Nonfiction Q & A folder from the Nonfiction message board
Subject: Nonfiction Q & A folder
Author: lots of people
Uploaded By: THopeB
Date: 12/20/1996
File: Nonfiction Q & A folder (109995 bytes)
Estimated Download Time (17541 baud): < 1 minute
Download Count: 119
Equipment: whatever got you here
Needs: whatever can read a text file
*this file has been checked for viruses using Disinfectant 3.6*
This is an archive of the Nonfiction Q & A folder from the Nonfiction message board.
The postings date from 2/28/96 to 5/28/96; enjoy!
12/20/96 1:47:55 PM Opening ÒSystem Log 12/20/96Ó for recording.
Subj: Re:Magazine knowledge
Date: 96-02-28 08:37:29 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>I sent a query to Sport's Illustrated for Kids on July 7, 1995. I heard nothing so I sent another query January 6, 1996. In my magazine guidelines, they say they will reply in 2 to 3 months. Any suggestions on what to do? Please e-mail me at Dr Crop @aol. com. if you have any prior knowledge of this magazine or how it works. Thanks.<<
----------
Nope. If you ask the question here you get the answer here. No special e-mail service.
I see several problems, and I don't need the answers here. They're just points to think upon:
1) Did you enclose a SASE for SI's response? If you did then did you follow up as soon as the "reporting" time expired, with a copy of the original query with a note on it asking if they had reached a decision yet?
2) Did you carefully prepare your query to satisfy the SI slant and focus the query sufficiently to cover your subject in the word space available?
3) Do you have the kind of freelance credentials and extensive collection of past sports-related writing to write for one of the top-paying magazines in the United States?
I'm not trying to be a smart-alec here. I'm trying to point out that freelancing magazine articles is a business that requires training. The one-shot magazine article is always possible. If you have native talent and/or some lucky connection to some sports star, sure, SI may take your story anyway. But editors are accustomed to a certain way of doing things and freelancers know how to appeal to editors.
And some editors are just jerks. Maybe you ran into one of those.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Magazine knowledge
Date: 96-02-28 10:35:43 EST
From: DR CROP
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Steve for responding. Yes, I did send a second query and had some one else read to make sure it worked. I guess I'll just have to be patient. Thanks again. Dr. Crop
Subj: Marketing using 800 numb
Date: 96-03-01 20:15:00 EST
From: DickRRG
Posted on: America Online
Hi Steve:
i wrote The Forgiving Place Choosing Peace after Violent Trauma and had it published by a small publisher, got a small advance. Publisher went under. I want to market it myself. My plan is to use a nationwide answering service with an 800 number and do radio talk shows. (I was on Oprah with Sally Field in January.) Have you used this marketing strategy? Do you know of a nationwide answering service that you trust.
Best
Dick
Subj: Re:Magazine knowledge
Date: 96-03-02 12:09:40 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>Thanks Steve for responding. Yes, I did send a second query and had some one else read to make sure it worked. I guess I'll just have to be patient. Thanks again. Dr. Crop<<
No you do not have to be patient. If you have done your job properly, and still have no reply, send them a copy of the original query. Write across the top of it words to the effect of, "Have you had time to look at this yet?" If you get no reply to THAT in a reasonable time, call the editor on the phone.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Marketing using 800 numb
Date: 96-03-02 12:20:16 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>... I want to market (a book) myself. My plan is to use a nationwide answering service with an 800 number and do radio talk shows. (I was on Oprah with Sally Field in January.) Have you used this marketing strategy? Do you know of a nationwide answering service that you trust.<<
--------------
Sounds as though you should have had that 800 number last January. I write much more boring stuff than you seem to, and am unlikely to ever be on Oprah, darn it (unless, of course, my bizarre sexual practices involving Monarch butterflies come to her attention).
Why don't you ask some of the current crop of 1-800-GURUs? Matthew Lesko comes to mind. Call his number (I think it's 1-800-USA-INFO but I could be wrong) and ask the operator who she works for.
Incidentally, you will most likely be assigned an 888-number since the 800s are about gone.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re: Re-selling articles
Date: 96-03-06 15:50:02 EST
From: Anitabar5
Posted on: America Online
Steve: I hope you can help answer a few questions about multiple submissions, which I've never done before. I recently interviewed a musician who is on a national road tour. I have his schedule and plan to contact editors of newspapers in those cities/states where he's appearing to see if they would like to print the interview. Do I need to change the article for each venue, or is the geographic distance enough to submit the same piece? Do you see any problem with this approach?
Anita
(Anitabar5)
Subj: Re: Re-selling articles
Date: 96-03-06 18:57:45 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>... I recently interviewed a musician who is on a national road tour. I have his schedule and plan to contact editors of newspapers in those cities/states where he's appearing to see if they would like to print the interview. Do I need to change the article for each venue, or is the geographic distance enough to submit the same piece? Do you see any problem with this approach? <<
Not a shabby marketing scheme. Just send the interview to each newspaper's entertainment editor a few days before the musician is due in-town. Offer one-time rights, exclusive within his state or distribution area. If you want to add on a time limit, say a period of six months, fine , but that doesn't sound necessary. Include your SASE for the return check (you hope) and your social security number for their records if they need it.
Don't expect too much. Most papers will simply never respond. Some will hand over your article to their critic--who will likely fold the information into his own piece. A few may pay you.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Clips?
Date: 96-03-10 17:22:52 EST
From: BrianSak
Posted on: America Online
I'm new to freelance writing. Currently, I have one published article, another in press, and am working on an assignment. I've been sending for numerous guidelines. Many ask for published clips. My question is: Do they want the actual articles "clipped" from the magazine, or is a photocopy good enough?
Subj: Re:Clips?
Date: 96-03-10 22:15:01 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>I'm new to freelance writing. Currently, I have one published article, another in press, and am working on an assignment. I've been sending for numerous guidelines. Many ask for published clips. My question is: Do they want the actual articles "clipped" from the magazine, or is a photocopy good enough?<<
Not only is a photocopy what they want but NEVER NEVER NEVER send your original "clips." You will not see them again; I guarantee it. The term "clip" dates from B.C. (Before Copier).
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Clips?
