I make things up and write them down. I hope one day someone will read them and believe me, and then print out a copy for someone else to read. Until then, would you believe me if I told you
This is worth reading to familiarize yourself with details to look out for when signing contracts. Certainly, things have changed with the advent of the eBook, and because that world is still in flux, you’d be smart to keep on top of what’s happening in the industry should you find yourself about to sign on the line.
[UPDATE: article in WSJ, “New Fight Breaks Out Over Digital Rights to Old Books.”]
Writers, this is worth reading. There’s also a small bit on contracts.
Copyright automatically applies to book manuscripts, articles, blog posts, artwork—almost any copyrightable object that people create. That’s been the law since the 1976 Copyright Act took effect. “If you draw a picture on a scrap of paper, you actually own a copyright in that picture”—no paperwork required, Ms. Sims says.
I’m not so sure this is a dilemma.
Had I written this piece, I would change the title to, “Prolific Writers: Piss Off Help Me.”
“Yes, the index is, believe it or not, the author’s responsibility. You can hire a professional indexer or DIY (but it’s specialized and tedious work, so I wouldn’t recommend it).”
Rachelle Gardner quotes the index cost between $500-1200. See her post for a few other things we might have to cough up for.
Ouch. Thorn.
Kristin Nelson of Pub Rants points out a potential issue with “enhanced” eBooks (multimedia sBooks). While reviewing a contract with a film studio, she saw this clause:
Electronically Read Editions: The right to publish the text of published print editions of the Property via the Internet and in the form of CD-ROM, DVD, videocassette tape or similar electronically read devices individually purchased by the end-user. Such electronically read editions may not contain moving visual images (other than the text) or audio tracks of any kind.
Um, one would be fine. However, in the event, Chuck Sambuchino over at Guide to Literary Agents suggests interviewing each of them.
Be wary of agents who say, “Your work is perfect! I wouldn’t dare change a comma!” (Some agents minimize the work involved to tempt you.) Or, “This is going to be the biggest bestseller, like, ever!” (No one knows in this market.) Or, “I can promise you’ll have a gold-plated private jet for your international book tour!” (Unrealistic—plus, wouldn’t it be too heavy to fly?) Or, “I’m the only one who can sell this.” (Unprofessional on many levels.)
Chip MacGregor posted some bad things to look out for in a contract.
5. Royalties that DROP when more copies are sold. (No kidding. Read the fine print.) Take a look at the contracts of some publishing houses — if your book is sold at a reasonable discount, they’ll cut your royalty in half, leading the sales team to SUGGEST THAT VERY IDEA to accounts. Great plan.
The general innards as explained by Rachelle Gardner. Note the items with asterisks.
Continues:
Gordon Parks: 100 Years
International Center of Photography (ICP)
1133 Avenue of the Americas, NYC @ 43rd St.
To commemorate...
A depressed copywriter
dogspeed
Château Lafite Rothschild
Oliver works it on Tumblr, Beckett theme by Jonathan Beckett
