and yet I kept reading books on the subject. Soon the question "How could I do this?" became "How can I not do this?"

Are you convinced that a home based writing business is out of reach? Maybe you just don't know where to begin. Here's how to find your focus-the first step in starting any business:

Consider the possibilities... Cast a wide net, and take your time looking over the catch. Once you start exploring all of the different ways you can make money through a home based writing business, you'll be surprised by how many opportunities there are-and probably more than one area will interest you. One way to get ideas is to visit a large writing website such as http://www.freelancewriting.com or http://www.mediabistro.com and look through job postings, articles, and blogs. And as I've already attested, the "writing" and "business" sections at your local bookstore should offer plenty of titles on starting a home based writing business, from the general to the specific (technical writing, freelance writing, etc.).

Never thought much about the fact that someone has to write the copy for newsletters, brochures, manuals, magazine articles, Web content? Never thought that that someone could be you? If it needs to be written and it can be written from the comfort of your living room or study, it can become part of your home based writing business.

...then choose a specialty. Why is it important to have a focus for your home based writing business? Clients are more likely to see you as a professional from the beginning if you present yourself as a specialist. If you claim that you can write pretty much anything, you won't be viewed as an expert in any given area; and potential clients may turn instead to the writer who specializes in the kind of writing they need.

Not an "expert" yet? How could you be-you're just beginning! All the more reason to find your writing passion and learn all you can about it. Have more than one passion? Most writers do. Try narrowing your interests down to two areas, or three at the most. As you explore websites, books, and articles to get ideas for your home based writing business, you'll probably be drawn to certain kinds of writing immediately. Trust your gut feelings. Yes, you want to make a decent income-but you also want to eventually replace the job you hate with work you truly enjoy.

Early on, I knew I wanted to focus my home based writing business on services for creative writers: editing, consulting, and teaching workshops. These were the things I already knew something about, or knew I wanted to learn more about. But a nagging voice kept saying, "You could make so much more writing for businesses." For too long, I kept revisiting this option, even though I knew deep down that I wasn't genuinely interested in business writing. I finally stopped driving myself crazy and concentrated my home based writing business on creative writing services.

Remember: "specializing in" doesn't mean"chained to for life." In figuring out how to attract clients to your home based writing business, you may find it necessary to get very specific in your focus. But that doesn't mean you're locked in. For example, I soon realized that freelance editing is a highly competitive area, so I've made it clear from the outset that my focus is on memoir and other types of autobiographical writing. The majority of projects I've worked on fall within this genre.

However, I've also worked on many other kinds of projects, such as editing novels and short stories, writing book proposals, even transcribing interviews. Once people discover the services you offer, they often figure it's worth asking whether you can help them in other areas. And as you can see, in addition to freelance editing, I write for Associated Content, as well as other freelance writing venues. While operating my home based writing business, I've managed to continue learning about various kinds of writing. The key is to do it one step at a time.

Bottom line: the primary services you provide through your home based writing business need to be simply and clearly presented; but you'll inevitably get inquiries for projects which might never have occurred to you. When the time comes to promote your home based writing business through a website, brochures, print and online ads, and the all-important word-of-mouth network, you'll be prepared to say, proudly, "This is what I can do for you." Then you can stand back and see what other fascinating work comes your way.