Things Grinchy and Green: Author Business Basics, Tax Prep, and More

Author friends,

My apologies for bringing up topics Grinchy and green at the holidays, but really, it's because I do believe that handling some business basics and learning more about author tax deducations will get your 2026 off to a brighter start.

First, Join Us Tonight!

Join us tonight for our monthly free power hour for authors on Zoom. It's a little bit topical business know-how and a lot of brainstorming and community support for your particular questions and challenges.

We wrap up with commitments to do something to move our author businesses forward and a stockingful of freebies and incentives from Conspire Creative.

Wrap Up 2025 Right: Author Business Foundations for 2026: Set Up Smart, Stay Protected, Get Paid

Tonight: December 15, 6pm-7pm

RSVP and get the Zoom link here.

Second: On to Taxes!

I've just published A comprehensive guide to tax deductions for self-employed authors (for enterprises of all sizes and income levels) on Substack: Filing Schedule C and Writing Off Expenses for Your Author Business.

Most of the article is behind the paywall, but―if I do say so myself, and I do―it's worth the cost of a one-month subscription, even a full year's subscription, to access the information. If you don't learn something in the article that saves you at least the cost of the subscription, email me and I will refund your money.

A year's subscription currently comes with a free print copy of The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books mailed to your home through 1/7/2026. See below.

Third, Raises.

I'm giving myself and those who help me raises on February 1. No one does it for you when you're self-employed, cost of living is rising, and we're only getting more efficient and knowledgeable over here with every passing year.

For starters, my coaching rates are going up $20 per session in February, so if you'd like to buy a block of coaching sessions at the current price, you're welcome to do so now through January 31. Select the number of sessions and email me for an invoice (sharon@conspirecreative.com).

Fourth: Your Year-End Bonuses

As a reminder, here are our year-end bonuses for you. May your holidays be merry and your new year as an author be prosperous and fulfilling. Thanks for being a part of our world in 2025.

HOLIDAYS25. This coupon code gets you 25% off everything on The Profitable Author website―all products, services, and bundles―through January 7, 2026.
Give yourself the gift of profitability. We'll mail a free paperback copy of The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books to your home when you buy a year-long subscription to The Profitable Author / An Author Business You Love Substack. Simply buy a year-long subscription at the link above between now and January 7, 2026. We’ll contact you for your mailing address and ship your book right out.
Accelerate Your Business. Take an additional 10% off our next Author's Business Accelerator cohort that begins in February, 2026, when you pay in full Dec. 26 thru Dec. 31.