A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: 🕊️ When an Author Dies: What Every Writer Should Put in Place Before It Happens

 

There’s a quiet truth in publishing that no one likes to talk about: authors die. Over the years at MSI Press, I’ve lost about a half‑dozen of them. Each time, the news arrived in a different way — a spouse calling, a friend emailing, a stray obituary someone forwarded. Not once did an author leave instructions for what should happen to their books, their royalties, or their publishing relationships.

And yet, someone always thought to notify the publisher. Thank goodness.

But this shouldn’t be left to chance.

Whether you’re traditionally published or self‑published, your books don’t die when you do. They continue to earn royalties, circulate in libraries, and live in the hands of readers. That means your literary estate needs clarity — and your publisher (or distributor, or platform) needs direction.

Here’s what every author should put in place now, long before anyone needs it.

🌿 Why This Matters More Than You Think

Most authors assume their heirs will “figure it out.” They won’t. Not because they don’t care, but because they don’t know:

• who your publisher is
• how royalties work
• what rights revert
• what contracts require
• how to access your accounts
• or even that your books are still earning money

And if you’re self‑published, the complexity multiplies: KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, ACX, PayPal, bank accounts, ISBN ownership, metadata control — all of it becomes a maze for grieving family members.

A little preparation spares them confusion and protects your work.

📘 What Happens to Your Books When You Die?

Here’s the part most authors don’t realize:

• Your publishing contract does not end with your death.
  Your estate inherits your contractual rights and obligations.
• Royalties must be paid to a legal entity.
  If you don’t designate one, your publisher must hold the funds until probate sorts it out.
• Your books remain in circulation unless your estate requests otherwise.
  This is true for both traditional and self‑published works.
• Your heirs may not know they have the right to manage your books.
  Or that they should.

This is why publishers ask for next‑of‑kin information. At MSI Press, I’ve requested it for years. Only one author has ever provided it — and he did so because he is gravely ill and thinking ahead. He set up a charity to receive his royalties, and the transition has already begun. That is wisdom in action.

📝 The Three Things Every Author Should Do Today

1. Designate a Literary Executor

This is not the same as the executor of your will.
A literary executor handles:

• contracts
• rights
• royalties
• permissions
• reprints
• licensing
• decisions about keeping books in print

Choose someone who understands publishing or is willing to learn.

2. Tell Your Publisher (or Platform) Who to Contact

Provide:

• name of next‑of‑kin or literary executor
• email
• phone
• mailing address
• legal entity to receive royalties (individual, trust, charity, etc.)

This protects your royalties from disappearing into probate limbo.

3. Leave Clear Instructions for Your Heirs

A simple document can save months of confusion. Include:

• where your contracts are
• where your ISBNs are registered
• how to access your publishing accounts
• what you want done with your books
• who has permission to make decisions
• whether you want your books to remain in print

Self‑published authors especially need this — your heirs inherit all your publishing responsibilities.

🧭 Special Notes for Self‑Published Authors

If you publish through KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, or similar platforms, your heirs will need:

• your login credentials
• access to your email
• access to your bank account or payment method
• instructions for updating tax information
• clarity about who owns the ISBNs
• guidance on whether to keep the books active

Without this, your books may be frozen, delisted, or orphaned.

💡 Why This Is a Gift to Your Loved Ones

Preparing your literary estate is not morbid. It is generous.

It spares your family from:

• legal confusion
• financial uncertainty
• frantic searches for documents
• difficult decisions they don’t feel qualified to make

And it ensures your books — the work you poured your life into — continue to live with dignity and purpose.

🪶 A Final Word to Authors

Your books will outlive you.
Your royalties will outlive you.
Your publishing relationships will outlive you.

But your heirs will not know what to do unless you tell them.

A few simple steps now can protect your legacy, your income, and your readers — and make life easier for the people who love you most.

These Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.

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Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.

   

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