Date: 96-03-11 02:26:42 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
"Do they want the actual articles "clipped" from the magazine, or is a photocopy good enough?"
photocopy's fine. try to include the date and header to show the magazine or newspaper in which it ran. and remember: some colors won't reproduce at all in b&w, in which case you may need to get a color repro of that page or pages.
Subj: Re:Clips?
Date: 96-03-11 09:48:59 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Jyaudz is right, and reminds me to be more detailed.
I usually photocopy not only the article but the magazine cover, then staple them all together to send out.
I always try to get two copies of the magazine. One I put away intact into magazine-storage boxes in a walk-in closet. The other copy I eviscerate to remove the cover and my article as neatly as possible. These I save for photocopying purposes in a file drawer. Someday when I have time (yeah--right) I want to pick out the best of those and make up a nice portfolio, the clips inside plastic holders and all inside a three-ring binder. I've done this on occasion to apply for a grant or an award and on those occasions I also attached some explanation of why or how I came to write this piece, or any interesting details about it.
And, while I decry the use of color photocopying of clips as raising the bar for the freelance business, I cannot deny that color copies (assuming there is a point--such as nice color photos) certainly look better. And appearances do count. I suppose we will all be doing this in the future. And if you take your own pictures, as I often do, this would be a good idea anyway.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Clips?
Date: 96-03-11 16:14:09 EST
From: HuntWrite
Posted on: America Online
Agreed. A photocopy of the article, along with a folio showing publication, date and page number are good. I would only include the cover of the magazine if mine was the cover story or was kicked on the cover, but others obviously disagree.
The only places I've ever found which demand original clips are contests, and in that case, they generally want full tearsheets.
Differing views?
Doug
Subj: Re:Clips?
Date: 96-03-11 16:33:36 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
Note that White-Out works brilliantly on newsprint -- obscures any dark blotches that might distract from your prose, and never shows up on copies.
Dylan
Subj: writing query letters
Date: 96-03-12 18:41:10 EST
From: ANori7
Posted on: America Online
I'm new at writing queries for non-fiction essays and articles. I need some advice about how to make them catchy and irresistible. I know the basic format but would really appreciate some samples and/or insider tips! Thanks
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-12 18:58:38 EST
From: Madkane
Posted on: America Online
In my experience, most editors want to see the completed essay and are not interested in essay queries.
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-14 00:12:19 EST
From: LeaCaren
Posted on: America Online
Hi Mad-so I was interested in your reply on query for essay-does this include other non-fiction? I've been told to query these markets, maybe I would have more success sending the full article?
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-14 01:39:31 EST
From: Madkane
Posted on: America Online
My experience and success rate is much stronger in the essay arena. But my understanding is that generally speaking you query articles, but submit completed essays without queries. If anyone's experience has been different, I'd like to hear about it.
Madeleine
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-14 11:20:26 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
<<I'm new at writing queries for non-fiction essays and articles. I need some advice about how to make them catchy and irresistible. I know the basic format but would really appreciate some samples and/or insider tips! Thanks>>
I've heard some good things about a book called "How to Write Irresistable Query Letters" by Lisa Collier Cool.
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-14 12:55:35 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<I'm new at writing queries for non-fiction essays and articles. I need some advice about how to make them catchy and irresistible. I know the basic format but would really appreciate some samples and/or insider tips! Thanks>>
Holy Moly, we can only begin to discuss this subject on a message board. Read books; most of the ones on querying have examples. Take classes. Yes, essays and humor are usually written out in advance. Only amateurs send completed manuscripts of other articles to editors; pros query, get the assignment, and THEN write the piece.
:-)
-steve
Subj: WRITER'S GUIDELINES
Date: 96-03-14 16:07:42 EST
From: Tombleweed
Posted on: America Online
Do you have to write to a specific editor in a magazine when requesting its writer's guidelines?
Subj: Re:WRITER'S GUIDELINES
Date: 96-03-14 22:36:26 EST
From: ChristiDay
Posted on: America Online
<<Do you have to write to a specific editor in a magazine when requesting its writer's guidelines?>>
No. Editors don't do the mailing. (Assistants, receptionists, etc, do this.) I typically address my guidelines request to "Dear madam or Sir," include a SASE, and that works just fine.
Subj: New Age
Date: 96-03-15 10:14:36 EST
From: BJChan1
Posted on: America Online
Does anyone have any info about agents or publishers of New Age or Weight Loss/Health books? If so, kindly e-mail BJChan1.
Thank you.
Subj: Re:WRITER'S GUIDELINES
Date: 96-03-15 21:31:24 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>Do you have to write to a specific editor in a magazine when requesting its writer's guidelines?<<
Nope. Some flunky will probably handle it anyway. Ask for guidelines, an editorial calendar, an index to past issues, and--if for some reason it's not locallu available--a sample copy. I always ask them to pencil in the pay scale if the guidelines don't mention those and thatworks maybe half of the time.
Send a #9 or #10 SASE for the reply, and offer to mail a check for the copy if they would only tell you how much. Many magazines will not charge you and will actually mail you a copy at their own expense. That's a clue as to how much they want to communicate with professional writers, and your asking for this sort of material sets you apart from that vast, deep sea of amateurs.
When you receive those guidelines, date them so that later you will know how old they are.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Article Courses
Date: 96-03-16 00:08:37 EST
From: JDonley879
Posted on: America Online
Has anyone completed an articles-writing course such as Writer's Digest offers? I would like to know if it was beneficial in actually helping someone establish a freelancing career.
Johnnie
Subj: Re:Article Courses
Date: 96-03-16 09:49:13 EST
From: DARK PRINT
Posted on: America Online
I took the Institute of Children's Literature course in 1990, when I first decided to be a stay at home mom with my newborn son. I was bored, restless, irritable and no fun to be with, and my husband readily agreed with anything that might get the scowl off my face.
The course did offer good information, although looking back, I could have gotten much of it for free from the library, and at a lower cost through courses like Steve's on AOL.
There was nothing wrong about what they told me, lots of good, but at too high a price, I think.
On the other hand again, I sold my first article while following their advice, somewhere in the middle of their program.
