How Authors Can Stay out of Jail
Wed Jan 21 2026
American Taxes, pay too little and you go to jail. Pay too much and you lose the money you need to reach more readers with advertising and promotion. If your records feel like a mess of Amazon deposits, Ingram payments, Kickstarter funds, affiliate income, coaching fees and dozens of random expenses you’re not alone.
In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from a CPA who works specifically with authors, about how to handle bookkeeping and taxes with confidence. Seth Norris welcome to the Novel Marketing Podcast!
You’ll learn:
A simple bookkeeping rhythm that prevents tax-time chaos.
How the IRS decides if your writing is a business or a hobby.
The most common mistake that costs authors the most money.Discover how to simplify your approach and how to avoid paying more taxes than you actually owe.
If you want to keep more money for advertising, marketing, or feeding your family, stop treating taxes like a deadline of doom. Instead, listen in or read the blog version.
Support the show
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American Taxes, pay too little and you go to jail. Pay too much and you lose the money you need to reach more readers with advertising and promotion. If your records feel like a mess of Amazon deposits, Ingram payments, Kickstarter funds, affiliate income, coaching fees and dozens of random expenses you’re not alone. In this week’s episode, you’ll hear from a CPA who works specifically with authors, about how to handle bookkeeping and taxes with confidence. Seth Norris welcome to the Novel Marketing Podcast! You’ll learn: A simple bookkeeping rhythm that prevents tax-time chaos. How the IRS decides if your writing is a business or a hobby. The most common mistake that costs authors the most money.Discover how to simplify your approach and how to avoid paying more taxes than you actually owe. If you want to keep more money for advertising, marketing, or feeding your family, stop treating taxes like a deadline of doom. Instead, listen in or read the blog version. Support the show