Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in creative writing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hillary Leftwich, owner of Alchemy Author Services LLC, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Alchemy Author Services isn't just an editing service. It's important to me to offer everything an author needs to be successful in the writing world. That's why I chose to use "author services" specifically. My customers are first-time writers wanting to receive help with their writing to experienced authors looking for agents, publishers, or manuscript edits. I offer beta reading, manuscript evaluations, manuscript edits, writing edits (short stories, poetry, etc.), an agent publishing package (a customized pitch/query/synopsis with five agents that fit the aesthetic of the book/collection), and even 24-hour emergency editing services.
Tell us about yourself
As a writer who started out later than most and did not take the traditional track, I found myself doing a lot of homework regarding figuring out what journals to submit to, editing, agents, and basically everything you can think of that a writer needs to know. My motivation is to support writers--beginning to experienced--in obtaining their goals. It's hard to find time to write, let alone edit or submit. I'm here to help ease the burden of that and do the homework and hard work for my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So many of my clients have landed publishing contracts, but others have just appreciated the support and encouragement. That's what I'm really about.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Managing my schedule and having to say "no" sometimes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do your research. Are you a woman-owned business? There are grants for that! Diversity grants, woman-owned, get the help and support you need because it's out there! Learn to promote yourself and don't feel bad about it. Ask for referrals. Most of my clients come from word of mouth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://alchemyauthorservices.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alchemyauthorservices/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hillaryleftwich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryleftwich/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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