Finances
What It Feels Like to Get Your First Book Advance
WD Editor Cassandra Lipp talks about the combination of self-doubt and excitement that came along with her first book advance.
An Important Status Update on Government Funding for the Arts
While we continue to explore what this means to the greater writing community, we feel it is important to share the following letter from the Americans For The Arts with our readers, whom it may affect.
What Writing Expenses Are Tax Deductible?
If you're trying to earn money from your writing (whether that's by freelancing or trying to sell your novel) you get the benefit of business-related tax breaks. But there are some conditions. Here's what you need to know.
How Book Advances Work: A Simple Explanation for Writers
Here's the breakdown of what you need to know when signing a book contract that includes an advance, including what it means and how it works.
Free Money for Writers (Seriously)
Make good use of your time this weekend (and I don't just mean sunburning poolside). Check out ways you can get grants to cover your writing expenses (which can include research trips, child care, writing retreat travel expenses, website development and more). You have to put in a little work, but the payoff can be huge and can allow you time to focus less on bills and more on writing. Check out these two great articles on grant writing.
Flat Fees vs. Hourly Rates
My daughters like to play bookstore at our house. They hide behind one of our beds, pull up a giant pile of books and ask me to buy them—and I'm happy to oblige because 1) I love books and 2) it costs me pretend money. And I'm willing to buy nearly anything with pretend money. When you're discussing rates for freelance projects, it can often feel like pretend money.
A Writer's Guide to Taxes
'Tis the holiday seasona time for gift giving, celebrating with friends and family, and year-end tax planning.