Is Your Writing a Business or a Hobby?

By Kelly James-Enger Chances are you began writing because you loved to capture your words on the page. Then, as you continued to write, you may have decided to pursue publication. What could be better than seeing your work in print? Why, discovering that you could get paid—sometimes well—for your writing. Whether you write for … Read more

The Business-Savvy Writer

By Jodi Brandon For most of the year, I think of myself as a writer. As I calculate my estimated tax payments and meet with my accountant, though, I am reminded that what I really am is a businesswoman. Most writers, I assume, are like me: more interested in—not to mention better at—the craft of … Read more

Record-keeping for Your Sanity

By Jan Weeks I eased into freelancing while teaching middle school. Back then, record-keeping for tracking expenses and income was easy. I just added my meager writing pay to my form 1040 and filed it with my W2 from my regular job. Then I started submitting and selling more, and suddenly all those scraps of … Read more

Profit Vs. Pleasure: IRS Rules Strict on Losses

By Julian Block Those obliging folks at the IRS allow write-offs to ease the pain for losses you suffer in ventures entered into make “profits.” But long-standing rules disallow deductions for losses incurred in pursuing “hobbies.” Because of that distinction, the feds program their computers to bounce returns that show full-time salaries and other sources … Read more