Kelly
Subj: Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-16 21:23:08 EST
From: MLCom
Posted on: America Online
A freind of mine wants me to help her write a how-to book on decorating. She would give me a ms to work on, and I would edit and rewrite it. I would get co-author billing. I'm willing to do this for a cut of the royalties rather than an hourly fee, but I'm not sure what a fair split would be. This is a friend, so I want a "Win/Win or No Deal" arrangement.
Also, for a book like this, if we want illustrations, do we have to find the artist, or would a potential publisher make these arrangements?
Thanks for any input -- Maria.
Subj: Re:Article Courses
Date: 96-03-16 23:07:12 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>Has anyone completed an articles-writing course such as Writer's Digest offers? I would like to know if it was beneficial in actually helping someone establish a freelancing career.<<
Well, Johnnie, in addition to trying to answer questions in this folder I also teach two courses in the Online Campus here on AOL. I teach how to write a magazine article and also how to make a career of freelancing nonfiction. Other writers/teachers teach many other courses. Type keyword CLASSES to go look at the course descriptions. For more detail on my courses, e-mail me.
Some of my students have found my courses useful.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-16 23:16:49 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...I'm willing to do this for a cut of the royalties rather than an hourly fee, but I'm not sure what a fair split would be. This is a friend, so I want a "Win/Win or No Deal" arrangement. <<
The question is--will you be friends when this is all over? I detect three problems with this one:
1) The friendship problem. It will be a minor miracle if this goes to completion without one of you feeling that you have given away too much in the name of friendship.
2) You had better be darn certain that there will BE any royalties. Otherwise, you do all the work, and you get all the shaft too.
3) You aren't thinking like a business person. You need to put your priorities first and see to it that those are met. The best business deals happen when each side accomplishes its goals. The worst happen when one side gets what it wants because the other side gives up too much.
-----
>> Also, for a book like this, if we want illustrations, do we have to find the artist, or would a potential publisher make these arrangements? <<
Normally you would be expected to provide everything: Manuscript, artwork, an index, any forward by a famous person, photo or quotes releases.
I'm afraid that what the two of you really need is some books on the publishing process, some advice from someone who has done similar books to yours, and an agent. Frankly it does not sound as though you are ready to take on this project at this time.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Article Courses
Date: 96-03-17 03:31:10 EST
From: ChristiDay
Posted on: America Online
>>Some of my students have found my courses useful.
Oh, Steve, you are much too modest.
P.S. Did I "comma" correctly? (Oops, there's that pesky alliteration, again)
Subj: Re:Article Courses
Date: 96-03-17 11:09:37 EST
From: Carolmbly
Posted on: America Online
Steve,
I thought your response re the joint-book-writing project was a firstrate use of online communication: you were clear and full and sensible and you didn't get all trammeled up in having to preserve some local relationship, so you were frank. If I had been the one asking such business questions I would have been v glad of your advice re clarifying business goals and your workplace savvy re good projects work out when everyone's goals are met not when someone is sacrificing etc.
I thought it was helpful. Thanks--from us lurkers as well as whomever you wrote it for.
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-17 19:06:47 EST
From: MLCom
Posted on: America Online
<<You had better be darn certain that there will BE any royalties. Otherwise, you do all the work, and you get all the shaft too. . . . You aren't thinking like a business person. You need to put your priorities first and see to it that those are met. The best business deals happen when each side accomplishes its goals. The worst happen when one side gets what it wants because the other side gives up too much.>>
Well then, what's the usual split for such a project, friendship aside? I certainly didn't mean to imply that I was willing to sacrifice myself, only that I want to reach a fair agreement. It is her idea, and, I think, a good one. I wouldn't be doing all the work. She's not my best friend, just someone I like and don't want to shaft.
I don't know anyone who's written how-to books, and until we do the proposal I can't see how we can get an agent. I'm willing to risk wasting my time to do a proposal, but no, I'm not going to work on the entire book without an agent or, better yet, a contract. I do think that doing the proposal would be a valuable experience for me, even if it didn't work out.
Also, you mentioned books on the publishing process -- any good ones you could recommend?
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-18 09:14:47 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...Well then, what's the usual split for such a project, friendship aside?...<<
I would sit down with your--associate--and make up a schedule of what needs to be done and how long it will take to do it and which of you is to do it. Then I would allocate the pay accordingly. But that' sonly a suggestion; there are other ways to figure it, I am sure.
----------
>>...Also, you mentioned books on the publishing process -- any good ones you could recommend? ...<<
I try not to recommend any specific books because they come and go so swiftly. But there are good choices available. It might be smart to join the Writer's Digest Book Club and look over their catalogue. Buy a copy of Writer's Digest Magazine, and use the card inside to join the book club.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-18 15:25:10 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
Maria,
I'll leave the royalties question to Steve, but I do know you're responsible for finding (and paying for) any art that goes in a book -- particularly a decorating book. (I'm writing my second & third, concurrently.)
It would be REALLY interesting to hear what people have to say on the topic of editing a friend.
D.
Subj: Re:writing query letters
Date: 96-03-18 19:05:29 EST
From: HuntWrite
Posted on: America Online
Lea & others:
The best advice I've gotten is to query for all magazine articles other than personal essay.
Doug
Subj: Re:WRITER'S GUIDELINES
Date: 96-03-18 19:06:40 EST
From: HuntWrite
Posted on: America Online
Tomble:
Yes. You should address your request to whomever approves freelance work for the publication.
Doug
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-18 19:10:05 EST
From: HuntWrite
Posted on: America Online
I'm no expert in this field, but in order to make things remain amicable, let's offer this:
If you think the book will sell exceptionally well, damand a take on the royalties of not less than 30 percent. If you don;t think it will sell well, work for a flat rate, such as $20 per hour, all in advance.
Just a suggestion.
Doug
Subj: "My" idea in another magazine
Date: 96-03-19 17:05:38 EST
From: Woodfriend
Posted on: America Online
Hi Steve and fellow Q&A'ers,
Yesterday, I picked up my favorite "alternative" parenting magazine (its a quarterly) at the bookstore. To my chagrin, I discovered an article that covered an idea that I've been busy pitching to mainstream childcare magazines for the past six months.
My question - how can this discovery help (or hurt) in my subsequent queries? My query has already been turned down twice and is currently sitting on an editor's desk (at least I hope it's on his/her desk and not already in the wastebasket).
