ISSN 2689-4483.
By Jason D. Essex, Author of Lexicon 1, 2, 3.
With so many sources telling you what actions to take, in order to get published, graphic work and “digital content” those who have been reading such articles are wondering what they really do? The author of such works is the most important person in this change, not the least important. The question each has is “what do I need to do in order to make my work successful?”.
This article is by no means a completely “inclusive” list. Each of the actions listed is needed in order for the author to secure their “creative content”, whatever it may be. If you read any of the following actions, and realize that you have not yet completed it, or them, then do so.
The following may have terms that you are not, as of yet, familiar with. Simply preform the needed research in order to bring yourself “up-to-date”:
1) File Your Content Under A Business Filing: You are a business. I suggest a simple local filling and permit. Keep track of what you are spending, for what purpose and account for it as often as your are able to do so. Mileage, the cost of copies, envelopes, pens, devices, research, stamps et al. This also means that you will need a bank account to better record “out going and incoming funds”. Use a different bank than you where you have your personal funds.
2) Be Sure To Have An EIN To Join Your Bank Account: Along with your business documents ensure that your bank has a copy of them. A deposit box would also be a good idea to have as well. Also be sure to have a SEP to place funds into. A basic credit card in the name of your business is also suggested. This will further build your business presence.
3) You Should Have A Post Office Box: This is simply common sense. You should have in place, in order to better protect your asset’s, works and living space. Regards of what you are producing you generally do not want happy, or upset, people knowing where you live at the drop of a hat. A separate phone number and email accounts are also suggested as well.
4) Devices: Means what it says. Your should have a “work” device to work with and not linked to your personal life, records and accounts online. A secondary internet connection is also suggested. You will most likely not need a new phone and internet connection right away. You should also not use the internet on these devices, unless it for reasons linked to your content.
5) As Many Email Accounts As You Need: Email accounts that end with the name of your work, and hopefully your web site, can be purchased for as little as $2-6 per month. Do not give out this information unless you are working with a source that is linked to the publishing, editing or graphics portion of your work.
6) Camera’s… : Are important. They should be for the purpose of creating small videos for you to use in several different locations. Such as within social media sources, your website and for out going emails. *These should not be personal camera’s*. Purchase an inexpensive one just for this purpose and do not use it for any other reason. Only use these devices for the purpose of your content; no personal pics, please. If you at a convention review their policy(ies) concerning videos taken onsite at the convention. This also applies to locations such as other businesses, bookstores, restaurants etc.
7) Learn Some Basic Apps and Software: You will need graphics, the ability to enhance your logo(s) and written words. These are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. You might be surprised by how much graphic design for your cover, logo and other such products can cost you. Here is a hint: *go to a business that prints out business cards or tee-shirts. The costs from these locations is much lower and just as good.
8) Communicate With Your Audience: This is important to do, in whatever form you wish to do so with. Business cards, videos, emails and even physical mail may be of great use to you. Ask them questions and see what they have to say about your content. They might be on to something that you can fix, alter or include in future works.
9) You Are The Boss: Hiring others to do work for you is well and good, but protect yourself and your work(s). By binding those who do it in a simple contract that will allow for both of you to be better protected from harm. Include a simple NDA statement and the name of the individual or person, address (optional), phone number and or email account. Include what the service is / was and the rate of payment.
10) Back Up Your Works Digitally: Use whatever means you feel you need to use, but I suggest not using the cloud until it done. The use of disks, cd’s, dvd’s, flash drives and so forth is a must. Protect your work as you reach a bench mark, as well: You should know what this means, as well as who to contact, by this point and time.
Have a good day,
By Jason Essex.
First published online as of: 08/29/2017
Rebooted as of today.
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