The Business of Bookselling: Managing Records, Taxes, and Publishing Costs

Once your book is published, you are running a small business. This workshop explores the practical, financial, and administrative responsibilities involved in publishing and selling books, helping authors understand the often-overlooked aspects and hidden costs of the business.

This session examines:

• hiring freelancers
• tool subscriptions
• obtaining ISBNs
• publishing/distribution
• royalties
• bookkeeping: sales and expense recording
• income tax and HST reporting

Focusing on the financial side of being an author, participants will learn about the ongoing operating costs, such as website expenses, software, and subscription services that are often overlooked when authors calculate the true cost of publishing. We will also discuss why accurate record-keeping matters, and how good systems can make it easier to monitor the success of their books and prepare financial information.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clearer understanding of the business side of publishing and the steps they can take to manage their writing activities more effectively.