Self-pub Decision Made

Hours of research went into my decision.  I decided to go with Kindle Direct Publishing.

Lulu appealed.  I learned much from Lulu's professional presentation.  Go HERE for a thorough table of contents that contains much information which pertains regardless of which company you choose.  Lulu presently offers an increased royalty rate until around the end of January.  Lulu also said that an author did not have to submit a Federal Tax ID Number (U.S. citizens/residents take note).

Smashwords frustrated!  I had to join (for free, natch!) to learn more.  I didn't want to do that so surfed around and gleaned enough to know the company shouldn't be rejected.

My next stop was at Kindle Direct Publishing, where the link led after I signed into my Amazon account.  I then learned I had to join Author Central before going further.  Lulu's easy information greatly appealed at this point.  I did not like the 'Accept' to join Author Central so called Amazon (1-866-216-1072 in the U.S.), got routed to someone who could answer a few particulars, and joined Author Central.

I found their 'Learn More' avenue lacking.  This business of a Tax ID number haunted.  I couldn't find an answer.  In order to obtain a Tax ID Number, a U.S. citizen/resident needs to have an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation).  I had attempted earlier to go down this road with dismal results (which I blogged about).  As are several other states, Virginia is actually the Commonwealth of Virginia with some quirky laws linked to the colonial era.  In Virginia, several towns are within a county but much jurisdiction falls to the town.  In my case, an LLC had to go through the town.

My husband and I live in a condo.  One of the rules is that one can't operate a business out of the condo, except from the computer.  When I pursued the LLC path, I had thought to pay for then printing of chapbooks that would be mailed to me and touched a very thin line.  I'd have to go before the town council for selling the books through the mail to people who ordered one.  I knew this wouldn't get approved and looked at securing a commercial mail box in a mall.  But I also wondered about all the trouble when I could e-publish.

So, back to KDP.  I called Amazon about whether or not I needed a Federal Tax ID Number.  No one could answer the question.  (I found this odd.  Their business is e-publishing, right?)  So, I e-mailed Amazon.  I did not need a Federal Tax ID number.  I could use my Social Security number.  If there are royalties, the money's filed as income.  This information does not apply to non-U.S. citizens/residents.  Those outside the U.S. need to check carefully and follow Amazon's regulations in force.


At this point, I got ticked at Lulu for what I consider misleading information.  Saying they don't require a Tax ID number implies other companies do.

Although it concerns me that (1) Amazon is stove pipped and the left and right hands don't know what they're doing, (2) the attitude of the Company is they've got the market cornered, I held my nose and made the KDP decision.

Enough e-pub stuff for now.  More links and info another day.

A guest blogger will be here the 24th.  And Jessica Bell's book tour will stop here on November 10th.

Thanks for your helpful comments.  I haven't gotten around to everyone to thank you personally, but will!  (Remy's getting all dressed up to enter the world. The kid sure does take up a lot of time!)

Have a great weekend!