The article used sources completely different than the ones I've pitched in my query but didn't use the contacts/experts I planned on interviewing. My feeling is that I need to re-work the query and include these new "experts."
Has this happened to anyone else? Were you able to use the situation to your advantage?
Thanks folks!
Leslie
Subj: Re:"My" idea in another magazi
Date: 96-03-19 19:15:41 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>Yesterday... I discovered an article that covered an idea that I've been busy pitching to mainstream childcare magazines for the past six months. My question - how can this discovery help (or hurt) in my subsequent queries? ...<<
It could help or hurt. I've never met an editor yet who says, "I want to run the same kind of pieces I have already seen in other magazines," but I also know how many are sheep and think an idea is brilliant if someone else has already `vetted it. Those sheep-like editors will want to get on the record with this idea too.
Other editors would no longer touch it on the grounds that it's been done. They can be just as silly in the opposite direction, believing old hat something they might have seen and not considering whether or not their readers have seen it.
But most editors fall somewhere in the sane spectrum and would have to consider the specifics. And I certainly do NOT think you have to include the experts from that other article--unless you think they would augment what you have now.
I'd say it's up to the editor's individuality. Send your query out and get some editorial feedback.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Business cards
Date: 96-03-23 21:16:57 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
I write for five newspapers - 3 of which have given me business cards. Many times, when I am out on a story, I know that I can sell it at least twice. If I am writing for a union paper, then their photographer is taking the picture and I can take a second picture for my other paper. Now my question - how tacky is it to have a business card printed up with just my name, phone and fax numbers and something like "Freelance writer". I think it looks really unprofessional, when people ask for a card, to give a quick run through my head which one to give them. Sometimes I am on assignment for one thing, but know there is something else I can use, so I always say, :"Can I call you again and talk about.....", Usually people say yes. So what does everyone think? I realize this is not "important" but I'd like to get a feel what other freelancers do. Thanks :) SJEKD
Subj: Re:Business cards
Date: 96-03-23 22:45:38 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
"how tacky is it to have a business card printed up with just my name, phone and fax numbers and something like "Freelance writer" "
not tacky at all. but i wouldn't say "freelance writer." here in northern california, "freelance" is virtually a euphemism for "unemployed." my own card gives my address, phone and fax, and beneath my name, simply "journalist." when i'm on assignment for a top-of-line magazine, i'll have separate cards printed with the mag's name, provided they pay for the print job. otherwise, i'll just use my own "journalist" cards, and explain that i'm on assignment for this'orthat mag.
Subj: Re:Business cards
Date: 96-03-24 08:23:22 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...how tacky is it to have a business card printed up with just my name, phone and fax numbers and something like "Freelance writer"....<<
Mine says "writing, editing" on it. No plumed pens, cute typefaces, loud colors, or pseudo-professional affiliation logos. Simple. If you're printing up a new batch by all means add your e-mail address to the phone and fax.
>>... I think it looks really unprofessional, when people ask for a card, to give a quick run through my head which one to give them. Sometimes I am on assignment for one thing, but know there is something else I can use...<<
Wait until you have multiple press passes. I think journalists collect those like souvenirs; the one with the most press passes on his neck-chain wins.
I used to have the multiple-card conundrum too, and some of them were for competing trade publications. I guess I never thought much about it. I would rummage in my wallet, pull out a fistful of cards and remove the correct one. I would explain that I was a freelance, but that this was the magazine for which I was interviewing them. I don't like to promise or even hint at publication unless I am positive it's going to happen, so if I thought I could sell some interview elsewhere (I rarely did) I would call back later to advise the interviewee, and probably to do a few more questions to re-slant the interview.
And Jyaudz advises you not to use the term "freelance." I've heard this from a few people, one of whom prefers the term "independent writer." I reluctantly concede that "freelance" also means "self-employed" and both mean "unemployed" to banks and other people who have not been keeping up with the times. I agree that "journalist" sounds better. If I tire of "writing, editing" I'll use that.
I hate to; I like the historical connotation of "freelance"--the Swiss mercenaries of the middle ages who sold their lances to the highest bidders.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Business cards
Date: 96-03-24 11:46:54 EST
From: Cath803
Posted on: America Online
>>advises you not to use the term "freelance." I've heard this from a few people, one of whom prefers the term "independent writer."<<
On some tv show the other night a young obnoxious writer was working in a cafe, telling someone else how he was such a brilliant writer. The person he was talking to said, "oh, yeah, I guess that's why you're working freelance, huh?" To which the young writer responded, "well, it's a temporary setback."
We'll never get any respect.
My business cards say writer/editor. On loans,credit card applications, etc, I always list my occupation as "editor."
Subj: The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-25 10:27:02 EST
From: Woodfriend
Posted on: America Online
I'm working on a story about child abuse survivors and doing interviews that have been set up by a friend in a social service agency. Yesterday, I did an interview that was entirely wrong for the story - completely contrary to the focus and slant that I pitched to my editor.
But this topic is so emotionally charged (especially for victims and parents of victims) that I found myself floundering at the end of the interview.
Normally, I don't make any comments about whether or not a particular interviewee will be included in my final story, but in this case, I felt that I had to warn this women that I probably couldn't/wouldn't use her story. It turned out to be a very awkward, accusatory conversation and I know I handled it badly.
Can anyone commiserate? Should I have just kept my mouth shut and thanked her for talking with me? The experience has shaken my confidence - any comments pro or con will be appreciated.
Leslie
Woodfriend@aol.com
Subj: New Markets
Date: 96-03-25 16:29:57 EST
From: DOLPHIN400
Posted on: America Online
I hear people talk about "researching" new markets, but I am not sure what they mean. Can anyone help me?
Subj: Re:The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-25 18:01:26 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...Yesterday, I did an interview that was entirely wrong for the story - completely contrary to the focus and slant that I pitched to my editor... in this case, I felt that I had to warn this women that I probably couldn't/wouldn't use her story. It turned out to be a very awkward, accusatory conversation and I know I handled it badly....Should I have just kept my mouth shut and thanked her for talking with me? The experience has shaken my confidence - any comments pro or con will be appreciated....<<
Next time consider stopping the interview as soon as you realize it isn't going to work. There is no good way to do this, but to just sit there politely listening is a waste of time for everyone.
