Becoming an Author—What Else Do I Need to Know and Keep in Mind?

Hello Crazypatterns team,

first things first... I’m a German living in Spain. Unfortunately, I can’t find work during the pandemic, but I’d like to contribute financially to our relationship.
My question is a bit unusual: if I earn money from selling patterns on your site, do I need to register as self-employed in the country in question? (Because of taxes and such.)
I just don’t want to do anything wrong… do you know anything about this? Are there even British people selling on your site?

Thank you in advance for your answer.

Bambie23 (Nicole)

Hi Nicole,

take a look here: https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/anleitungen-verkaufen

There you’ll find the individual steps to becoming an author. I’m sure there’s a way, even if you live in Spain. Maybe someone else here can answer your question too.

Of course, you’ll need to follow the standard procedure for self-employment and register with the tax office. That’s really important.

What you absolutely need to bring to this is hard work and a passion for your work. For most people, it takes some time to start making money… You have to factor that in from the start.

I’m already wishing you lots of fun and success!

Warm regards
Monika

Thanks for your reply, Monika.... I’ve developed a passion for crocheting, embroidery, and crafts... but I’ve never dared to sell my work to others. Let’s see what the Spanish authorities require so I can sell a few patterns.

Best regards, Bambie23 (Nicole)

Then good luck, and of course have fun designing new creations. 

Nicole, then you’re already off to a great start. I hope everything works out well for you and, of course, wish you lots of success here. I’m looking forward to seeing your designs.

Best wishes to you in Spain
Monika

Thank you for your motivation and encouragement @mowi "Monika" and @WollwunderPetra

Good luck

I think there are more users reading this who are thinking about becoming authors. That’s why I’d like to bump this thread back up.

@Authors, could you share, if you’d like, what that experience was like for you? When and how did you take the leap to become an author?

@Users,
are you thinking about becoming an author? If so, what’s been holding you back so far?

Hi everyone,

I’ve actually been thinking about (and was just about to) uploading my pattern just for fun to see what happens. The pattern is now finished, and ta-da—I’m completely surprised by how “difficult” the process of becoming an author is. Either I didn’t do enough research beforehand, or somehow it sounds too easy on CP’s end (just switch your account and upload the pattern), or both 😬

I actually thought that the earnings would be covered by the tax-free allowance. So I’m actually surprised right now by all the things you have to keep in mind… is there an overview somewhere of everything you need and what to watch out for depending on your income?
I’d also be interested to know exactly what’s checked in the patterns. Is there a way to find that out?

Best regards, Cin

Hello Cin, welcome to the forum. It’s great that you’d like to offer your patterns here. 

For me, it’s been quite a while since I started offering my patterns. But first you need a business registration and a tax number. Because even if you only earn a few euros, it’s income (at least in Germany). 

Take a look at this link; I saved it

Info for newcomers among authors - anchor for growing into the DIY business here on CP - Authors Forum (crazypatterns.net)

Hope it helps you a little, and have lots of fun creating patterns. 

Unfortunately, Cin can’t access the link because it’s in the authors’ forum. She would need to have uploaded at least one pattern.

Oh, I didn’t know that. Thanks, Ruth. 

I need to correct myself: it’s not necessary to register a business if you’re only selling patterns. This counts as work as an author and can be declared to the tax office as freelance work. That’s perfectly sufficient and saves you a lot of hassle.

And once again, oh dear, from me. I’m registered as a business because I also sell my finished items.

And I’m sure different laws and regulations apply in other countries.

Sorry for the incorrect information.