Accountants for authors and publishers
Specialist accountants for authors, writers and publishers
WallsMan Creative handles royalties, advances, averaging relief and the US withholding tax taken from self-published income.
What we do for authors, writers and publishers
WallsMan Creative is an ICAEW-regulated chartered practice working exclusively with the creative industries, acting for traditionally published and self-published authors, freelance writers, journalists, literary agencies and independent publishers.
- Self Assessment tax returns: royalties, advances, fees, PLR, ALCS and everything else on one return
- Averaging relief claims: where your profits fluctuate between years, which for authors they usually do
- US withholding tax: W-8BEN treaty claims and recovering tax already withheld on self-published royalties
- Royalty and advance accounting: including recoupment and negative balances on statements
- VAT: royalties, agent commission, zero-rated books and the registration threshold
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: quarterly submissions set up and filed
- Limited company accounts and Corporation Tax: for publishers, agencies and incorporated authors
- Payroll: for publishing houses and agencies with staff
- Tax and estate planning: including what happens to your rights and royalties afterwards
Who we work with in the publishing industry
- Traditionally published authors: advances, royalty statements, agent commission and foreign rights
- Self-published and hybrid authors: KDP, IngramSpark, Kobo, Apple Books, audio and direct sales
- Freelance writers and journalists: commissions, syndication and a mix of PAYE and self-employed work
- Ghostwriters and copywriters: usually fee-based rather than royalty-based, which changes the picture
- Screenwriters: where the work crosses into film, TV and media
- Illustrators and children’s authors: where royalties are shared and licensing is central
- Independent publishers and small presses: with stock, royalty obligations to authors and their own reporting
- Literary agencies: commission income, client money and VAT on services to overseas publishers
Reasons why we're the right accountants for authors and publishers
Peace of mind
We help our clients feel secure that the finance side of the business is under control. One less thing to worry about.
Tax savings
We help our clients maintain their business affairs and structure in the most tax efficient way.
Get connected
We only work with creatives so if you are looking for inspiration, partners or collaborators,we can hook you up.
Specialist advise
Because we only work with creatives, we know specifically what you can and can't claim for in your business and any schemes that may help you.
Which sounds like you?
Irregular income, multiple streams and quiet months. We build your numbers around how you actually earn.
- Personal tax
- Self Assessment
- First-time freelancer
- Thinking about going limited
Corporation tax, dividends, payroll & the full suite of creative-sector reliefs. Tailored for your business.
- VAT
- Payroll
- Year-end accounts
- R&D/creative reliefs and funding
“Fantastic service, the best accountants for creatives and creative businesses.”
Frequently Asked Questions about accounting for publishers & authors
Absolutely. The VAT treatment of digital products can be complex. We ensure you apply the correct rates and comply with EU/UK digital‑services regulations.
We understand the payment cycles in publishing and help you budget around advances, royalty statements and self‑published sales. We also advise on copyright income and international tax withholding.
We work exclusively with creative industries, including authors, writers, publishers, and independent creatives in publishing. With over 10 years of experience, we understand how publishing income and creative rights work.
Of course. We work with self-published authors and independent writers, advising on income from book sales, platforms, and digital publishing channels.
We cover all grounds. We advise on VAT for physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, digital platforms, and international sales.
Our 10+ years of experience, deep understanding of publishing, and practical approach mean advice tailored to how authors and publishers really operate.
This might interest you as an author & publisher
Guides and resources to help authors and publishers pay less tax and make smarter financial decisions.
Written by our team, for creative businesses like yours.
Related services
We offer a flexible service to our clients. Whether you need the basics, year-end accounts and tax returns, or specialist tax advice for creatives we can help. Browse the services and pick out what you want and we will create a package just for you.