Public Lending Rights
Under the Public Lending Right (PLR) system, payment is made from public funds to authors (writers, translators, illustrators and some editors/compilers) whose books are lent out from public libraries. Payment is made once a year, and the amount authors receive is proportionate to the numbers of times that their books were borrowed during the previous year (July to June). The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook 2007 gives information on how samples are taken from public libraries (only).
The bottom limit of payments to authors for a years’ worth of library patrons borrowing your book is £5.00 and the top rate, £6,000. To register for payments you need to request an application form from: The PLR Office, Richard House, Sorbonne Close, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6DA.Telephone: 01642 604699
This information is from the Writer’s and Artists Yearbook 2007 – page 304. For those writers who do not know this facility is available to them it would be worthwhile obtaining a copy of the above publication as it provides a wealth of information you may find useful.
Self-employment and Taxation
While writing or researching a book there may be some Taxation and National Insurance implications of which you may not be aware.
Although the information given by Advisers at HM Customs and Revenue varies slightly depending on who you talk to, the general idea is that new authors should consider themselves to be self-employed from the very early stages of their book. This rule applies even if you are in full-time employment elsewhere and paying Tax and National Insurance through P.A.Y.E.
To be sure you are not (a) going to be stung for Tax at some stage and (b) offsetting some of your expenses against Tax payments, I suggest you make contact with your local HM Customs and Revenue Office as soon as possible to ensure nothing comes up and whacks you from behind at some later stage.