Cornerstones: tax tips you can't afford to miss!
Upcoming author tax & accountancy seminar, competition deadlines, and more...
Dear all,
We hope you’re finding the transition into autumn/winter a peaceful one. Here at Cornerstones HQ, things are ramping up: we’re looking forward to a team get-together at the end of the month, and also have a couple of bulletins on the horizon to share with you all. Please read on for more!
We’re thrilled to announce a virtual seminar with accountancy expert (and Society of Authors Honorary Treasurer) Barry Kernon on all things money and tax-related. Not sure how to make the most of your income? The hour-long seminar will cover everything from the basics of tax and self-assessment to authors averaging, expenses, and capital allowances.
If you're a self-published or traditionally published author, this talk will be invaluable in helping you make the most out of your work, and if you're an aspiring author, you'll be able to glean some useful pointers too. For example, did you know that new authors can go back seven years prior to publication to claim what are called “pre-trading expenses”?
After his presentation, Barry will be happy to answer questions from the audience in a 30-minute Q&A, so do come prepared with your queries! 💵
Tax Matters for Authors is a ticketed event at £18.50, and will take place via Zoom from 12:00-1:30pm on Tuesday 30th November. Tickets can be purchased here.
This season also brings with it more exciting book news! We’re excited to announce publication deals for both Hilly Barmby and Alex Stone, both Cornerstones alumni.
I was signed by Bloodhound Books a couple of weeks ago for my novel, From My Cold, Dead Hands, which was edited with the help of a Cornerstones editor. It will be published August 2022!
- Hilly Barmby, From My Cold, Dead Hands (Bloodhound Books, 2022)
Hilly’s novel was “inspired by the phrase, ‘What if…?’ and her fascination with ethical and moral dilemmas. It is a contemporary thriller about identity, both personal and cultural.”
After getting encouraging rejections from agents and publishers, I knew my writing was just not quite where it needed to be. After an initial assessment of the synopsis and first chapter, Helen chatted to me about the various options and recommended a mentor for me to work with. Jonathan Eyers was absolutely fantastic. His insights really helped to challenge me, develop my style and find my voice. Thanks to Jonathan’s guidance my debut psychological suspense, The Perfect Daughter has now been published by Boldwood Books as part of a four book deal.
- Alex Stone, The Perfect Daughter (Boldwood Books, 2021)
You can read more about Alex’s road to publication in her latest blog post for Cornerstones, available here.
We love hearing about all of your publishing successes, so if you’ve worked on a book with us that has gone on to secure you representation or a publishing deal, please do let us know!
Lastly, a final reminder: the Bath Children’s Novel Award – this year judged by agent-turned-author Sam Copeland – is open to submissions until 30 November, while the Bath Novel Award opens its doors to submissions from 1 December.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the writing, editing, or submissions process, we’re here to help.
Very best,
The Cornerstones Team
Industry tip:
Are you taking part in this year’s NaNoWriMo? If so, be sure to follow their NaNoWordSprints account for some extra motivation and the chance to write alongside others… ⏰⏳🕰