The Heir Affair

What writers need to think about before they die

This article first appeared in print in the November 2023 issue of Writing Magazine.

None of us wants to think about our death. But, as writers, thanks to copyright, our words continue living and generating an income for our heirs after we die. So, have you considered what your beneficiaries will have to deal with when you’re no longer here to show them?

November is National Will Writing Month and many solicitors provide free or discounted will-writing services during this period. However, getting a last will and testament drafted is only part of the story. Even if we treat our writing as a hobby, there are steps we should all take right now to help our executors, beneficiaries, and heirs for when the time comes.

Potential Problems

Imagine you’ve shuffled off to the big blank page in the sky. While coping with their grief, relatives find your will and let your appointed executor know. They inform your bank, who freezes your bank account with immediate effect.

This means the bank won’t accept any further royalty payments. Self-publishing platforms usually pay out every month, unlike traditional publishers who pay every six months. Will your heirs know when money should be coming into your account?