I’ve been busy creating Writer Jaw Books my dba for publishing my novels.
But first let’s discuss last blog’s clichés. How many did you find embedded in my blog?
Backseat driver-A passenger who gives unasked for and maybe unwanted advice to the driver of a car, or anyone who interferes without having real responsibility or authority. Originated in 1920s in the U.S., when many cars were chauffeured and one sat in the backseat, telling the driver where to go.
Big deal-An important matter; so what, who cares. To decide the difference between these two phrases–you have to consider the speaker’s tone. These uses date back to the 1940s.
Home free-To succeed without obstacles or difficulty. i.e. “With this new system, my job is easier—I’m home free.” Think of the children’s games like “kick the can” where a player must reach “home” without being tagged by another.
Now on to creating your business. First let’s lay to rest the question whether you need a fictitious name statement. If you use your last name in any part of your company, then no you don’t need one. If I said J. Winrich Books, I wouldn’t have needed to file a fictitious name statement. However, because I went with Writer Jaw Books—I had to file for a fictitious name statement and then I had to publish it in a newspaper. The paper will publish it one time for 4 weeks, send the publication notice to the County and a copy to me when done. You have to publish within one month of filing for the fictitious name.
I also needed the fictitious name statement to open my business bank account. The bank account: I hit pay dirt when I found a bank that was having a special on business accounts and opened one without any monthly fees. I also opened a PayPal account in the name of my business.
When I bought my ISBN numbers from Bowker, I bought them through the business name as well as my first bar code. When I purchased my pictures for the cover design, I bought them through the business name. However, my book is copyrighted under my pen name. The copyright reflects the same name as author name.
You also have to go to the State Board of Equalization and get your seller’s permit. I did this online. I had trouble finding the NAICS number and asked Linda McCabe from Destrier Books, author of Quest of the Warrior Maid what she used. The number is listed under Book Publisher #511130.
The business license: Some do, some don’t. You can get fined by your city if you don’t. I guess it’s up to your own peace of mind which you do. You have to go in person to the office to file for this. I suppose you could wait until your books are selling like hot cakes and then go get a business license or wait until you’re caught, but keep in mind you might get fined.
EIN number-This is the Federal tax id number. You can use just your social security number or you can try and file for this EIN number, which you can do online. I tried and after answering all of their questions, I was denied. Why? not sure, but it does say you need an EIN number for paying your employees. On the form I said I had none, so this maybe why I was denied. I’m a sole proprietorship, so far, with no employees. I could have said I had one, and retried, but decided not to. For now, I’ll use my Social Security Number.
It was exciting writing my first checks for my business. Now I’m waiting for the cover designer to finish the final draft of my cover. I’ve already uploaded the interior to CreateSpace, which is also now under my business name. More about self-publishing your book later.
Until next time, Keep Writing,
Julie
