Eleven Topics Writers Should Consider When Evaluating Potential Publishers
For over a decade, the ever-evolving publishing industry has blossomed with publishing paths for writers. Now, in addition to traditional publishers who typically pay advances, we have small presses who tend to avoid advances,...
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...
Books to Film: The Option Versus The Shopping Agreement
Most writers dream about their book becoming a movie. It’s exciting to think about seeing our creative endeavors on the big screen or television. Plus, who doesn’t like receiving more money? But adapting a book into a movie is a...
Trademarks and the Writer’s Brand Strategy
Trademarks are one of the most valuable business assets for creating recognition in the market place. Think of Coke, IBM, and FedEx. For writers wanting to build a brand, trademarks should be part of your brand strategy....