Dean Wesley Smith – Wills and Estates for Writers

Wills and Estates for Writers is an advanced business workshop designed by USA Today bestselling author Dean Wesley Smith to address a critical but often overlooked aspect of a writer’s professional journey: estate planning. This 13-part video lecture series provides essential insights into managing your copyrights, planning your literary estate, and securing your creative legacy for future generations.

About the Workshop

Writers often delay estate planning, neglecting to consider how their creative works and copyrights will be handled after their passing. This workshop highlights why it’s crucial to take action now. Dean Wesley Smith introduces practical concepts to help writers organize their literary assets and create an effective estate plan. While this course does not provide legal advice, it explores actionable strategies to ensure your heirs can benefit from your works long after you’re gone.

Your Instructor

Dean Wesley Smith is a highly accomplished author with over 23 million copies of his books in print. Known for his extensive contributions to popular franchises such as Star Trek, Spider-Man, and X-Men, Dean brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this workshop. He has also written novels under nearly fifty pen names and worked as an editor and scriptwriter. Living in Las Vegas with his wife, fellow author Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Dean continues to contribute to the literary world through his magazine, Smith’s Monthly.

Course Curriculum

Wills and Estates for Writers

• Session #1 (4:09): Introduction to estate planning for writers.
• Session #2 (4:34): Understanding the role of copyrights in your estate.
• Session #3 (6:28): Steps to organize and document your literary assets.
• Session #4 (4:18): Planning for heirs: Ensuring a smooth transition.
• Session #5 (7:59): Exploring possible challenges and solutions.
• Session #6 (6:31): Structuring your estate for ongoing income generation.
• Session #7 (5:31): Tips for effective communication with legal professionals.
• Session #8 (4:54): Practical strategies for estate management.
• Session #9 (5:55): Ensuring your legacy is preserved.
• Session #10 (7:04): Building an estate plan tailored to your needs.
• Session #11 (7:27): Common pitfalls in estate planning for writers.
• Session #12 (7:40): Long-term planning for literary copyrights.
• Session #13 (5:12): Final thoughts and actionable next steps.

Why This Workshop is Essential

• Secure Your Legacy: Learn how to preserve your creative works and ensure they benefit your heirs for years to come.
• Organize Your Estate: Gain insights into documenting and managing your literary assets effectively.
• Future-Proof Your Copyrights: Protect your copyrights and maximize their value for your family.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Identify potential pitfalls and create a solid plan that mitigates risks.
• Practical Insights: Receive actionable advice tailored to the unique needs of writers.

Additional Insights

The Wills and Estates for Writers workshop is part of Dean Wesley Smith’s Advanced Business Lectures series, which helps writers build sustainable careers and address critical business aspects. This workshop emphasizes the importance of estate planning as an integral part of a writer’s journey, ensuring that your life’s work continues to generate value even after you’re gone.

By highlighting real-world scenarios and practical strategies, the course empowers writers to take control of their creative legacy. Dean Wesley Smith’s expertise and straightforward approach make complex concepts accessible, guiding participants through the often-daunting process of estate planning.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this workshop equips you with the knowledge to secure your copyrights, protect your heirs, and plan for a financially stable future. The insights gained from these sessions can help you create a roadmap that ensures your creative works continue to thrive.

In today’s fast-paced literary market, taking proactive steps to organize your estate is more important than ever. This workshop not only raises awareness but also provides the tools to help you make informed decisions about your literary assets and their future management.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Join the Wills and Estates for Writers workshop today and take the first step toward securing your creative future for generations to come!