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Publishing and the literary industry

Q: As a writer do I need to register as self-employed or set up a limited company?

If you are in business as a writer, you will need to register with HMRC by 5th October following the tax year in which your trade commenced. You will then report your income and expenses on your tax return. It may be beneficial to instead incorporate a limited company to provide your services through. Although companies have additional compliance costs, they can offer tax and other advantages. Brebners can help you understand the options so you can make the right long-term decision.

Q: What expenses can I claim as a writer?

Writers can often claim more business expenses than they realise. These may include computer equipment, office costs, writing software, research expenses, travel, editing services, advertising, agent commission and a proportion of household costs for using your home as an office. The expenses must be wholly and exclusively for business purposes.

Q: Do I need to register for VAT?

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 on a rolling 12-month basis or you expect to exceed this threshold within the next 30 days. Some overseas sales of your work may not count towards the registration threshold. Brebners can advise whether registration is required and whether voluntary VAT registration could benefit your business.

Q: What do I do when my earnings as an author fluctuate over time?

Authors may be able to average their profits across tax years, helping to reduce the impact of fluctuating income. This can make better use of tax bands and personal allowances and may reduce your overall tax liability. Brebners can assess whether income averaging is available and prepare the necessary claims.

Q: How do I deal with foreign withholding tax on royalties?

Foreign withholding tax on royalties can often be reduced, avoided or reclaimed by submitting the appropriate forms to overseas tax authorities. Where withholding tax cannot be avoided, relief may usually be claimed on your UK tax return, subject to HMRC rules and the relevant double taxation treaty. Brebners can help with both overseas claims and UK tax relief.

Specialist accountancy, audit & tax support for writers, publishers and literary agents

Brebners have been trusted advisers to the creative industries for many decades, and our expertise extends to the authors, writers, publishers and literary agents who shape the stories we tell. Our Soho-based Media Department is on hand to help you stay financially organised, compliant, and tax-efficient.

Why Choose Brebners

✔ Industry expertise

From managing complex royalty streams and advances to navigating the tax implications of international publishing deals, we understand the unique financial landscape of the literary world.

✔ Proactive tax planning

We go beyond compliance, strategising to maximise your earnings and minimise liabilities in complex tax landscapes.

✔ We move with the times

Accountancy is sometimes seen as a tired, stuffy industry. Brebners are forward-looking and in touch with new technologies. We leverage our knowledge of digital industries and use cutting-edge secure technologies in our dealings with you. We can also introduce you to the latest cloud accounting systems and advise on transition between accounting systems.

✔ Dedicated, partner‑led service

We’re large enough to have specialists in all areas - tax, payroll, audit, corporate finance and more - but small enough that you always receive a personal service and quick answers. Our team will speak your language and offer jargon-free advice.

How We Support Literary Professionals

Advising Authors

Whether you’ve just landed a first deal are an author with multiple publications under your belt, we can advise on working through a company, accounting for advances, expenses, record keeping, tax efficiency and saving for the future.

Rights Management

Manage your intellectual property rights for long-term value and diversified revenue streams, including through optioning to the film & TV industry, another area in which Brebners has wide expertise.

Tax Planning

Minimise liabilities with tailored tax strategies specific to writers' and agents' income streams.

International Deals

Navigate the complexities of global publishing agreements and cross-border tax implications. Brebners works closely with accountants worldwide to support our literary clients.

Agency Management

Ensure effective management of client accounts, correct treatment of VAT on agents’ fees and support in all aspects of payroll, bookkeeping, audit and accounts.

VAT Compliance for Publishers

Advise on UK, EU and international VAT obligations, including iOSS arrangements where relevant.

In the words of Hamish Clark, actor:

“I have been able to concentrate on my career without getting bogged down with concerns over the management of my money.

It goes without saying that I am delighted to have been guided and looked after with such intelligence, cheerfulness and style!”

For more testimonials, see Testimonials

Ready to Talk?

If you're looking for accountants who understand the literary industry, your challenges and your ambitions, our specialist team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a writer do I need to register as self-employed or set up a limited company?

If you are in business as a writer you will need to register with HMRC by 5th October following the tax year in which your trade commenced. You will then report your income and expenses on your tax return. It may be beneficial to instead incorporate a company to provide your services through. Companies have extra costs but can provide tax and other advantages. Brebners can take you through your options so you can make an informed decision for the long term.

What expenses can I claim as a writer?

Writers can often claim more expenses than they realise. These may include computer and office costs including writing software, research, travel, editing, advertising, agent commission and a charge for the use of a home office.

Do I need to register for VAT?

You will need to register for VAT should you make taxable supplies of over £90,000 on a rolling 12-month basis, or anticipate invoicing for this amount in the next 30 days. However, certain overseas sales of your work will not count to this total. We can advise on what income counts and whether voluntary registration is in your interests.

What do I do when my earnings as an author fluctuate over time?

Authors can, almost uniquely, often average their income across tax years. Brebners routinely make these claims for our author clients, ensuring tax bands and personal allowances are used efficiently and tax bills are kept as low as possible.

How do I deal with foreign withholding tax on royalties?

Many types of foreign withheld tax can be avoided or refunded by making filings with the relevant tax authorities overseas. Brebners can assist you in completion and submission of these forms. Where foreign withholding tax cannot be avoided, relief may often be claimed on your UK tax return, subject to the terms of any applicable double taxation treaty and HMRC rules.