Poetry in Them Thar Hills

Benay's client, Tin House Books, has the world of poetry buzzing with anticipation after announcing their collaboration with Octopus Books on a new series of poetry titles.

Both publishing houses emphasized their concern for the lack of poetry books being published in the current market and see their partnership as a potential model for other publishers that have shied away from the genre.

Brandon Shimoda's Portuguese, the first title in the joint-published series, is already available for pre-order online and will appear on the shelves March 12, 2013. The second joint-publication, Bianca Stone's Someone Else's Wedding Vows, is soon to follow.

The Portland-based independent press has been an innovator in the publishing industry since its creation in 2002. Tin House Books authors have garnered attention from the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and O, the Oprah magazine.

Do What You Do Best, and Let Benay Do the Rest!

For over seven years Benay has provided financial management and back-office services to Tin House, letting them focus attention on new publishing opportunities like the poetry joint-venture.

"Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it, but to those who need it."

If your business needs the poetry of business management, the lyrics of P+L, and the stanzas of cash flow, talk to Benay!

The Albert Pujols of Publishing

Every rookie strives, not to win the MVP trophy, but to be acknowledged as a real player on the field. Though independent press, Tin House Books, may be perceived as a rookie in the world of publishing, their award winning titles and authors have captivated readers worldwide for the better part of a decade. In fact, some of your favorite titles may unknowingly be a result of this phenomenal Portland based publisher.

Such was the case with avid reader and 2012 New York Times Notable Author, David Abrams. Unaware of the fact that he already had several Tin House titles on his bookshelf, Abrams encountered Tin House title, Glaciers at a local Barnes and Noble. After immediately falling in love with the intriguing opening line, Abrams could not help but to continue following the peculiar story of lead character, Isabel. The author of the acclaimed Iraq War novel, Fobbit, was pleasantly surprised to find Tin House was responsible for publishing the title. Moreover, upon re-examining some of his favorite reads, Abrams found that Tin House was the press behind a number of titles he intended to include on his Best Books of 2012 list. Abrams had come to the realization that Tin House Books, an independent press in Portland, Oregon, was no longer a rookie, but a true player with an undeniable presence in the field of publishing; one he regards to be the 2012 Publisher of the Year in his blog.

However, Abrams was not the only one who noticed the literary quality of Tin House’s titles. The New York Times has recently given praise to author, Christopher R. Beha's, title What Happened to Sophie Wilder. In which critic, D.G. Myers, is quoted saying the Tin House title contains 'what is perhaps the best conversion scene in an English-language novel since [Graham Greene's] 'The End of the Affair.' " With the continuous praise and recognition Tin House is receiving from top names in the literary industry, it is safe to say the publisher has solidified their spot on the field as a seasoned starter. 

Tax Turmoil Tips

Are you pulling your hair out trying to gather your 2012 financials for your accountant? Or wondering what to do for 2013?

When it comes to your business financials and taxes, the Boy Scouts are right: Be prepared!

Even though 2012 is over, you still have a few action items available before you file taxes:

• Contribute to retirement accounts (IRS & Roth). You can still get an extension to contribute to your Keogh or SEP by 10/15.
• You have until 1/15 to make estimated 2012 tax payments and avoid a penalty for the 4th quarter of 2012.
• Adjust your withholding. If you normally get a tax refund each year, you can adjust your withholding to get more take-home pay in 2013.

Most important: Stop beating yourself up about 2012 and resolve to manage your financials proactively in 2013.

Do What You Do Best, and Let Benay Do the Rest! 

Benay clients are NOT pulling out their hair over 2012 tax documentation. That's because we covered all the bases last quarter with their accountants.

So instead of scrambling to gather 2012 records, our clients are planning business success for 2013 and beyond.

Here at Benay, we still have a lot of work to do to close our clients' 2012 books so they can focus on making the New Year a successful one.  By the end of this month all our clients will have a final review of 2012 business performance. They will also have a 2013 budget, cash flow projection, and other data needed to manage their business successfully.

Stop worrying about the state of your business and start managing for success. Benay can help - just give us a call.

Rucci Law Group : Home of the Best in the Biz

Joseph J. Rucci, Jr., founder of Rucci Law Group of Darien, CT, has recently been named one of the top business lawyers in the area by Fairfield Living. The magazine gathered professionally conducted surveys which asked local attorneys and members of the judiciary to rate the work of their peers. Rucci’s rating as “AV Preeminent,” the highest possible peer review, comes as no surprise.

His firm, Rucci Law Group, will soon be celebrating its first anniversary serving clients in Connecticut and around the world from their office in Darien. Though Rucci, Jr. has recently been acknowledged for his outstanding legal know-how, his fellow attorneys at Rucci Law are equally as talented. Co-founder Amy Zabetakis is an outstanding zoning and real estate attorney that has litigated Administrative Appeals, Tax Assessment Appeals, and Land Use Disputes in Connecticut Superior Courts. Kathryn (Kate) Diehm, business lawyer and co- founder of the firm, recently received a “BV Distinguished” Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, ranking her amongst the most talented in her field. Every attorney at Rucci Law possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to handle any legal roadblock businesses and individuals may encounter.

The legal services provided at Rucci Law Group are second to none. Their expert attorneys help entrepreneurs to select the legal structure that's right for their business. Services include ensuring that bylaws and filings comply with applicable laws, documenting secured and unsecured loans and mortgages for real estate assets, and protecting trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets from competitors. And there's no firm better at handling commercial and residential real estate, zoning and trust and estate matters. Furthermore, Rucci Law Group uses cutting-edge technology to provide better communication with their valued clients, such as providing clients with password-protected, online access to important documents. Learn more about how Rucci Law Group can help you and your business by clicking here.