VILLA E!
I’m thrilled to announce that my new novel,Villa E—about the legendary clash between architects Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier—will be out next week with Norton/Liveright.
Category: News
VILLA E!
I’m thrilled to announce that my new novel, VILLA E—about the legendary clash between architects Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier—will be out next week with Norton/Liveright.
VILLA E!
I’m thrilled to announce that my new novel, Villa E–about architects Eileen Gray and Le Corbusier–is coming out this month with Norton/Liveright.
VILLA E appearing August 6!
I’m thrilled to announce that my new novel, Villa E, will be out in August with Norton/Liveright!
BIg thank-yous to wonderful femme-fellow writers for their generous words:
“In this nimble, atmospheric novel, two artists are drawn together and must reckon with their distinct creative hungers, the landscapes that shape and haunt, and the grace and the wound of the passage of time. Villa E is a work of tremendous psychological intricacy and physical beauty. Jane Alison writes sentences that are as hypnotic and lyric as the sea.”
― Laura van den Berg, author of State of Paradise
“Villa E is an irresistible tale of beauty, obsession and hubris. Jane Alison’s portrait of Le Corbusier as a master builder reduced to vandalism by envy is complex and powerful.”
— Nancy Horan, author of Loving Frank
“In this extraordinary novel, which somehow manages to be both lush and spare, Jane Alison depicts two artists near the ends of their lives, slowly converging on the exquisite villa one has made, and each has loved. Watching Eileen and Le G spiral down into the past and embrace the future, I, too, was transported to the shores of the Mediterranean: light, water, rocks, a gleaming building. Alison writes like no one else.”
― Margot Livesey, author of The Road from Belhaven
VILLA E!
I’m thrilled to announce that my new novel, VILLA E, will be out August 6 with Norton/Liveright! And grateful indeed for these kind words from wonderful femme-fellow writers:
“Villa E is an irresistible tale of beauty, obsession and hubris. Jane Alison’s portrait of Le Corbusier as a master builder reduced to vandalism by envy is complex and powerful.”
— Nancy Horan, author of Loving Frank
“In this nimble, atmospheric novel, two artists are drawn together and must reckon with their distinct creative hungers, the landscapes that shape and haunt, and the grace and the wound of the passage of time. Villa E is a work of tremendous psychological intricacy and physical beauty. Jane Alison writes sentences that are as hypnotic and lyric as the sea.”
― Laura van den Berg, author of State of Paradise
“In this extraordinary novel, which somehow manages to be both lush and spare, Jane Alison depicts two artists near the ends of their lives, slowly converging on the exquisite villa one has made, and each has loved. Watching Eileen and Le G spiral down into the past and embrace the future, I, too, was transported to the shores of the Mediterranean: light, water, rocks, a gleaming building. Alison writes like no one else.”
― Margot Livesey, author of The Road from Belhaven
Starting a Corporation for Your Creative Business: A Guide for Authors and Entrepreneurs
For authors, artists, and creative entrepreneurs, starting an iowa corporation can be a strategic way to protect personal assets, formalize a brand, and open doors to growth opportunities. Whether you’re an author expanding your publishing activities, a freelancer establishing a creative studio, or an entrepreneur with a vision, forming a corporation can bring valuable benefits. Here’s a guide to help you understand the process and advantages of starting a corporation for your creative business.
1. Why Start a Corporation as a Creative Entrepreneur?
Corporations provide unique advantages for creative professionals by separating personal and business assets, protecting intellectual property, and building credibility.
- Liability Protection: A corporation creates a legal barrier between your personal and business assets, reducing personal liability for business debts.
- Tax Benefits: Corporations often provide tax options that can be beneficial as your business income grows.
- Professional Image: Operating as a corporation can enhance your credibility, making it easier to work with other businesses, secure funding, or sign publishing and licensing agreements.
Understanding these benefits can help you decide if forming a corporation is the right step for your creative business.
2. Choose the Right Corporation Type
Corporations come in several forms, each with different advantages depending on your goals and growth plans. Common types for creative businesses include:
- C Corporation: Ideal for larger businesses, allowing for unlimited shareholders, though subject to double taxation. A C Corporation can attract investors if you plan to grow significantly.