And face it, this happens once in a while. Not often. I've had it happen maybe a few times in thousands of interviews. (I mean where the whole thing is a miss; I frequently interview people and then don't, for one or another reason, use the interviews in the stories.)
My advice? Stop beating yourself up over it. Sure, that person is disappointed, maybe even crushed. But you weren't being malicious, and you can hardly be expected to change the slant or focus of the story just to accommodate an errant interview.
Get back on the horse and ride on...
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:New Markets
Date: 96-03-25 18:22:53 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>From: DOLPHIN400
I hear people talk about "researching" new markets, but I am not sure what they mean. Can anyone help me? <<
-----
I see you asked the same question in the magazine writers folder too, so I assume you are talking about magazines.
If I were wanting to write for a new magazine market, here is what I would do:
1. Write to the editor, asking for (a) a copy of the editorial guidelines or writer's guidelines, (b) a copy of the editorial calendar, (c) an index of the past few year's articles, and (d) a sample copy--if there were no easy way for me to get one otherwise.
(a) editorial guidelines or writers guidelines tell you, in some detail, who their audience is, what the magazine is looking for in the way of material, and how they want it written, and by whom. Not all magazines have these.
(b) The editorial calendar lists the general subjects to be covered, by issue. Most run by the calendar year, so this is a good time to get one, while November is a bad time to get one unless you can get next year's. Not all magazines have these.
(c) Some magazines do keep an index of past articles. Saves you from querying on some subject they covered in January, 1994. Or at least you know about the previous coverage.
(This may appear to conflict with advice to "know" the magazine. In my opinion, no reasonable editor expects freelancers to be familiar with the magazine's publication history back more than a couple of months. Nevertheless, asking for an index IS a tacit admission of ignorance, so it's a judgement call.)
(d) Some magazines--airline "in-flights" might be an example--are not available on the supermarket rack, and there is nothing wrong with asking for a sample issue or two. Since I have no way to know how much postage is needed for the samples, I usually ask them to tell me how much to send, so that I may follow up and get a sample. Almost every time, this gets me a sample copy back in the mail, on their postage.
2. Having written this letter with all these requests, I add a SASE (Stamped Self-Addressed Envelope) with 32 cents postage, and send that off. Now I go to the store and buy a sample, or go to the library and look at one. Perhaps I even do this first, and in fact, I look at a half-dozen if I can. I want to look at:
(a) Do they even use freelancers?
(b) Can I match the style of the writing they seem to like to print? Can I match the expertise in researching and interviewing and writing of the writers in the magazine?
(c) Does the magazine look healthy? Are fifty percent of all pages devoted to ads? When I see less than a 50-50 ratio, I worry.
(d) Who takes the pictures. Sometimes you can make extra money if you are a good photographer.
And there is more, if you have it available: Newsletters or national clubs can tell you more about how magazines treat writers. Do they pay upon acceptance or upon publication? Do they pay expenses? Do they pay well? Do they insist upon buying all rights, or will you be able to resell articles elsewhere? Do they have a reputation for good or bad editing?
It's not an exact science. It's clumsy. We all muddle through.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Business cards
Date: 96-03-25 23:33:04 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
My bizcards list "contributing editor" for two magazines and columnist for a third. Which brings up the fact that if you have a strong working relationship with a magazine, ask to be put on the masthead. It looks lovely on a card, a nice fat credential, almost as if you were...dare I say it? Employed.
Subj: Re:The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-26 03:45:56 EST
From: LeaCaren
Posted on: America Online
I think I would have taken down every thing and then written it two ways, or have pitched the idea past the editor of changing the slant. Having been interviewed by writers determined to show something from THEIR veiwpoint, I can tell you it can hurt the truth.
Subj: Finding A Mentor
Date: 96-03-26 07:24:05 EST
From: Rabeet
Posted on: America Online
Folks:
I am beginning a search for a mentor. I am writing a real life piece and I am fishing for advice as to where to go with it, what is it I am creating after all, etc. The story involves me and parts of my family (particularly my mother) and IS, I believe, interesting and worth the telling.
I have taken a look at the Mentor area and did not find anyone who appeared an obvious person to try.
Anyway, any advice, interest, etc. would be appreciated. Even a brief look at a small piece and whatever feedback you might have would be fine with me. I am not even sure how far I will go with this. I would even be willing to entertain the idea of someone else writing the story.
In the least, you could learn about an interesting life... ;)
Thanks,
EG Harp
Subj: Re:New Markets
Date: 96-03-27 10:14:48 EST
From: DOLPHIN400
Posted on: America Online
Steve -- That's a lot of work for a possible assignment. Who would have thought there was so much involved in that simple word, "research" ? No wonder freelance writers find certain markets to work for or don't make much money. Thanks for the information.
Dolphin
Subj: Re:New Markets
Date: 96-03-27 10:28:37 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Dopphin400 writes:
>>...That's a lot of work for a possible assignment. Who would have thought there was so much involved in that simple word, "research" ? No wonder freelance writers find certain markets to work for or don't make much money....<<
No, no, you have it wrong, because I did not explain it sufficiently. That IS a lot of work for a single sale. Freelance writers who want to make money don't rely upon random, single sales. And it is not a lot of effort to expend to establish a new market, with which you may have a years-long relationship.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Business cards
Date: 96-03-28 09:05:03 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
Steve, thank you for the historical tip on "freelance". I love stuff like that!! And thanks to everyone for their imput on business cards! SJEKD
Subj: Re:The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-28 09:06:28 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
Usually what I do when I am in the middle of an interview that is wrong, I keep taking notes, asking questions. When the interview is done, I just say thank you etc. and then mention that my editor has the final say on what is used. One way to use the material, is to run a small side bar - a different view point etc. or what fits - if it does. SJEKD
Subj: Re:The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-28 16:36:09 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
"Next time consider stopping the interview as soon as you realize it isn't going to work"--- moril
consider it, perhaps. but don't ever let an interview get away without pushing every button you've got. i once spent an hour listening to the most palpable horse puckey from indonesian president suharto that i actually found myself in danger of nodding off. the stuff was utterly unuseable. in a do-or-die panic, i turned the interview bluntly to his least favorite subject: endemic corruption. voila! a quote i couldn't have prayed for.
