“I’ve Got Paper Everywhere!”

This month's blog is about something I had only put general thought toward as I was going through the publishing process, but it's practical tip.

The title is metaphorical for me since I retain little paper but some people are more paper-heavy. This blog is about organization.

The amount of "paperwork" I've had through this publishing process is crazy.

I don’t mean just writing. Every author is different but with writing, generally speaking it's a good idea not to get rid of your work—prior versions or if you move on mid-project. Your drafts and excerpts might be good reference documents for your work in progress or you might end up repurposing them later. Then you also have the final versions of your manuscript to keep straight, to upload onto different platforms (assuming you are self-publishing).

I also mean everything associated with running a business. Being an indie author means running a business. If you don't keep track of things in an orderly way, then things are going to get messy fast.

Right now, if I look at my Publishing folder they include: Advertising, Beta Reader Feedback, Copyright, Cover Work, Draft Books, Final Books, Library Archives, Legal (Incorporating), Maps, Newsletters, Taxes…. The list goes on, along with subfolders….

I'm quite organized but the part I had no experience in was the business taxes. Well, that's not entirely true. I did excellently in my Accounting 300 class many years ago, but of course I retained none of that useful information in my brain for when I need it now, other than knowing to keep a few expense receipts. Fortunately, one of my good friends is a Finance major and guided me through the process based on Canadian law and provided useful tips. She's also patient because I know I asked her stupid questions. I finish my first fiscal year soon. Hopefully, my accountant will breathe a sigh of relief with everything I've prepared and I will save myself a massive headache.

(Cue Kent Brockman's accountant's mad rush on the eve of the tax filing deadline. Poor Myron.)

My point? Learn how to implement an organizational system that works for you—early on—and stay organized. Regularly back it all up onto an external hard drive or memory stick. It's time consuming and can be annoying, but it's definitely worth it in the long run.