New Author schedule C start date

[amd1956]

I started a sole proprietorship in 2025 as an author and filing a Schedule C. I had expenses starting in January to prepare the manuscript, have it reviewed and submitted for publication, preparing a web site and marketing activities, purchasing author copies. The book was published officially Nov 15th (revenue was zero in 2025). Is it correct to answer the TT question about the start date with January 5th, or should it be Nov 15th when the book was available for purchase? 

Thank you in advance!

[AnnetteB6]

Since you were performing work for your business throughout the year, it is appropriate to set your start date as January 5th instead of November 15th when the book was officially published.  

[amd1956]

Great, thank you, that helps.