Over the years, I've coaxed and coached a number of friends into becoming editors, and been approached by people I know for tips on editing/publishing. One current discussion has to do with contracts. I also have a lot of writer-friends, and the topic of contracts often comes up in that context as well. So I've compiled some basic resources here. Further discussion is welcome.
Personal Observations About Contracts
- A good contract reduces the chance of misunderstandings, conflicts, and lawsuits. A bad contract can increase those chances. Nothing can eliminate them completely.
- Before drafting or signing a contract, do your homework. Talk with other people who have used similar contracts. Read sample contracts. Figure out what works and what doesn't work, and why. That way you can emulate the good parts and avoid the bad parts.
- It's okay to write a contract in plain language, as long as you pay enough attention to what a contract is and does so that it will be legally valid. Clarity is an asset.
- If you need a contract written in legalese, hire a lawyer. However, many contracts written by lawyers are wretched. Make sure your lawyer understands your principles as well as legalese and contract composition techniques.
- Don't feel compelled to make a contract long and fancy. Brevity is an asset too, as long as you cover the important points.
- Don't try to screw anyone. It just makes trouble. Avoid clauses or phrases marked as "booby traps" by reputable organizations. Aim for a fair contract that will make everyone as happy as possible.
- Remember that the world is full of jerks, and some of them may want to sign a contract with you. So make sure the contract covers things that can go wrong and how they are to be handled.
- It's okay to propose changes in a contract. Be polite and professional when asking.
- If the terms are terrible, walk away.
- Use your common sense. Trust your instincts.
Online Advice on Contract CompositionHow to Write a Contract (short & simple)
http://www.ehow.com/how_2120105_write-contract.htmlHow to Successfully Write and Negotiate a Contract (long & complicated)
http://www.googobits.com/articles/2667-how-to-successfully-write-and-negotiate-a-contract.htmlHow to Write a Contract for a Desktop Publishing or Graphic Design Business
http://desktoppub.about.com/od/contracts/ht/writecontract.htmHow to Write a Freelance Contract
http://www.allfreelance.com/freelancing_blog/2007/09/05/tips-for-how-to-write-a-freelance-contract/Writing a Business-to-Business Contract
http://www.quicken.com/cms/viewers/article/small_business/40183Author Organizations' Information About ContractsContracts Page (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America)
http://www.sfwa.org/contracts/Got the Contract! Now What? (Absolute Write)
http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/contract.htmWriting Contracts & Payscales (Canadian Authors Association)
http://www.canauthors.org/links/contracts.htmlContracts Watch (ASJA)
http://www.asja.org/pubtips/pubtips.phpSample ContractsSample Freelance Writing Contract
http://www.creativeleeatwork.com/SampleContract.htmlExample Author Contract
http://www.writecontent.com/Publishing_Tools/Author_Contract_/author_contract_.htmlAgreement on Consulting Services
http://www.managementhelp.org/misc/smplcntr.htmContract Example, Board/Card Games
http://www.silcom.com/~tomjolly/contract.htmBooks on the Business of Writing & PublishingHow to Start a Home-Based Writing Business by Lucy V. Parker
Mastering Online Research by Maura Shaw
The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman
Writer's Little Instruction Book: Get Published by Paul Raymond Martin
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published by Sheree Bykofsky and Jennifer Basye Sander
No. No. Idiots should not get published! But of course they do.The Craft & Business of Writing by Editors of Writer's Market
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter
Book Publishing Encyclopedia by Dan Poynter
Publishing for Profit by Thomas Woll and Jan Nathan
How to Start and Run a Small Book Publishing Company by Peter I. Hupalo
The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing by Tom and Marilyn Ross
The Book Publishing Industry by Albert N. Greco
Now go forth and make some stuff that's worth reading.
Tags: editing, how to, writing
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