Has anyone out there self-published a book?

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   homesteadboundposted 13 years ago

   And, when having to deal with self-publishing or writing in general, do you give out your social security number to everyone or have you gotten a tax ID number and are using that?

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   molometerposted 13 years ago

   I think I'd go with the Tax ID rather than social security number.

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   AdeleCosgroveBrayposted 13 years ago

   The American tax system is different from the UK system, so I can't answer your second question other than to say, if in doubt, seek advice from a genuine tax expert rather than well-meant but possibly incorrect ideas from non-experts.
   
   Self-publishing is something I'm coming around to, after digging in my heels for a very long time.  I've had traditionally published fiction, poetry and non-fiction previously.
   
   Ebooks are changing everything, don't you think?  They're changing how the industry functions, and how people access books.
   
   To this end, I've just self-published a collection of short stories and one single short story as ebooks.  It will be interesting to see how they sell.

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      purplmamaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Adele,
      
      Did you use Amazon to market your eBooks? If not, what/who did you use and how are your books doing? I have several manuscripts in process but I just assumed I'd try the "traditional" route. I'm now re-thinking that idea.
      
      Thanks!

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   classicalgeekposted 13 years ago

   I use a tax ID number.

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   Sophia Angeliqueposted 12 years ago

   Book publishers need your tax information. If you have a tax number (you need to get a licence from your city), then you don't need to submit your social security number. If you don't have a tax number, then you need to give your social security number because that is the way they identify your tax information.

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   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   Any business I am working with is one I feel confident giving my SS# too.

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   lovebuglenaposted 12 years ago

   If you self-publish with a publisher you will need to fill out a W-9 Form and there you can either provide an SS # or a Tax ID. You shouldn't have to worry about giving out your SS # to the publisher, if the publisher is trusted and many people use them.

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   lovebuglenaposted 12 years ago

   If you want to self-publish a book try lulu. They are a great publisher and can be trusted...

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      Barbara Kayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Are you using Lulu to prepare books for Kindle too or just to sell the eBooks?
      I've been thinking about two titles that I'd like to write.

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   triplehsdposted 12 years ago

   She's right. Check out Lulu. I've gotten two books and a couple of short stories in eBook format published.

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    bworthingtonposted 12 years ago

    I just set up publishing for a client who published using lulu.  They are a great option to self publish.  While you can use either a SSN or a TIN, I would recommend treating yourself like a professional and applying for a Tax ID Number.  It is free and the entire process takes about 10 minutes. 
    
    Lulu can do both ebooks and Kindle and physical formats.  Prices vary, but they are fair, and you determine your retail price.

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    JanHeathposted 12 years ago

    I have one book on Kindle, I formatted it myself (not really really difficult) and got a very professional ebook cover designed by a graphic artist from Fiverr.  The tax stuff I am still trying to get my head around - for example with Amazon Kindle there are different companies, US, UK etc so it gets complicated.
    
    Good luck with your books!

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