The next few weeks we’re diving into a subject that makes many writers squirm but absolutely needs our attention: what happens to your creative work after you die.
I know—morbid. But stay with me. Because this isn’t just about mortality, it’s about legacy. Your words, your stories, your ideas, they can keep earning money and inspiring people long after you’re gone. But only if you put a plan in place.
Think about it:
- Will your heirs receive royalties?
- Can they manage your books, scripts, or intellectual property?
- Or will your work quietly vanish because no one can access it?
Did you know: copyrights last for 70 years after your death, and screenwriters still receive residuals posthumously. That’s a whole lot of potential income (and impact) that you don’t want to leave stranded.
Why Estate Planning Matters for Writers
Your creative work isn’t just art—it’s an asset. Books, copyrights, and produced screenplays can generate royalties for decades. But without planning, your heirs could be locked out of everything.
Failing to plan might mean:
- Your books disappear from online retailers.
- Your bank accounts are frozen.
- Royalties go uncollected because no one can access your information.
In other words, your legacy could die alongside you. The good news? It’s never too early—or too late—to start preparing.
Start with the Basics: Phones, Computers, and Passwords
Here’s a quick gut check: if something happened to you tomorrow, could your family even get into your phone or laptop? Do they know your passwords?
I have a friend whose sister and brother-in-law died in a car wreck. They ran an online business, but no one could access their accounts. It took months of red tape and heartbreak to sort out. That’s a heavy load to drop on grieving loved ones.
Be kind to your heirs: make sure someone you trust has the information they’ll need to manage your intellectual property and settle your estate. At the very least, ensure your spouse, family member, or designated friend can unlock your devices.
Passwords: The Gatekeepers of Your Legacy
Between multiple email addresses and hundreds of logins for accounts and apps, passwords are the keys to your digital kingdom. Without them, heirs can’t access your accounts, payments may be missed, and your books could languish.
A password manager—like 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane—can be a lifesaver. These tools keep everything in one encrypted vault, so you (and your heirs) only need to remember one master password. Personally, I use and recommend 1Password.
The Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Puzzle
Here’s where things get trickier. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds security by sending a code to your phone or email after you enter a password. Great for keeping hackers out… not so great if your heirs disconnect your phone line before updating your accounts.
To avoid a digital lockout:
- Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS. Heirs can access these on their own computers and phones.
- Whenever possible, choose email-based codes over text-based ones.
- Remind your heirs not to cancel your phone number until all accounts are transitioned.
Don’t Forget Your Email Accounts
Most writers have at least two email addresses: one for work, one personal. But your heirs need to know which is which.
Why? Because email is the central hub for everything—royalty payments, account issues, Hollywood inquiries, fan mail, even 2FA codes. Without access to your email, your heirs may not even know what’s happening with your creative estate.
Make a simple list of your email accounts and what they’re for. You’ll save your loved ones enormous stress and give your legacy a fighting chance to thrive.
Wrapping It Up
Estate planning isn’t just about wills and lawyers—it’s about love. Love for your readers, who want your work to keep shining. Love for your family, who shouldn’t be stuck with avoidable headaches. And love for your creative self, who deserves to live on in bookshelves, screens, and hearts for decades to come.
So, take an hour this week to start organizing:
- Make sure someone has your passwords for your computer and phone.
- Get a password manager and start inputting your passwords. To make it easy, every time you log into something, add it.
- Explain 2FA to your loved ones.
- Get an authenticator app and start using it.
- List your email accounts and their purpose.
Your future self (and your future heirs) will thank you.
Read Part 2: Organizing Your Creative Assets
Learn More
My main source for this article was the phenomenal book The Author Estate Handbook: How to Organize Your Affairs & Leave a Legacy by Michael La Ronn.
Estate Planning Tips for Writers by Michael La Ronn – video
Estate Planning for Authors - by Michael La Ronn – presentation
The Author Heir Handbook: How to Manage an Author Estate by Michael LaRonn
Estate Planning for Authors: Your Final Letter & Why You Need One by M.L. Buchman
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