Subj: Re:The "wrong" interview
Date: 96-03-28 22:53:33 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...don't ever let an interview get away without pushing every button you've got. i once spent an hour listening to the most palpable horse puckey from indonesian president suharto that i actually found myself in danger of nodding off. the stuff was utterly unuseable....<<
Well, if I were interviewing Suharto, I'd not leave until his bodyguards threw me out. But when I showed up to interview the president of an art museum and he told me right off that he would be quitting his job in a week, I thanked him and went away. (Later I did a separate story on him in his new job and he returned the favor by flipping a book contract my way. So who knows?)
:-)
-steve
Subj: Save An Assignment?
Date: 96-03-29 10:14:41 EST
From: NY WRITER
Posted on: America Online
A few months ago I connected w/an editor (who had posted on AOL.) He gave me an assignment. I responded by saying that I would do initial research but not proceed w/out a contract. He said to go ahead & he'd send the contract. I wisely did nothing until receiving the contract. No contract. Time passed. He called me a week ago saying to forget the other assignment & gave me directions for a new assignment. We agreed on a price. (Rather, he quoted a price...I agreed.)
I faxed him my standard agreement (stating that we both agreed on the assignment, word count, First N.A. rights, due date, and a $200 fee....it was a short article.) He responded (3 days later, although the article was due in a week) by faxing a long list of obligations (on my part) and listing deductions he would make on my fee: Failure to follow guidelines (15% off,) lateness (10% off each day late,) $2 off (for postage to mail the copy of the publication to writer <that has writer's article,> and STATING THE FEE AS $150-NOT $200. (When questioned, he insisted that he never told me a final fee..only that he paid between $150-$200..never more. I checked his original message calling for writers....he states that he paid up to $1,000 for a piece..obviously w/more words than mine..Obviously, there's a problem here. Personally, I always confirm a fee before the end of a conversation re an assignment. Something's wrong here....)
This policy also lists other interesting things: No kill fee, no obligation to publish work, payment 2 weeks after street date only (whenever that may be) etc.
In conclusion, the editor/publisher went on to say, that he wouldn't include the First N.A. right clause because his mag also went to Canada (I stupidly thought Canada WAS part of N.A.) and that he "does the writer a favor by posting all or part of the story on his online publication (for no additional fee) as added exposure." No extra $$ for the writer, of course. I also had to argue about reimbursement of phone expenses to set-up this story w/the P.R. firm involved.
Am I nitpicking here or should I have walked away a long time ago?
All advice welcome! Thanks in advance.
Subj: Re:Save An Assignment?
Date: 96-03-29 10:50:38 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
NY WRITER: I would probably say "Good bye" to this guy...you can get aggravation from a clogged drain, why go looking for it? SJEKD
Subj: Re: Save An Assignment
Date: 96-03-29 14:55:39 EST
From: NY WRITER
Posted on: America Online
<From: Sjekd
NY WRITER: I would probably say "Good bye" to this guy...you can get aggravation from a clogged drain, why go looking for it? >
I've been thinking of nothing but this problem for the past two days....it certainly isn't worth the bother (but I hate turning things down.) The pub./edit.'s arrogance coupled with all the thing I've listed makes me think that it would be a BIG MISTAKE to do the piece.
I guess I'll decide later today...it's due Monday (and he probably didn't mail a contract yet....btw, this so called contract he originally sent me had room for one signature-mine. He wasn't under any obligation to provide anything to me.) Perhaps he's used to dealing w/people who need tearsheets at any cost.
Thanks for your response!
Subj: Re:New Markets
Date: 96-03-29 15:15:32 EST
From: DOLPHIN400
Posted on: America Online
Steve,
Regarding new markets -- I may have a years long relationship with the publication and I may just get a rejection letter. If the stable of writers is full, the editor may say no irrespective of how much I research or write with flare. Basically, sending out proposals is like gambling. There are no guarantees no matter how skilled you are.
Subj: Re:Save An Assignment?
Date: 96-03-29 21:45:47 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...Am I nitpicking here or should I have walked away a long time ago?<<
Neither. You gave this bozo a shot at decency and he blew it. Walk away now. (Actually, I would be laughing so hard I would have trouble walking.)
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Jyaudz' comments
Date: 96-03-30 08:51:16 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
An addendum to my previous note: If you don't know Jyaudz, let me say that his advice about writing and the writing business is usually on the mark, and by all means do pay attention to it, particularly when he takes the time to write a more detailed answer or comment.
As for the sniping, personal attacks, and rudeness, I don't know why he does that. He just seems to run off the rails occasionally. But if some of his advice helps you with your writing career, you can put up with a lot of the other.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Jyaudz' comments
Date: 96-03-30 11:45:46 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
"If you don't know Jyaudz, let me say that his advice about writing and the writing business is usually on the mark"--- moril
gee, coming from you, that means a lot.
Subj: Re:Jyaudz' comments
Date: 96-03-30 13:10:05 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
I don't know either Steve or Jyaudz, but I like reading all of this and hearing the comments and tips. Even though I have been writing a long time, I can always learn something new - and occasionally have touches of envy - China....have always wanted to see the Great Wall. Have a good trip! SJEKD
Subj: Re:Jyaudz' comments
Date: 96-03-30 13:18:11 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
apologies to moril. it was thope or phylwriter or one of those other popes who did the defrocking.
Subj: Re: Save An Assignment
Date: 96-03-30 15:22:22 EST
From: NY WRITER
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Steve...I refaxed a contract that I could live with...(one that gives 1st NA serial rights & nothing more.) I don't think I could live w/the 15% off for not following directions, 10% off for being late, $2.50 deduction for postage (for the copy where my work appears) etc.
Subj: ghostwriting
Date: 96-03-30 18:12:59 EST
From: BLLucio
Posted on: America Online
Dear Steve: Hope you can help me here. I might be doing some writing for an expert in her field. She has the knowledge and I have the writing talent. I'm not sure how to present this combo to editors. We're looking at targeting various consumer and trade magazines. Do we write these pieces under her byline or mine? There's a dual purpose to these articles: 1. to get important info out to those who know, and 2. get her name recognition as an expert in the field. I don't feel comfortable writing articles about her and/or using her as a source since I really am, in essence, working for her. I want to do the ethical thing here, but need a little help. Thanks.
