I really am very glad that I have become an author in the Internet age! In fact in all honesty, I might not even be here if it wasn't for the sweeping changes that the Internet has brought into the publishing industry. Not only is it much easier to get your work out on the world stage, but there is a huge community of fellow authors out there who are ready and willing to help you make it in the writing world. Over the past couple of months I have managed to conquer two of the biggest challenges facing (non U.S.) authors publishing on Amazon Kindle - tax and payment.
While Amazon might get your book out onto the global stage - unless you have your tax sorted out, the I.R.S. will take a huge 30% chunk of your earnings. Ouch! While you can apply to get this money back, it is such a long winded process it's really not worth the bother. Applying for an International Tax Number was similarly daunting - which was why I kept putting it off. Then I was lucky enough to stumble across a blog post about the much simpler to get Employee Identification Number and after a ten minute phone call I was sorted!
Next was payment. Once again, if you are outside the U.S., the only real option you have for payment is a paper cheque. Yes, I know who even uses cheques anymore?? Anyway, once again a fellow author pointed me in the direction of a company (Payoneer) that processes your Amazon payment via an international debit card. Result - much faster payment without the hassle of a paper cheque.
As I continue my writing journey I am looking forward to continuing to network with fellow authors and clearing any hurdles that will undoubtedly pop up. Thanks Everyone!!
Next was payment. Once again, if you are outside the U.S., the only real option you have for payment is a paper cheque. Yes, I know who even uses cheques anymore?? Anyway, once again a fellow author pointed me in the direction of a company (Payoneer) that processes your Amazon payment via an international debit card. Result - much faster payment without the hassle of a paper cheque.
As I continue my writing journey I am looking forward to continuing to network with fellow authors and clearing any hurdles that will undoubtedly pop up. Thanks Everyone!!
