What about a bookkeeper?

jak77 · Aug 17, 2010

I am trying to find out if writers, literary agents, (etc in book publishing) would ever pay for a bookkeeper. Would it make a difference if that person worked in book publishing and understood author contracts and royalty statements? Any thoughts?

I don't have a bookkeeping service so I'm not trying to sell anything. Just taking a poll. Thank you!

BenPanced · Aug 17, 2010

Only if you're making crazy royalties, and then you should consider a CPA or similar professional. For assistance in contracts, you'd need to contact a lawyer versed in intellectual property law.

stormie · Aug 17, 2010

^ What Ben said ^

And welcome to AW

Becky Black · Aug 17, 2010

I'm sure an accountant especially one used to working with writers, so they can help them maximise their tax allowances for instance, would be useful if you were making lots and lots of money - or at least enough for a good living. But it's not on my list of things I need to do yet!

Jamesaritchie · Aug 17, 2010

jak77 said:
I am trying to find out if writers, literary agents, (etc in book publishing) would ever pay for a bookkeeper. Would it make a difference if that person worked in book publishing and understood author contracts and royalty statements? Any thoughts?

I don't have a bookkeeping service so I'm not trying to sell anything. Just taking a poll. Thank you!

I suspect many of us use an accountant, though I don't know any who use a bookkeeper. Many CPAs handle accounting and bookkeeping, and I've always found a CPA useful. But unless you have a very large business, I can't see any need for hiring a private accountant/bookkeeper/CPA, no matter how much money you make.

Susan Coffin · Aug 17, 2010

I have an accountant for tax purposes. I just make sure I have everything when it comes tax time.

Deleted member 42 · Aug 17, 2010

An accountant is a blessing, especially dealing with foreign rights payments and royalties.

Jamesaritchie · Aug 17, 2010

I used an accountant for years, but never a bookkeeper, and they aren't the same thing.

jak77 · Aug 17, 2010

Thank you for your responses

I agree with you about needing an accountant and not a bookkeeper, but just wanted to back up my opinion. I think in general, freelancers (in any business) don't have a need for bookkeepers. The business structure is too simple.

What about a bookkeeper?

jak77

BenPanced

THE BLUEBERRY QUEEN OF HADES (he/him)

stormie

storm central

Becky Black

Writing my way off the B Ark

Jamesaritchie

Susan Coffin

Tell it like it Is

Deleted member 42

Jamesaritchie

jak77