Can I sell copies of my novel no-longer published novel?

[SandraMustard]

I have a Lit reader who is wanting to get a copy of my novel. He is even offering compensation. If I can process his 'contribution' through a business Paypal account, then email a file copy from my erotica email address (as Sandra), am I violating any laws? Would it be better to have cash sent to a P.O. box?

 

[SlightlyGone]

I have a Lit reader who is wanting to get a copy of my novel. He is even offering compensation. If I can process his 'contribution' through a business Paypal account, then email a file copy from my erotica email address (as Sandra), am I violating any laws? Would it be better to have cash sent to a P.O. box?

I'm sure there was a common sense law that just got violated.

 

[sr71plt]

Your only worry is how you account for it in taxes. If you process it through a business account, you can just lump any profit in with the business (that's what I've done for years) and you would be clear on anything there. The only other point is that you haven't assigned publishing copyright to anyone else, like a publisher.

I don't see where such a transaction violates any part of common sense.

 

[SlightlyGone]

Your only worry is how you account for it in taxes. If you process it through a business account, you can just lump any profit in with the business (that's what I've done for years) and you would be clear on anything there. The only other point is that you haven't assigned publishing copyright to anyone else, like a publisher.

I don't see where such a transaction violates any part of common sense.

The question violates common sense ... whatever ever happened to critical thinking? I guess, 'Hold my hand,' replaced it.

 

[sr71plt]

Oops. System-caused double post.

 

[sr71plt]

The question violates common sense ... whatever ever happened to critical thinking? I guess, 'Hold my hand,' replaced it.

Please explain why you think it violates common sense (you've said it twice now without explaining what you think you mean). It seemed a quite natural publishing question to me. Your respond seemed just empty and rude.

 

[SandraMustard]

Your only worry is how you account for it in taxes. If you process it through a business account, you can just lump any profit in with the business (that's what I've done for years) and you would be clear on anything there. The only other point is that you haven't assigned publishing copyright to anyone else, like a publisher.

I don't see where such a transaction violates any part of common sense.

I only e-published through Smashwords. Did that entail publishing copyright? Since they decline to publish it now for minor content-against-policy issues (not legal issues), did they waive copyright they might have had?

Smashwords paid my royalties to my personal PayPal account which is tied to my personal email address. That was acceptable because purchasers didn't see my information. I would upgrade my account to business so I can present it as Sandra Mustard in name and email address.

Accounting for tax declaration is a minor issue. I would anticipate less than 10 'sales' a year at $5 per. I could declare it and not affect my taxes or not claim it at all. Their is no real business, no costs, no P&L, just misc income. But just to avoid hassles, I mentioned the cash idea. Sending cash is not recommended but not illegal. Sending such a small amount is a small risk and adds anonymity for the purchaser.

 

[sr71plt]

I don't think Smashwords encumbers copyright and if they've dropped your book, they've given any of that up anyway.

I make quite sure that my books show that I've paid taxes on book profits no matter how small (I just shuffle the erotica in with the mainstream). The quickest way to shut something like this down or shine a light on individuals if the government wants to do so is through undeclared income.

 

[NaokoSmith]

I don't think Smashwords encumbers copyright and if they've dropped your book, they've given any of that up anyway.

I'm sure this is right. Plus, Smashwords redistribute books to all kinds of other publishing websites. Selling your book elsewhere as well as on Smashwords is quite normal. I think the copyright is yours, just as it is with the stories you post on here. Smashwords and Literotica are just distributors, and unless you have entered into an exclusive agreement - like Amazon Prime - you can publish/sell the book as you wish.

 

[lovecraft68]

Its your material and you can sell it I would use paypal not cash and as for taxes just add it to any previous sales you made this year

 

[lovecraft68]

Please explain why you think it violates common sense (you've said it twice now without explaining what you think you mean). It seemed a quite natural publishing question to me. Your respond seemed just empty and rude.

They are being sarcastic as in they cannot see how someone needs to ask this question that it should be obvious they own it.

Not saying I agree, but I speak sarcssm fluently

 

[sr71plt]

They are being sarcastic as in they cannot see how someone needs to ask this question that it should be obvious they own it.

Not saying I agree, but I speak sarcssm fluently

A lot of folks who assume they know how copyright works get a rude awakening at some point.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I don't think Smashwords encumbers copyright and if they've dropped your book, they've given any of that up anyway.

Seconded. Last I looked, SW policy states that they don't restrict your right to publish elsewhere. Unless your buyer is located somewhere that makes it illegal to sell smut, you should be fine.