Journey to Self-Publication II

So, I have my federal EIN number, and I yesterday I sent one of the forms off to the state to register my trade name. Now that the IRS knows about me...

You know, I wonder why the state does all these things by snail mail. Wouldn't it be faster and more convenient to do it online? If I can get a federal EIN number online, why can't the state do what it has to do online? Just questions--I suppose the state has it's reasons.

One more step to Blackrose Press becoming a reality. I really gotta get a webpage.

Setting Up

Now I see why lawyers are so maligned. I'm trying to figure out how to set up a sole proprietorship and the information on the state's website is as about confusing as it gets. It's hard to figure out what I need to do.

But I'll be damned if I'm going to pay a lawyer to do this.

Bowker and ISBNs

It just occurred to me--if I want my ISBN number assigned to Blackrose Press, then I'm going to have to make it a legal entity. So that question has been answered.

Here's another I asked on Facebook--should I use Roxanne Bland or R. L. Bland as my author name? I keep vacillating between the two...

Journey to Self Publication

Okay, I'm starting out here on my journey to self-publication. I'm probably doing is bass-ackwards, but experience is always the best teacher. So anyway, I've found a book designer who advertises that they can design my book at a very reasonable price. I think I've found a cover designer. That's as far as I've gotten so far.

One thing I can't decide on is whether to just go ahead and jump through the legal hoops to make Blackrose Press a sole proprietorship reality, or just use the imprint. Making it a reality involves tax forms, etc. On the other hand, I do want to deduct all this stuff from my taxes for this year (especially since I'll probably owe). Perhaps I should just close my eyes, pinch my nose and take the plunge.

I should make a checklist. First, I think, is to copyright the ms. Then I need to decide what to do about Blackrose Press. Then the book goes to the designer. I suppose I could have the cover design worked on at the same time.

Then there's marketing. I've heard that I should be marketing already, but how do you market something that doesn't yet exist? I guess it's like a movie--coming soon to a theater near you. Or, in my case, coming this fall. And does anyone really read media releases anymore? Is it possible for me to ask any more questions? Of course. I suppose I'll find the answers as I trundle along...

Love that word--trundle.