Subj: anecdotal evidence
Date: 96-03-30 20:18:02 EST
From: Nattie
Posted on: America Online
I am writing a book about traumatic relationship endings. I need lots of personal "stories". Have you any suggestions on how I should advertise on the internet...or elsewhere? Need people share their experiences with me. Thanks!
Subj: Re:general help
Date: 96-03-30 22:03:05 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
How do you save your clips? I am in the process of spring cleaning (must have rocks in the head or else maybe I am postponing doing "real" work ) and have what seems to be thousands of newspapers - all because I have written something in them. How do I save them? Or file them? or whatever I should be doing with them? It is a wonder I don't have silverfish or something - its probably too cold! Help. SJEKD :)
Subj: saving clips
Date: 96-03-30 23:45:11 EST
From: Jyaudz
Posted on: America Online
to sjekd---
save everything you've ever written. photocopy it, if necessary, and bind it into looseleaf books. but save it. i spent close to four years covering vietnam and was so stupidly cocky and certain that i was destined for bigger things that i kept almost none of it. now, in search of those
bigger things anent vietnam, i have to draw on the work of others of that era, and can't reach for many of my own on-scene impressions.
journalism is instant history. when you get old enough to write real history, there's no source more important than you, who have lived through it and written it.
Subj: Re:saving clips
Date: 96-03-31 09:40:54 EST
From: DARK PRINT
Posted on: America Online
I cut out my newspaper clips and put them in those books that are used for photographs. I forgot to date some of them, however, which has come back to haunt me when I wanted to reference some of my own articles for newer newspaper articles.
Kelly
Subj: Re:Skejd/clips
Date: 96-03-31 10:06:48 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
By all means photocopy those newspaper clips. Newsprint is high-acid and deteroriates over time, quicker if exposed to sunlight.
I try to get two copies of any magazine in which I have a story. One copy I save intact in magazine storage boxes in a walk-in closet. The other copy I eviscerate to save just my story and the cover, and those get stapled together and tossed into a file cabinet. Those I can use to make photocopies.
I'm not very good at this either, so don't feel alone in being disorganized. As I write this there is a box of magazines on the floor, awaiting processing. I swear that sometime soon I will organize things into loose-leaf binders with plastic covers and all that nice stuff. Sure.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-03-31 22:58:18 EST
From: PatJBell
Posted on: America Online
I can give you a list of books other publishers recommend for those considering.
E-mail me-;
PatJBell
Cat's-paw Press
Subj: need anecdotes, help!
Date: 96-03-31 22:59:37 EST
From: Caerdale
Posted on: America Online
Hi, everyone
Writing a book on the dating game but I need more stories from the trenches. Hope you can give me some advice on which are the best net sites to post a request for dating anecdotes. Thanks.
E-mail to caerdale@aol.com
Subj: Re:need anecdotes, help!
Date: 96-04-01 08:48:13 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...Hope you can give me some advice on which are the best net sites to post a request for dating anecdotes.<<
Well, there was the time a girl threw up when I asked her out. But no, I have no idea where you solicit dating anecdotes.
:-)
-steve
Subj: The "wrong" interview-update
Date: 96-04-01 12:41:52 EST
From: Woodfriend
Posted on: America Online
An update on my "child abuse survivors" story....
In my subsequent interviews, I made it a point to compare notes with my contacts - to ask them what they had been told about the story I was doing. I found that several had been misinformed (as was my first interviewee). When I discovered that the interviewee didn't "fit" the profile I was looking for, I gently suggested that this was an emotion-laded topic for most people and while I appreciated their willingness to talk to me, I thought it best not to continue.
After hearing this, one mother actually opened up and talked about her son (she had expected to talk about herself) - their story will become one of the cornerstones of my article. The other two women who didn't "fit" were cordial and understanding and one suggested that I call her later because she had an interesting story that might fit another article.
Thanks for all who responded to my original post and especially for the pep talks.
Leslie
Subj: Essay Advice, please
Date: 96-04-01 21:25:47 EST
From: Mslthwaite
Posted on: America Online
I was thrilled today to read a judge's comment on a contest sponsored by Smithsonian that my entry "was a beautiful piece of writing." The downside: the judge went on to say it would have placed among the winners, but wasn't about luck (the contest theme). The judge was right; there was a little "luck" in the piece, but it wasn't the central part of the essay. This is short, only about 250-300 words. This boost to my confidence came a week my English Lit professor said of my midterm (three essay questions) that my writing was "self-assured and graceful." I'm sailing in the clouds, but I need to know what I can do with the contest entry. It's basically the influence of a childhood story on my life (very cryptic account in such a few words). Any ideas? Thanks.
Subj: word for....
Date: 96-04-03 00:25:01 EST
From: MwinH
Posted on: America Online
Hi:
Neither I nor the small local library have "An Exhaltation of Larks." Do you know of any (real, proposed, new) word(s) for a group of raccoons (normally a solitary, not pack or herd, animal)? Also, where else might I ask -- Research project folder has generated nothing in several days.
Thanks, mc (using mwinh on aol)
Subj: Re:word for....
Date: 96-04-03 09:19:45 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
A rack of raccoons? A hand of raccoons? What's the term for these "words of inclusion"? Does such a concept even apply to an animal which is by nature solitary?
(I wonder just how solitary. I see raccoons about once a month, on canoeing/camping trips, and I almost never see just one. They are members of the bear family and even bears hang out together much of the time.)
I suggest calling the nearest zoo, or Marty Stouffer at Wild America, or someone like that. Use your phone.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:word for....
Date: 96-04-03 20:25:32 EST
From: Sjekd
Posted on: America Online
Dear Steve: re racoons - tomorrow is trash day which means racoons will be cruising the neighborhood tonight. You gotta keep the lids on tight and double bag everything or it is a mess at 3 a.m. I wish we only saw them once a month. SJEKD
Subj: Re:word for....
