Archive for the ‘ Self-publishing ’ Category


Book Disclaimers Don’t Have to be Boring!

Many authors assume the legal disclaimers at the front of their books are supposed to be boring. They presume some pricey lawyers devised standard legalese, and they dare not depart from the norm. Not so. The law does not require… Read the rest

Sales Tax Basics for Writers

If you will be selling books either in person or through your website, then the law says you are to collect and pay sales tax, unless you’re lucky enough to live in a state without sales tax. And calculating sales… Read the rest

Business Set-Up For Indie Authors Now Available

Yesterday, I did a live webinar with Joel Friedlander on how to set-up your self-publishing business. including information about business names and taxes. You can view it here.  Why Authors Who Want to Self-Publish Need a Business Hat For more… Read the rest

Free Webinar on Business Basics for Writers

What are you doing Thursday, Feb. 11 at 1 Pacific time/4 Eastern time?  I’ve teamed up with Joel Friedlander to present a webinar on business basics for writers, particularly the nuts and bolts of setting up your self-publishing business. And Read the rest

Publishing a Book to Promote Your Expertise and Business

Want to be the author in authority? Want to create an instant credential? Want to be seen as the go-to person in your field? Then consider writing and self-publishing a book. Not just any book, but a book that shows… Read the rest

Overcharging Authors for Their Own Books!

Self-publishing authors give away a lot of books. First, to family and friends, especially those you can nudge into writing a review. Then, to potential bloggers, reviewers, bookstores, and other contacts. And writers sell their own books at readings, book… Read the rest

Think Like a Publisher (and Release Your Inner Badass)

I see this all too often. A writer wants to self-publish without being a publisher. She hands off her manuscript to a company like AuthorHouse, IUniverse or WestBow Press without doing any homework. She doesn’t even research the company’s… Read the rest

Don’t Let Your Hollywood Dream Turn into a Nightmare

With the successful adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s WILD, many authors are imaging their books on the big screen. What writer hasn’t cast a movie star into their leading role or heard the perfect song for their opening credits? I… Read the rest

How to Tell Which Self-Publishing Company is Right for You

The following is an update of a post I wrote for Joel Friedlander’s ever-helpful blog at TheBookDesigner.com. On the path to self-publishing, your first decision will be whether to: Engage a self-publishing service company (SPSC) to do everything from… Read the rest

Using Fiction Techniques For Writing Nonfiction

Long before I wrote the Legal Handbook, I wrote tons of fiction. I have short stories, screenplays, children’s books, and half-finished novels stuffed into drawers, both real and virtual. Since my day job is practicing law (a 95% left-brain activity),… Read the rest

Top