Academy · Author business
Treating writing as a business
When does writing become a business and what changes?
Beginner
Writing becomes a business the moment you're selling something — even your first $0.99 ebook. The practical changes are small at first: track income (every retailer royalty payment), track expenses (covers, editing, software, your Pendraic subscription, ads), and put aside roughly 25-30% of profits for taxes if you're US-based. The mindset shift is bigger. Books are products. Different products serve different reader segments. Some books make money; some don't. Treating writing as a business means writing what you love AND knowing whether it has a market — and being okay with the answer to both questions.
What to try
- Set up an author email list
Related questions
- How do authors track income?
- What are common author expenses?