- S Corporation: Suitable for small businesses, offering pass-through taxation where income is taxed only on shareholders’ personal returns. This structure is great if you want the flexibility of a corporation without the tax burden of double taxation.
- Nonprofit Corporation: If your business has a mission related to education, advocacy, or public benefit, incorporating as a nonprofit can allow you to apply for tax-exempt status.
Choosing the right structure depends on your goals, business model, and anticipated growth.
3. Pick a Unique Business Name
Your corporation’s name is a critical part of your brand. It should be memorable, relevant, and distinct.
- Check Name Availability: Search your state’s business registry to confirm the name isn’t in use.
- Domain Name: If you plan to operate a website, make sure a matching domain name is available for consistency across online and offline branding.
- Comply with Naming Laws: Most states require that corporate names include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or abbreviations like “Corp.” or “Inc.”
A unique, recognizable name will set you apart and help establish your business’s identity.
4. Draft and File Your Articles of Incorporation
The Articles of Incorporation is the document that legally establishes your corporation. You’ll need to file this with your state’s Secretary of State office.
- Essential Details: Include your business name, principal address, purpose of the corporation, and the names of initial directors.
- Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent with a physical address in your state who can receive legal documents on behalf of the corporation.
- Filing Fee: Most states charge a filing fee, typically between $50 and $200, depending on your state.
Once filed, the Articles of Incorporation legally formalize your corporation, giving it a unique identity.
5. Create Corporate Bylaws
Corporate bylaws outline how your corporation will operate, providing guidance on roles, decision-making, and responsibilities. They’re essential for smooth operations and legal compliance.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Define the roles of directors, officers, and shareholders.
- Decision-Making Processes: Include procedures for voting on important business decisions, electing officers, and handling conflicts.
- Meeting Guidelines: Specify the frequency of meetings, who can call them, and what constitutes a quorum for decisions.
Bylaws provide a framework for operating the corporation professionally and transparently.
6. Hold an Organizational Meeting
An initial organizational meeting formalizes the launch of your corporation and sets up operational and management structures.
- Elect Officers: Appoint key officers, such as the CEO, Treasurer, and Secretary, who will oversee daily operations.
- Approve Bylaws: Present and approve the corporate bylaws.
- Document Meeting Minutes: Record key decisions and actions in meeting minutes, as these documents may be required by law for corporate compliance.
The organizational meeting solidifies your corporation’s structure and prepares it for daily operations.
7. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a tax ID number required by the IRS for filing taxes, opening a business bank account, and hiring employees.
- Apply Online: You can get an EIN through the IRS website for free.
- Use for Tax Filing: This number is essential for corporate tax filings and payroll.
- Open a Business Bank Account: Having an EIN allows you to open a business bank account and manage your finances professionally.
An EIN is a crucial step in establishing your corporation’s financial identity.
8. Register for State and Local Permits and Licenses
Depending on your business activities and location, you may need specific permits or licenses to operate legally.
- Business License: Check with local authorities to confirm whether a general business license is required.
- Publishing or Media-Specific Permits: If your corporation involves publishing or media activities, certain permits may be required, especially if you sell directly to consumers.
- Trademark Registration: Consider trademarking your business name or logo to protect your intellectual property.
Following these steps ensures your corporation is compliant with state and local regulations.
9. Establish Financial and Record-Keeping Systems
Proper financial management and record-keeping are essential for corporate compliance and transparency.
- Open a Business Bank Account: A separate bank account keeps personal and business funds separate, simplifying accounting and protecting your personal assets.
- Use Accounting Software: Consider software like QuickBooks or Wave to track expenses, invoices, and revenue.
- Document All Transactions and Decisions: Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and major decisions, as these may be required for corporate filings.
Financial organization helps you maintain clear records, simplifying tax filing and future audits.
Final Thoughts
Starting a corporation can offer substantial benefits for authors, creatives, and small business owners. By following these steps, you’ll establish a strong legal foundation and set your business up for long-term success. JaneAlisonAuthor.com supports entrepreneurs and creative professionals with insights and resources to help them turn their passions into sustainable ventures.