by Amy Derby on March 5, 2008
Once in a while I’ll get an email from a fellow freelancer, either from a reader here or an online acquaintance elsewhere, who has a question about taxes. My answer to most will generally be, “I don’t know; I have an accountant.”
I once wrote an article on the subject of freelancers and tax deductions, and I actually had to do some research. By research, I mean not only reading around but also calling my accountant to make sure I wasn’t whipping out bogus information.
When it comes to things like organization and numbers, I’m a mess. Although I was a proud winner of the 6th Grade Math Olympiad team, and I got A’s in high school Algebra, all those years in advanced math classes did nothing for my adult life. I can balance a checkbook. I can add from a spreadsheet. That is where my skills end.
I had someone today ask me what an accountant can do for a freelancer, and is hiring one worth the money.
Is the price of an accountant worth it?
Whether it’s worth it will depend on the freelancer, her budget, and the price of her accountant. My time is generally billed out in excess of $100 an hour for the hours I spend working. Although this doesn’t include taxes, the few hundred bucks I spend on my accountant each year is certainly worth it to me. I’d spend days doing what he does in an hour or two.
What can an accountant do for a freelancer?
Here’s what mine does:
- Prepare tax filings.
- Help with estimated tax payments.
- Take advantage of the right deductions.
If you file as a business, an accountant is a big plus. But even if you don’t, my opinion is that an accountant is a wise investment for any freelancer earning enough money to have to pay taxes.
Do you have an accountant, or do you do everything yourself? Would you say it’s worth it?
by Amy Derby on March 5, 2008
When I’m not busy blogging for lawyers or recovering from mono, I’ve been known to dabble in a bit of poetry writing. I don’t do it for the money, but I know a few poets who do. While it’s certainly true that poetry writing doesn’t pay as well as many other types of writing, there are still a few paying poetry markets out there. A few:
The Atlantic
Send a typewritten group of two to six unpublished poems to the attention of David Barber, Poetry Editor, and include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage for return of the manuscript. Contributors living outside the United States should include international reply coupons. Does not consider simultaneous submissions or poems that have been previously published, even in small, private editions. Responds in two to six weeks and will pay upon acceptance. Copyright returns to the author after publication. Guidelines online.
Five Points
Pays $50 for high-quality poems. Send up to three poems per submission. Poems should not exceed fifty lines each. Guidelines online.
Poetry Magazine
Payment is made on publication at the rate of $10.00 per line (with a minimum payment of $150), and $150 per page of prose. Submissions should be limited to four poems or fewer, typed, and single-spaced. Responds within 4-8 weeks from the day of receipt. Guidelines online.
Strange Horizons
Pay rates for new poetry will be $20 per poem. Buys first-printing world exclusive rights for two months. Guidelines online.
Strong Verse
Send three to five poems at a time. Payment is ten dollars, for publication in Strong Verse and nonexclusive reprint rights. Response time may be up to two months. Guidelines online.
Tampa Review
Accepts submissions in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Pays $10 per published page for both prose and poetry, payable upon publication, one free copy of the review in which the work(s) appears, and a 40% discount on additional copies. Guidelines online.
Wascana Review
Looking primarily for articles on contemporary short fiction and poetry. Pays $3.00 per printed page for prose plus a year’s subscription. Buys First North American Serial Rights.
Guidelines online.
Writers Journal
Pays $5 per poem. Asks for for first North American rights. Guidelines online.
by Amy Derby on March 5, 2008
