Business LicensingTasks Needed to Start Your Author or Publisher Business

  • Choose a business name or publishing company name or both
  • File for business license (county)
  • File a DBA (Doing Business As)
  • File for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • File for a resale license (sales tax, county)
  • File a trademark

Financials

  • Open a business bank account
  • Keep all receipts
  • Bookkeeping (hire out or do yourself)
  • Accountant (tax planning)
  • Create a cash flow forecast
  • Establish a budget

Legal

  • Establish entity (sole-proprietor, LLC, S-corp)
  • Website disclaimer and privacy policy
  • Liability insurance

Logistics

  • Set up your office (home or outside)
  • Get a post office box

Hiring Considerations

  • Virtual assistant
  • Graphic designer
  • Web designer
  • Editor
  • Proofreader
  • Typesetter
  • Indexer
  • Publicist
  • Marketing firm
  • Bookkeeper
  • Attorney
  • Accountant

Graphic Design

  • Business logo design
  • Website design
  • Business card design
  • Marketing collateral (flyers, postcards, bookmarks, etc.)

Tools and Software

  • Toll-free phone line
  • Commercial email delivery
  • Webinar/teleseminar
  • Photos/images
  • Postage printing
  • Credit card processing (in-person)
  • Ecommerce
  • Skype
  • Web camera
  • Contact management
  • Project management

Have you joined our tribe yet? The Nonfiction Authors Association is a supportive community for writers to learn about writing, publishing, promoting, and profiting with nonfiction. Join the Nonfiction Authors Association!