When it comes to writing as an occupation, every author is different. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of becoming a bestselling author who tours the world and pumps out new titles for their ever-expanding bibliography of works. Or maybe you want to publish an academic book of findings that will change your field for the better. You may even prioritize other professional passions but still want to publish a book on the side.

Whatever your career path looks like, there is room for every kind of author. No matter their chosen route, any successful author requires sheer determination, as getting published is no small feat. Once you are published, however, your path may look very different from another’s.

Types of Author Career Paths

As you explore these career breakdowns, try to picture yourself on each path. Which one resonates most with you?

• Author as a side business: You have a day job but worked hard to publish some work on the side, and you may be lightly promoted.
• Author career as a small business: Your author career sustains you, and you established an accredited company with organized goods, services, and a professional brand.
• Scholarly author and researcher: You only publish work when your research yields findings, or the argument-based book you’ve worked on for years is fleshed out enough and peer-reviewed.
• Self-published author: Depending on your own funding, you dedicate a determinate amount of time to your author career and may choose to have another job during this time.

Blending Career Paths

It’s important to note that these categories aren’t rigid. Many authors blend paths over time. For example, a side-business author might eventually transition into running a full-time author brand, while a scholarly author may experiment with self-publishing to reach a wider audience. The evolution of your author career is a personal journey, and your approach can change as your goals and circumstances shift.

Some authors also balance writing with other creative or entrepreneurial pursuits, such as coaching, speaking engagements, or offering online courses. This diversification can create multiple streams of income, making an author career more sustainable.

How to Move Forward

Deciding how you define and develop your author career is essential to achieving your version of success. So, take your next steps on the path that best suits you today! Whether you feel you’re just starting out or making a definitive pivot after years of writing, taking advantage of useful author resources can help you advance on your path and build a fulfilling career.

Consider joining writing communities, attending industry events, and learning about publishing trends to refine your strategy. Remember, no matter which path you choose, persistence and adaptability will be key to building the author career you envision. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep pushing forward!