The Money Question: How do Self-Published Co-authors Split Royalties?

Summary

Draft2Digital has introduced a new payment splitting feature for self-published co-authors to manage royalty distribution directly through their platform.

Abstract

The article discusses the common challenge faced by self-published co-authors in splitting royalties, which until recently, required one author to receive payments and distribute funds as per a written agreement. Draft2Digital, a recommended self-publishing platform, has now launched a payment splitting tool that simplifies the process by allowing authors to collaborate and manage royalty percentages directly within the platform. This tool also assists with tax interviews and managing percentages for splits on any works, aiming to streamline the financial aspect of co-authorship. The feature is expected to set a precedent for other online publishing platforms to follow.

Opinions

The author, Jacquelyn Lynn, has a positive view of Draft2Digital, commending its ease of use, excellent support, innovation, and genuine care for authors.
The article suggests that managing royalties has been a significant concern for collaborating authors, indicating a need for a more streamlined solution.
The author expects that Amazon and other online publishing platforms will likely introduce similar payment splitting features in the near future.
Lynn recommends Draft2Digital's new D2D Payment Splitting feature for its simplicity and effectiveness in handling the complexities of royalty distribution among co-authors.
The author encourages authors to consider the various aspects of self-publishing, including potential mistakes, reasons for self-publishing, and the importance of not being a "one-trick pony" in their writing careers.
Lynn expresses a personal connection with her audience, inviting them to subscribe to her inspirational messages and sharing more about her background as a writer.

A question that I often hear when I’m speaking about self-publishing deals with how to handle royalties when two or more authors collaborate on projects.

Until now, my answer has been:

Choose one person (or entity) to receive the payments and distribute funds to the other author(s). Detail the process carefully in your written agreement. Include issues such as:

When and how the person receiving the payments from the sales platforms shares statements with the other author(s)

How much time after receiving the payment from the sales platform does the designated person have to pay the other author(s) and how will that payment be made

How tax reporting will be handled

What happens if one of the authors dies

I have been publishing on Draft2Digital for years and recommend this platform. It’s easy to use, the support is excellent, the company is innovative and regularly enhances their service, and they genuinely care about being an excellent resource for authors.

Draft2Digital has just announced D2D Payment Splitting

This new tool allows authors and contributors to collaborate on projects without having to worry about managing the royalties. D2D has baked in peak simplicity to this powerful tool, assisting authors in everything from the tax interview to managing percentages for splits on any of your works.

D2D Payment Splitting gives copyright owners the ability to co-publish works and control the percentages owned by each participant.

Go here to read the complete details on the D2D website.

I expect it won’t be long before Amazon and other online publishing platforms add similar features.

This article was originally published on my site at CreateTeachInspire.com. You can reach me there or email me at [email protected].

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Photos by Jerry D. Clement; text added by Jacquelyn Lynn

Self-publishing | Collaboration

The Money Question: How do Self-Published Co-authors Split Royalties?

Draft2Digital now offers payment splitting

A question that I often hear when I’m speaking about self-publishing deals with how to handle royalties when two or more authors collaborate on projects.

Draft2Digital has just announced D2D Payment Splitting

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