There are self-publishing companies that provide editing services at different levels, although their fees vary. You also could try hiring an independent editor directly, although this may not save you any money. You also might have several people read your book before you finalize it for publication. They can give you valuable feedback on the pacing, flow, and readability of your book.

If you intend to use these services, check to see who ultimately owns the rights to the cover. If your book gets bought by a traditional publisher or you otherwise part ways with the self-publishing company, you want to make sure you don’t lose your cover design. You also can hire your own artist or graphic designer to design your book, including the front and back cover, but this may cost more than using the design services offered by a self-publishing company.

When your book is published, you must send one copy of the book to each of the five Copyright Libraries in the UK. Some self-publishing companies take care of this for you. You’ll also need to get an ISBN for your book. While this isn’t a legal requirement, it’s necessary if you want your book to be sold in any stores. Some self-publishing services will get your ISBN for you, while for others you have to purchase an ISBN yourself.

The U. S. and the UK have a tax treaty, so as a British author with an EIN you can change your withholding from 30 percent to zero. To get an EIN, call the IRS at +12679411099. When someone answers, tell them you want to get an EIN. Tell them you are a “sole trader” self-publishing eBooks. They will ask you for some information about yourself. Spell everything out and make sure it’s correct and matches the information you will use to set up your eBook accounts. The operator will give you an EIN over the phone. Write the number down and keep it in a safe place.

The form states that you are the owner of the royalties subject to withholding, and you are not a U. S. citizen.

You may be asked if you have an EIN or if you have a “U. S. tax identification number (TIN). " Indicate that you do, and enter the number when prompted. Check your name and address information on your account and make sure they match the information you gave to receive your EIN.

Find out ahead of time if the self-publishing service you want to use needs you to mail them a physical form. You’ll want to allow time for that before your book is published, if possible, so they aren’t withholding royalties in the meantime.

If the company attempts to verify your EIN before IRS records are updated, it may reject your tax information. Simply enter the same information again until it is accepted.

You don’t necessarily have to sit up a separate business for your self-published books. You can operate as a business under your own name. You can register for self-assessment taxes online. Go to www. gov. uk/set-up-sole-trader and click on the link to register. Follow the prompts and you can file and pay your taxes online. When you register, you’ll receive a 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). Keep this number in a safe place along with your EIN and other information related to your self-publishing venture.

For example, if you have a website and blog to promote your self-published book, you may be able to deduct the registration and hosting fees required to maintain that website. If you have any questions about what expenses may be deductible, talk to a tax professional before you file your self-assessment.

You must file a self-assessment tax return even if you have a day job. While taxes are taken out of your paycheck, they are not taken out of your royalties. If you registered online, you also can fill out and submit your tax return online.

You’ll pay £2. 85 per week for Class 2 National Insurance if your profits are more than £6,025 for the year. If your profits are more than £8,164, you’ll pay at the rate of 9 percent on profits between £8,164 and £45,000, and 2 percent on all profits over £45,000.

Consult a lawyer or tax professional if you’re unsure which expenses you should include, or if you have any further questions about the self-assessment tax return.