Eldon’s Comments (group member since May 30, 2016)

Eldon’s comments from the Support for Indie Authors group.

Eileen wrote: "Any writer who manages to make a living self-publishing would be foolish to go with a trad publisher these days...."

Couldn't agree more Eileen. In fact it's always mystified me why big name authors like Stephen King stay with their publishers. His audience is built in so I see no reason why he needs the publisher.

I find it hard to believe that anyone goes the trad route anymore. To each their own I suppose, but I've never understood what the big houses do for their lion's share of the proceeds. The only advantage they have is in marketing, and they won't even do that for new authors. They only promote proven commodities.

Laura wrote: "I have covers for ebooks. The images don't load properly to be used in th Kindle Direct paperback. Basically I have front covers but not back covers. I can't find anyone who will add th back cover ..."

Hi Laura! PM me if you're interested and I'll send you links to places that allow you to do this yourself quite easily :)

Sandesh, while we all congratulate you on publishing your first book, please refrain from self promotion in this group. A book recommendation is always welcome, it just can't be your own.

Rita wrote: "Like E.A. I have limited success with Amazon ads for my mystery books. Most months I'm just over break-even.

On a different subject, since 2013 I host a different author on my website each month. ..."

Nice idea Rita! Unfortunately, no links please.

Mary wrote: "Have anyone heard of The Ewings Publishing, LLC?"

Google ewings publishing complaints and you'll find their name on a list of overseas scams published by Writer Beware.

Davon wrote: "Help me get to Top 100 Free on Amazon. FREE 04/27/23 TO 05/01/23 "

Sorry Davon, no links allowed.

Tony wrote: "I'm not sure I understand the character of Wiley. Is he a warrior? Does he have special skills, training, to go against the Citadel? Why is he being offered an olive branch? I like the implication ..."

The thing about Wiley is he's an everyday average guy caught up in a situation beyond his control. It's part of what I hope will make him relatable :) And the olive branch reference is being offered to all inhabitants of the outlands, not Wiley in particular.

Julia wrote: "@Eldon: That's great to hear! How/when did they reimburse the 30% they had withheld? Or did you notice before you started selling your book?"

Amazon doesn't reimburse you the tax. When you file your income tax return with the CRA you claim the amount of foreign tax you paid and it comes off the total amount you owe, or increases any refund.

Julia wrote: "I was able to download a W-8BEN form when I retook the interview. Perhaps I didn't put in my SIN last year? I remember being confused when they asked for my TIN. (I don't have a TIN.) KDP also said..."

Yes that was the difference. I remember now. At first I didn't give them my SIN but once I did no more tax deducted :)

Julia wrote: "I'm retaking the tax interview, maybe I missed a part last year?"

Must have. I know I messed it up the first time. It can be tricky.

Julia wrote: "My tax with-holding info on KDP says they will be reimbursing me $0.02 CAD. I'm going to retake the interview."

To attempt a funny - I guess that's your two cents worth lol

E.A. wrote: "Eldon wrote: "E.A., you don't need to go to all that. The Canadian government will refund the foreign tax paid when you file your return. Plus, if you complete the forms correctly, no tax is deduct..."

Perhaps our situations are different then. Amazon hasn't taken any tax from me since I corrected my form in 2019. I also had zero issues getting the foreign tax refunded to me from the Canadian government. But hey, if your way works for you then that's what matters :)

E.A. wrote: "Julia wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm published with KDP through Amazon. They withhold 30% of my revenue for tax purposes. I completed the tax interview when my book was published a year ago, and I'm hopi..."

E.A., you don't need to go to all that. The Canadian government will refund the foreign tax paid when you file your return. Plus, if you complete the forms correctly, no tax is deducted to begin with.

Julia wrote: "Thanks, that's good to know. Will I get a tax form from KDP that I can file?"

Yes. I think it's a 1042 something.

Julia wrote: "Hi everyone,
I'm published with KDP through Amazon. They withhold 30% of my revenue for tax purposes. I completed the tax interview when my book was published a year ago, and I'm hoping that since ..."

Hi Julie! As a fellow Canuck and a trained accountant I can assure you that you can indeed get this money back :) We have a tax treaty with the good ol' US of A meaning our government will reimburse you the tax you paid to them. Just make note of the amount of foreign withholding on your income tax return.

On another note though, I'd look at how you completed the tax interview again as if it is filled out correctly no tax should be withheld due to the same treaty.

Tomas wrote: "Yes, BookBub, Amazon, and FB are the "holy trinity" of book ads, but that doesn't mean people shouldn't try different ways..."

By all means. I wish you good luck with it :)

Tomas wrote: "Eldon wrote: "my guess is the only one making money on Reddit ads is Reddit"

Isn't that true for most ads?"

I don't know. A lot of authors make bank with FB or Amazon ads.

Tomas wrote: "So it would seem.

On a bit different note, has anyone here tried ads on Reddit? Asking mostly because I've just bought a book I saw as an ad on Reddit. Of course, I guess the target demographic an..."

Never tried that so I can't prove it, but my guess is the only one making money on Reddit ads is Reddit.

Safe to say this crowd isn't fond of the cliffhanger :)