Within the digital age, it's so much easier to produce your own work, self-publish, build an audience and make a living as an author. This is amazing because so many indie authors have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. However, without the umbrella of a publishing company to protect you, it can be easier to get into a legal bind if you don't know what you're doing. There are a few things you'll want to remember as you begin a career as an indie author.
Within the digital age, it's so much easier to produce your own work, self-publish, build an audience and make a living as an author. This is amazing because so many indie authors have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. However, without the umbrella of a publishing company to protect you, it can be easier to get into a legal bind if you don't know what you're doing. There are a few things you'll want to remember as you begin a career as an indie author.
1. You're also a business owner
You might consider yourself an indie author, but that also makes you a business owner. You'll be selling products on behalf of your business. So, establish an LLC or a sole proprietorship to protect your assets. Set up a separate business bank account for the money that comes through your business. When it's time to do taxes, you don't want to get in trouble because you don't have business expenses and profits recorded somewhere. Maintain accounting software and
legal management software. If anyone tries to sue you or give you trouble in any area, you'll have your documents lined up.
2. Copyright your work
Before you publish your work and release it to the masses, it's always wise to make sure that you copyright the work. If you don't, anyone can claim it as their own and earn money from it. You don't want to do a bunch of hard work only to lose all of the money to some scam artist.
3. Make sure the payment arrangements are clear
Payment arrangements are essential when you're working with other parties. If you decide to do an audio-book, decide if you want to be the one to read and record the book. If you don't consider hiring a voice talent. However, make sure the payment arrangement is clear. You can pay them a one-time fee to record and be done with the process. Make sure you get a lawyer to draw up contracts and make sure that you're not splitting royalties with the voice talent. It's beneficial to use lawyers that are connected to large enterprises like
Mitratech, but make sure you verify that they have your best interest at heart since you're a small business owner with a knack for creative writing.
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You might consider yourself an indie author, but that also makes you a business owner. You'll be selling products on behalf of your business. So, establish an LLC or a sole proprietorship to protect your assets. Set up a separate business bank account for the money that comes through your business. When it's time to do taxes, you don't want to get in trouble because you don't have business expenses and profits recorded somewhere. Maintain accounting software and legal management software. If anyone tries to sue you or give you trouble in any area, you'll have your documents lined up.
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