Objection! That Courtroom Scene Sucks!
Most of us have seen a courtroom trial, either as a juror in the box or a visitor in the gallery. So we have a good understanding that the majority of what happens during a trial is relatively boring. Why then, if written...
Negotiating Magazine and Newspaper Publishing Contracts
Many writers are keen to publish in magazines and newspapers, whether online or in print. These publications offer the perfect opportunity for name recognition, public exposure for a writer’s creative portfolio, and, depending on...
Using Stock Photos On Book Covers
Book covers are created using either custom or stock photography. Custom photography is created by a hired photographer to create something unique for your exclusive use. Stock photography, on the other hand, is photos that more...
Traditional And Self-Publishing Contracts – When To Say, NO!
When I was at ThrillerFest two years ago (a writing conference in NYC for, you guessed it, thriller writers), I moderated a panel on negotiating publishing contracts. The panel consisted of two agents, two publishing lawyers, and...
9 Major Deal Points In Publishing Contracts
You finished your book. You found an agent. You have a publisher who wants to buy the rights to publish your book. Congratulations! Now what? It is time to negotiate your publishing contract. “But isn’t that my agent’s job?” you...
When Research Meets FOIA Requests
If you’re writing true crime or memoir, fiction loosely based on true events or digging into a hot newsworthy topic, sometimes our research leads us to information or records from state and federal government agencies. Often this...
Legal Services for Writers: Where’s my lawyer?
As much as we attempt to avoid legal issues in our writing careers, there are times when consulting a publishing lawyer is a necessity. Maybe you are a victim of a publishing scam or accused of defamation. Maybe you need advice...