|
|
Rank: Visitor
Joined: 10/26/2007
Posts: 13
Points: 39
Location: New York
|
In my most recent post on Motley Vision, I've pointed out one of the pitfalls of author contracts -- inadequate out-of-print clauses. (see http://www.motleyvision.org/?p=395 ) In the follow up discussion, I realized that what we need is a comparison of the various boiler plate contracts used by Mormon publishers, especially given common complaints about some publishers. So, I'm issuing a call for example contracts -- either contracts provided by the publishers themselves, or contracts provided by authors. I will NOT publish or further distribute these contracts, they will merely be the source information for a comparison and analysis. Nor am I looking for any information specific to one particular author. Authors submitting a contract are welcome to black out any information they believe is confidential. My only interest is in the "boilerplate" -- the information that is the same for every author (or the initial information the publisher starts from). Please email me at kent (at) motleyvision (dot) org with either the contract or any questions you have about this call for contracts. I'll provide to anyone submitting a contract a more detailed discussion of the differences between the contracts. Kent
|
|
Rank: AML Member
Joined: 9/12/2007
Posts: 50
Points: -173
Location: Utah
|
Having done presentations on contracts at the 2005 and 2006 AML Writers Conferences, I think a comparison would be a great idea, Kent.
However, I don't know if you're going to get much of a response. From what I've heard, authors can get into trouble with their publishers by letting you see their contracts, especially if they are just starting out (and those are the ones more likely to have the worst version of the "boilerplate").
I wish you well, though.
|
|
Rank: Visitor
Joined: 10/26/2007
Posts: 13
Points: 39
Location: New York
|
Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury wrote:I don't know if you're going to get much of a response. From what I've heard, authors can get into trouble with their publishers by letting you see their contracts, especially if they are just starting out (and those are the ones more likely to have the worst version of the "boilerplate"). Well, I don't know who will tell the publisher where the contract came from. I certainly won't tell the publisher anything. Although why a boilerplate contract's terms would be something a publisher worries about becoming public is beyond me. I can see the specifics of what a particular author gets might be. But the boilerplate? Most of the time the boilerplate doesn't even have the crucial details --- royalty rates, advance (if any), etc. Where's the problem? My own contract is open to anyone who isn't going to copy it for their own use. Kent
|
|
Rank: AML Member
Joined: 9/12/2007
Posts: 50
Points: -173
Location: Utah
|
Well, it's just that when I was getting ready to do the presentations on contracts for the AML Writers Conferences, I tried to do what you're trying to do, and was unable to.
As I said, I hope you have better success than I did.
|
|
Rank: Visitor
Joined: 10/26/2007
Posts: 13
Points: 39
Location: New York
|
Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury wrote:Well, it's just that when I was getting ready to do the presentations on contracts for the AML Writers Conferences, I tried to do what you're trying to do, and was unable to.
As I said, I hope you have better success than I did. You are undoubtedly more persuasive than I am, so I may have my work cut out for me. But, I'm hoping that by patience and persistence over a longer period than you had available to you, I can get what's needed. I have had publishers already submit their contracts (not the majors, but...). And I hope to see something from authors also. I can't believe that every author thinks, even years after signing their contract, that they can't disclose the contract itself.
|
|
Rank: Visitor
Joined: 10/26/2007
Posts: 13
Points: 39
Location: New York
|
For those that are interested in this topic, I'm happy to report that I've so far collected 4 contracts from LDS publishers, and I think I have a line on a few more.I am, of course, looking for more.
The contracts I've seen show some very interesting differences compared to standard large US market publishers. I'm excited to get some kind of analysis of this data out for everyone to see, but I really need more contracts in order to better cover what's happening in the Mormon market.
So, please send me a note if you are willing to share your contract!
No confidential information will be shared, and you are welcome to black out any details of your contract that are specific to you and different from the publisher's template.
Please send them along!
|
|
|
Guest |
