To turn your hobby into a business has been advice that has been around for a while and many have successfully implemented this idea. The idea behind this advice is that if you are passionate enough about something and can spend a considerable amount of time on that thing then if it is turned into a business you would succeed with the same ease.
While this idea makes sense on the face of it, book lovers like me for a long time wondered how it could be true for us as well. I have taken the time to put together a few business ideas that are proven to work, that book lovers can do to turn on the cash flow on their hobby.
In the end however, some businesses may be easier for you to run because of your inclinations, but all business is work. If you are a book lover looking to put the work in, then here are a few suggestions that just might work for you.
1. Write a Book of Your Own
It is said that 81 percent of people have a book in them but only 1 percent actually write it. Writing a book is hard work, everybody that has ever tried can testify.
It's quite easy to catch an idea for a book or to be inspired to write one. But putting pen to paper and persisting till the idea is fully expressed is where the challenge lies.
The advantage a bibliophile has over regular authors is that reading many good books creates a proper parameter in the mind of what a good book should look like, feel like and how it should be written.
You can explore regular publishers, self publishing or even hybrid publishers who offer a little bit of both.
2. Book Printing and Publishing
Some movie lovers love movies for the sake of the story, while others appreciate the process more and wonder at the production. It's the same with book lovers.
Some are deeply interested in the process of putting together a book. These people will thrive in publishing and printing, where they get to contribute keenly to the process of many good books.
This is a credible suggestion for the seriously business minded bibliophiles. Admittedly the business of book printing and publication is a big one. There is also fear about the taxes and business rates in that industry especially in the UK.
However, for a book lover looking to make a healthy investment into his passion to make some money off it, he must look more at the advantages of starting such a business now, the present trends in taxation and rates and the monetary benefits involved.
3. Freelance Editing and Proof Reading
This is my personal favorite. I mean what better job to give a book lover than to read some more and make some money from it? Proof reading and editing is officially an exhausting job for anyone, but if you love books it's both exhausting and thrilling and can become lucrative as well.
However, you must still maintain a business mindset to succeed here and make it a business that pays. Like every other business setting up freelance editing and proofreading business involves work.
To get flying rather easily you will also require some networking with other professional editors, they are a proven goldmine of information.
4. Story Telling
You can do this by volunteering at children's schools, summer camp programs or libraries. This way you have a ready audience which can become a market.
Not all bibliophiles are good story tellers, (often many fiction lovers are)but for those who are this is a small business idea that can help you make some side cash and it can be combined with another regular job.
5. Blogging and Story Blogging
There are many things a book lover can do with a blog. You can start a blog on a favorite topic of yours. For instance a person who enjoys reading biographies and autobiographies of great men and women might choose to start a motivational bog with emphasis on how so and so made it.
There are millions of blogs on the net agreed, but there is enough sky for all eagles to soar, with the requisite passion and skill you can turn a passion to a business via blogging.
Story blogging has also proven to be a hit on the net. You can start one and build a consistent following, sell ad space or even involve yourself in selling books through affiliate marketing thereby creating an avenue for upcoming and good writers to get their published works out there.
6. Start Up a Bookshop
Many will baulk at this idea, I mean there are way too many book shops everywhere! Actually there aren't enough. Even though e-books are taking over there is still nothing that can totally replace that feeling of coiling up on the sofa with a hard copy book.
One incurable attribute of a typical bibliophile is that they often cannot understand why people don't read as much as they do. They often want to make people read. You can do exactly that and make some money while at it.
You can decide on a Niche specific bookshop, for instance a Business and motivational bookshop or Religious book shop. You can also start a full time business off of selling used books. Used bookstores are often a good business idea. Start with selling off some of your old books, and then help some friends do same and before you know it Voila! You are in business!
It can't be a bad idea to turn your passion into a business especially if it works and these suggestions could just work wonders for you.