The Secret Life of Your Files

Hi Reader,

Last week, we talked about the basics—passwords, email accounts, and the keys to your digital kingdom. Now it’s time to take the next big step in estate planning for writers: organizing your creative assets.

Think of this like a treasure chest. You’ve been adding jewels—books, scripts, blog posts, contracts, domains—for years. But if no one knows where the chest is buried, or how to open it, your heirs will never see the riches inside.

Let’s fix that.

Inventory Everything (Yes, Everything)

Create a comprehensive inventory of your creative empire. This includes:

Books & Manuscripts: copywrites, finished novels (if traditionally include published/publisher information), drafts, formatted files (Word, EPUB, PDF), covers, short stories, poetry, blog articles, even unpublished works.
Production Files: , formatted files (Word, EPUB, PDF), covers interior layouts, cover designs, marketing copy, and book pricing details.
Screenplays: produced screenplays: Who owns them and the contracts. Unproduced screenplays with copyright and WGA registration.
Digital Footprint: websites, blogs, domains, social media accounts, mailing lists. Be sure to include access instructions—because “oops, the domain expired” is not the legacy you want.
Publishing Platforms: Login and account info, Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and any other self-publishing service.
Business Documents: tax records, LLC paperwork, contracts, and agreements—stored in a secure, known location.

As part of your list, be sure to include where the files are. The goal is simple: if you disappeared tomorrow, your heirs should be able to open a single file and know exactly what you own, where it lives, and how to manage it.

Screenwriters: Don’t Forget Residuals

Thanks to a 1977 WGA agreement, residuals are paid in perpetuity—even after your death. That means if your project gets rebooted, remade, or streamed, your heirs can still benefit.

To make sure that happens:

Keep your WGA membership info and accounts up to date.
File any licensing agreements with your residual paperwork.

Someday, that dusty script sitting on your hard drive could be Hollywood’s next reboot. Don’t let your heirs miss out.

Indie Authors: Spreadsheet = Superpower

Self-published? Your heirs will need a roadmap. Create a spreadsheet that lists:

Book titles, copyright dates, and ISBNs
Where each book is published (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, etc.)
Print-on-demand vendor (KDP Print, IngramSpark, Lulu, etc.)
Website store info (Shopify, PayHip, WooCommerce)
Advertising accounts (Meta Ads, Amazon Ads, BookBub Ads)

Bonus tip: record short “how-to” videos for daily or monthly publishing tasks. A quick screen recording can save your heirs hours of head-scratching later.

Traditionally Published Authors: Keep the Paper Trail

If you’re with a traditional publisher, heirs will need more than just your book list. Add to your spreadsheet:
• Title and copyright year
• Publisher name
• Your editor or agent’s contact info
• Copies of contracts

This way, heirs can track down royalty payments—or even petition to have rights reverted so they can reissue the books themselves.

Wrapping It Up

Your creative work is valuable, but without organization, it risks slipping into the void. Think of this as building a bridge between your life’s work and your heirs’ ability to carry it forward.

It’s not glamorous. It’s not thrilling. But it is one of the most loving things you can do for your family and your readers.

Action Steps

Here’s how to get started this week:

1. Open a Word or Excel doc titled Creative Assets Inventory.
2. Make a list of all your published and unpublished works.
3. Add login details for websites, domains, and publishing platforms.
4. Create a folder (digital or physical) for contracts and tax records.
5. (Optional but highly recommended): record a 5-minute “walkthrough” video explaining your filing system.
6. Every time you do a task, record a how to video. You can use Loom or Scribe.

Small steps now = huge relief for your heirs later.