What happens to your books, royalties, and publishing accounts after you’re gone? It’s a question many authors don’t think about—until it’s too late. But indie publishing veterans Craig Martelle and Audrey Hughey are tackling this critical issue head-on with An Author’s Legacy, a first-of-its-kind estate planning workbook designed specifically for writers.
More than just a planner, An Author’s Legacy provides a step-by-step guide to organizing intellectual property, business accounts, digital assets, and even final wishes, ensuring a smooth transition for heirs and executors. Whether you’re a bestselling author or just starting your publishing journey, this book offers invaluable insights into securing your literary future. Every author—no matter where they are in their career—should have an estate plan, and this new resource helps ensure that an author’s work continues to thrive beyond the final page.
The Overlooked Reality of Estate Planning for Authors
Most authors pour their hearts into their work, crafting stories and building a brand that can last for generations. But one critical question often gets overlooked: What happens to all of it when you’re gone? Estate planning is something many writers—especially indie authors—tend to push aside, assuming it’s a concern only for the wealthy or those with massive publishing contracts. The truth is, every author, no matter their level of success, has an estate, and failing to plan for it can create unnecessary complications for loved ones left behind.
Why Most Authors Don’t Think About Estate Planning
For many writers, estate planning simply isn’t on the radar. Publishing is a creative pursuit, and financial or legal considerations can feel secondary—until they’re urgently needed. Unlike traditional jobs that come with built-in benefits, retirement plans, and legal guidance, indie authors must manage their own business structures, royalties, and intellectual property. Many believe that estate planning is something to worry about later—but later can come unexpectedly.
The Risks of Not Having a Plan in Place
Without a clear plan, an author’s books, royalties, and accounts can become entangled in legal battles or, worse, lost entirely. Here are just a few of the risks:
- Royalties Stuck in Limbo – Platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark don’t automatically transfer an author’s earnings to heirs unless the proper legal steps are taken.
- Unfinished Works & Publishing Rights – Without clear instructions, unpublished manuscripts, rights reversions, and licensing agreements can be left unresolved, potentially preventing future publication.
- Legal Complexities for Loved Ones – Heirs may struggle to access business accounts, contracts, or even basic login credentials, delaying or disrupting the management of an author’s work.
- Loss of an Author’s Legacy – If no one takes over the management of an author’s catalog, their books could fade into obscurity, leaving potential earnings untapped.
How Digital and Intellectual Property Complicate Traditional Estate Planning
Estate planning for authors is more complex than for many other professions because much of their wealth is tied to intellectual property and digital assets. Unlike physical property, which can be easily transferred, digital accounts and publishing rights come with layers of contracts, passwords, and legal restrictions. Additionally:
- Online platforms have strict policies – If heirs aren’t granted access to author accounts (like KDP or Google Play), they may struggle to collect earnings or even maintain books online.
- Copyrights last beyond an author’s lifetime – Copyright protection extends for decades after death, meaning heirs can continue to earn royalties—but only if they have the legal right to do so.
- Subscription services and auto-renewals add complexity – Authors often have websites, mailing lists, or advertising campaigns that need to be managed or shut down, which requires access to logins and financial accounts.
Because of these challenges, having a detailed plan in place is essential. That’s where An Author’s Legacy comes in—offering a structured, easy-to-follow guide to securing an author’s business and ensuring their work lives on.
An Author’s Legacy
Information about estate planning tailored specifically for indie authors has been found lacking (if at all). Recognizing this gap, seasoned authors Craig Martelle and Audrey Hughey have collaborated to create An Author’s Legacy, a comprehensive estate planner designed to address the unique needs of writers.
Who Are Craig Martelle and Audrey Hughey?
Craig Martelle is a retired Marine Corps officer with a history in law and business, who transitioned into a successful full-time writing career. He has authored numerous best-selling novels across genres such as space opera, military science fiction, and post-apocalyptic fiction. His diverse background and extensive writing experience have made him a respected figure in the indie author community.
Audrey Hughey is a fiction author, planner creator, and U.S. Army veteran. She founded the Author Transformation Alliance, a community dedicated to empowering authors at all stages to achieve their vision of success. With a background in English and Ancient and Classical history, Audrey combines her passion for writing with a commitment to supporting fellow authors in areas such as planning, organization, and business development.
What Sets An Author’s Legacy Apart?
Unlike standard estate planners, An Author’s Legacy is specifically created to address the intricacies of an author’s estate. It goes beyond financial planning, offering detailed guidance on managing intellectual property rights, digital assets, and publishing accounts. The planner provides structured sections to help authors document essential business and personal information while preparing heirs and executors for a seamless transition.
Designed for Authors’ Unique Needs
Traditional estate planners often fail to address the complexities of creative businesses, but this planner is built with authors, artists, and independent publishers in mind. It includes:
- Personal Information & Business Accounts: Organizes key details such as royalty dashboards, business expenses, and essential financial records in one place.
- Intellectual Property Management: Guides authors on preserving copyrights, handling unfinished works, and ensuring publishing rights are properly transferred.
- Digital Legacy Planning: Covers website hosting, social media accounts, subscription services, and other online platforms that may require management or closure.
- Wills, Trusts, and Final Arrangements: Offers sample documents, including a codicil for appointing a literary executor and a sample will, to assist authors in structuring their estate.
- Comprehensive Instructions for Heirs & Executors: Ensures that loved ones and business associates have clear guidance for managing and maintaining an author’s literary estate.
By addressing these critical areas, An Author’s Legacy provides authors with peace of mind, ensuring that their work and financial assets remain secure, accessible, and beneficial to their heirs.
The Importance of Estate Planning for All Authors
Estate planning is crucial for both new and established authors. For emerging writers, organizing assets and outlining wishes early can prevent future complications and provide a clear roadmap as their careers progress. Established authors often have extensive catalogs, multiple revenue streams, and complex intellectual property rights that require careful management to ensure their legacy is preserved and their heirs can benefit from their work. By addressing these specific needs, An Author’s Legacy serves as an invaluable resource, offering peace of mind that an author’s work and wishes will be honored and effectively managed after their passing. No matter the size of their catalog—each author has intellectual property that needs to be managed and preserved.
Planning for the Future, Today
As an author, your work represents years of creativity, passion, and hard-earned success. Having an estate plan in place is the best way to ensure that your literary legacy continues to thrive long after you’re gone. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your intellectual property, business assets, and digital legacy are secure is invaluable—not just for you, but for your loved ones.
Whether you’ve published a single book or a dozen, An Author’s Legacy provides a structured, straightforward approach to managing your estate. This planner is not just for the wealthy or those with complex estates; it’s for any author who wants to make sure their works and wishes are protected. By taking control of your future now, you ensure that your books, your rights, and your digital presence will continue to serve you and your heirs.
Where to Get the Planner and How to Start Using It Today
An Author’s Legacy is available now for purchase, and starting today, you can begin organizing your estate with ease. With a user-friendly format, thorough instructions, and step-by-step guidance, you can begin planning your literary legacy right away. Don’t wait until it’s too late—secure your future and leave a lasting impact on your work and your heirs today.
