WEEK SIX – LEGAL and BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS
The words have been written and the story told. Congratulations on completing your novel! That’s a huge achievement. Now that the manuscript is done, here are some key steps an author should consider doing next:
1. Revision
and Editing
2. Decide on
a Publishing Path
3. Build
Your Author Platform
4.
Marketing and Promotion
5. Legal
and Business Considerations
6. Plan
Your Next Steps
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting several blogs that cover these steps in more detail, and I hope they'll be useful to you.
Happy writing…
Arabella Xx
Authors are not just creatives; they also become small business owners and rights holders, especially if they self-publish. Whether traditionally published or indie, here are the key legal and business considerations authors should keep in mind:
1. Copyright Ownership
You automatically own the copyright to your work the moment you
write it.
In most countries (including the U.S.), you
don’t have to register your copyright, but registering:
Provides legal proof of ownership.
Allows you to sue for damages if someone
steals or plagiarizes your work.
Consider registering your copyright with your
national copyright office (e.g., U.S. Copyright Office) when your book is ready
for publication.
2. Contracts (Traditional Publishing & Freelancers)
If you’re:
Traditionally publishing, you’ll sign:
A publishing
contract outlining rights, royalties, delivery timelines, termination
clauses, and more.
Possibly an
agent agreement (typically 15% commission on earnings).
Self-publishing, you may
still need contracts with:
Freelancers (editors,
designers): Ensure you retain full rights to your content, especially
your cover and interior files.
Collaborators
(co-authors or ghostwriters): Spell out ownership, revenue split, and
responsibilities in writing.
Never sign a contract without reading it
carefully or consulting a publishing lawyer or agent.
3. Business Structure
If you intend to make regular income from your
writing, consider creating a business entity:
Sole proprietorship (default
in most places).
LLC or limited company:
Offers liability protection and potential tax advantages.
Business license: Some
localities require a license to sell goods (including books).
Check your local/state/province laws to see
what’s required where you live.
4. Taxes and Accounting
As an author, your book income is taxable.
Consider:
Tracking income and expenses: Keep records of sales, royalties, marketing costs, software, travel,
and home office expenses.
Estimated taxes: You may
need to pay quarterly taxes if you're earning steadily.
International sales: Be aware
of foreign tax withholding and treaties if you sell globally.
Tools to help:
QuickBooks,
Wave, or Excel for accounting.
PayPal and
Stripe for online sales tracking.
Consider talking to an accountant with
experience in creative businesses or self-employment.
5. ISBNs and Imprint
ISBN (International Standard Book Number):
You need one for each format of your book
(e.g., ebook, paperback, hardcover).
You can use free ones (from Amazon KDP), but
the retailer becomes listed as the publisher.
To control your publishing brand, buy your
own from your national ISBN agency (e.g., Bowker in the U.S.).
Imprint name: Optional,
but professional. It becomes your publisher name on record.
Buying your own ISBNs is best for long-term
control and branding.
6. Intellectual Property and Subsidiary Rights
Your book has multiple potential revenue
streams:
Primary rights:
Publishing the book itself (print, ebook, audio).
Subsidiary rights:
Translation rights
Film/TV adaptation
Audiobook production
Merchandising
Anthologies, reprints, serialization: Can be sold separately.
Retain rights when possible or license them
selectively. Be clear on the rights you’re granting in any publishing contract.
7. Terms of Service for Platforms
When using services like Amazon KDP,
IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital:
Read their Terms
of Service carefully.
Know their
policies on:
Pricing control
Exclusivity requirements (e.g., Kindle Unlimited demands exclusivity)
Royalty rates
Payment thresholds and schedules
If a platform changes its terms, you may need
to adapt quickly—stay informed.
8. Privacy and Online Safety
Use a P.O.
Box or virtual mailbox for fan mail, returns, or public listings.
Avoid using
your personal home address when registering domains or ISBNs.
Consider a pen
name if you want to separate personal and professional identities.
Wishing you all the best when you work on the Legal and Business Considerations for your books...
Arabella Xx
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