Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The truth about running a small business

Authors at the Edmond Authors Book Fair 2012



     I'm part of a large group. Yes, the photo above is of a large group of authors, with me sort of in the second row, but I'm talking about a different large group: a member in the small business nation.

     As I watched a commercial on television the other day, I thought, "Oh, my, that's me, only my name isn't Dave." No, I don't do all the jobs in 4RV Publishing, but I do many I never realized a president would do. I've been forced into the technical age, kicking and screaming. However, I had to do the jobs no one else could do because he/she didn't exist. The 4RV Bookstore site, for example, is one of my accomplishments. I finished revamping it today, well, finished until more books are out, but I think I have the setup where adding authors and books won't be very hard -- I hope.

     I do the bookkeeping, the advertising, promotions, recruiting, and anything else that no one else does. I'm not exactly a one woman operation, though. I have Aidana WillowRaven and Harry Gilleland, excellent editors and proof readers. We have lost some illustrators but are gaining others.

     Small businesses don't get bailouts. We often get bailed on. I still am determined to put out the best books possible for as long as possible.

 

8 comments:

Rena Jones said...

You are very much appreciated!

Vivian Zabel said...

Speaking of one of those great editors.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Vivian. You're a wonder woman!

Vivian Zabel said...

I wish, but I'm just too stubborn to know when to stop. *grin*

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

You do a super job, Vivian. I'm honored to be a small part of your business.

Vivian Zabel said...

Beverly, no author, illustrator, editor, or other staff member is a small part of 4RV. You are all very important.

Melanie said...

I think I lost my comment. Drat. Here we go again...
I think you do a fantastic job! I'm happy to be a member of the 4RV family.

Vivian Zabel said...

Thanks, Melanie.

We're glad you are, too.