You are an author. Terrific!

Job or Hobby
But now the question is: Are you going to make money out of it or is it a fun sideline?

You can produce books as a fun and profitable sideline but don’t count on it. Writing takes work. It is a job. Writing books is not easy. Money from selling books is not easy.

Hobby
If you are writing books as a hobby, it means that you pay all the expenses and may be reimbursed some of the costs. Writing the book is not your day job.

Getting published is easier and a lot less hassle.

• You write;
• You print;
• You sell ;
• You enjoy.

Job
Now, if you are writing your book to make money. You are planning to sell your book at a profit. You have to step into a whole new arena.

As a freelance writer you may not need to set a business but still publish books. Check with an accountant or writers centre for more personal information about you attentions.

Let’s clarify the purpose of your book

• To add to your current career or business, or
• To start a new career or business.

If you have a current business make sure you have a clear goal about this book. Other books may have other goals.

You goal may be to:

• Introducing new people to your business. You want to convert them into customers.
• Write something for your converted audience.

From the business point of view this is only a new project so your bookkeeping and organisation will reflect this.

New Business
New business - new venture: you will have to set up a business from scratch. So if you serious think that you have what it take to be a serious author. Then you should set up a business.

You may become the publisher as in a self-publishing business. Consider how many strings you have to your bow. That is as a writer and author what other avenues will you have to generate income.

Setting up a business in Australia requires an Australian Business number (ABN) and you may want to register for GST (Goods and services tax) but this will depend on your profits.

I will not go into setting up a business in detail contact the Tax department or an Accountant. The Australian Tax Office site http://www.ato.gov.au/

If you have a clear goal of what you want to achieve by publishing your book.  It will also focus your writing in the manuscript and make later decision easier.

Most people are to afraid to step out a write a book and then take the other step and actually get it published.

Good Luck

Leona