Date: 96-04-03 22:56:06 EST
From: MwinH
Posted on: America Online
Steve -- Thanks for the comments/help. I should have been more specific about the second part of my question -- being new to writer's club but not aol, I wasn't sure if your board was the right place to get responses from several people on my writing query. From the posting following yours, I see that people do talk back here. Thanks again. Mardi (using mwinh's aol)
Subj: Book Printing
Date: 96-04-05 14:17:13 EST
From: KNIBC
Posted on: America Online
I will answer any of your questions for free. email me at knibc@aol.com
Subj: AOL Writers Courses
Date: 96-04-07 08:33:15 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Registration has commenced for the Spring semester at the Online Campus.
Registration Ends: April 22
Classes begin the week of April 29
This means that my Nonfiction Magazine Article Writing course starts April 30 and ends on June 18, with optional Q&A sessions each Tuesday night at 9-11 Eastern time.
My Freelance Nonfiction Writing: Your Writing Career course starts on May 2 and ends on June 20, with optional Q&A sessions each Thursday night at 9-11 Eastern time.
For full course descriptions and a glowing teacher profile, type keyword CLASSES to go to the Online Campus. Click on the registration/course catalog and then look in the English/Writing folder. Voila! I teach two courses, the Freelance Nonfiction Writing: Your Writing Career course and the Nonfiction Magazine Article Writing course. (You have to hit the "more" button to get to the latter.)
If you wish to see some comments from former students, Email me and request the Kudos file.
Courses cost $40 and take 8 weeks to complete. All course material is supplied in easily-downloaded format from a private library. Homework is optional. So is attendence at the weekly question/answer sessions--and those sessions are logged and made available later in the private library. Think of it as a correspondence course but with faster turn-around time and immediate feedback from the instructor.
For more information or for step-by-step registration instructions, Email me at Stevemoril.
And thanks for your patience in reading this long message.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:word for....
Date: 96-04-08 07:58:15 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
When seeking terminology, call your nearest large library & ask for the research dept. They can find ANYTHING. Most recently they got me instant information on some ancient architectural principles, the genesis of that old saying that you can't step into the same river twice, and the Portugese word for "simplicity."
A few sample listings:
NYC -- 212.340.0849
Chicago -- 312.747.4300
Boston -- 617.536.5400
Subj: New To Writing
Date: 96-04-15 19:00:43 EST
From: Twinky9922
Posted on: America Online
I have recently finished my first book. I am in the process of making revisions. I was wondering if I should use an agent or search for a publisher on my own?
Subj: Electronic rights
Date: 96-04-15 21:28:00 EST
From: WeinVine
Posted on: America Online
Steve:
I am a successful non-fiction writer in the process of negotiating a contract to write content for a major subject-oriented web site. The challenge is in negotiating rights. They want all the rights eventually, and don't want to see the material replicated in print or on-line.
I have a couple of questions here: first, in non-fiction, don't I have the right under "fair use" to use portions of my writing describing the background, dynamics of a certain topic without violating the contract agreement to provide "exclusive" information? Second, where can you point me either in your columns or elsewhere on AOL or the Net on electronic rights, and how to negotiate for the most favorable terms?
Let me know your thoughts as soon as convenient; and I appreciate your help (is there an "electronic rights" section in this writer's forum? There ought to be..)
Thanks,
Weinvine
Subj: Re:Twinky9922/New To Writing
Date: 96-04-16 06:48:39 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>I have recently finished my first book. I am in the process of making revisions. I was wondering if I should use an agent or search for a publisher on my own? <<
As a *general* rule, get an agent. An agent is better at selling books than you are and can negotiate a better contract than you can. Further, many publishers simply won't look at un-agented book proposals. But mileage varies, so that is only a general rule.
For advice on getting an agent see various notes in the Business of Writing section here in the writers club. To do that, back out to the opening Writer's Club screen and look at the center panel of choices.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Weinvine/Electronic rights
Date: 96-04-16 07:41:13 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Weinvine writes: >>I am...in the process of negotiating a contract to write content for a major subject-oriented web site. The challenge is in negotiating rights. They want all the rights eventually, and don't want to see the material replicated in print or on-line....don't I have the right under "fair use" to use portions of my writing describing the background, dynamics of a certain topic without violating the contract agreement to provide "exclusive" information?<<
I'm puzzled by your saying, "They want all the rights eventually.." which sounds a little like "I'd like to be a virgin--eventually." I assume that you mean that when you *eventually* get the work done, they will want all rights. I mean, they can not have all rights if you sold some of those off in the meantime, can they?
Legally, whether you sell all rights or not is up to you and has no bearing, specifically, with the medium, in this case electronic. But some would argue that posting anything up on the Web is a de facto case of giving it away. I have written several things for web sites too and have wondered about that.
Even if you sell all rights you still have the same "fair use" options as any other writer. But fair use can be tricky. In this case you would be able to quote from your own work to that extent that does not economically damage the original client. How on earth that is assessed, and how quickly that client feels the pain are variables you have to consider.
And the copyright law generally permits you to write new articles from the same research material, so long as they differ in some degree, that degree to be determined by a court if you get into a fight with an earlier client.
None of this sounds like an entertaining prospect. Perhaps you want to meet with the original client and discuss these demands further. What you want is to sell them "nonexclusive" all rights, permitting you to market the work elsewhere on your own. They obviously do not want that. Perhaps compromise is possible. I would consider a larger cash payment up front as a reasonable compromise.
-----
>>Second, where can you point me either in your columns or elsewhere on AOL or the Net on electronic rights, and how to negotiate for the most favorable terms?<<
E-rights is the issue for freelancers for the 1990s and the battle is well underway. Several national writers organizations are fighting now on our behalf, and a system, similar to that used for musicians to get pay for radio use, is already in place. The constant battering is starting to wear down some magazines and newspapers who had made blatant all-rights grabs early on so that they could post content to on-line sites.
For now, I'll send you a statement by the American Society of Journalists and Authors that gives you ammunition to use. It's designed more for magazines and newspapers who want to take printed material and post it online, but perhaps it will help. It lists the standard arguments used by publishers, tells you the reality behind the argument, and suggests counteroffers to propose.
Anyone else who wants this statement need only e-mail me for it. Request "ASJA E-RIGHTS PRIMER".
----------
>>...is there an "electronic rights" section in this writer's forum? There ought to be.<<
I don't think so, but it is an excellent idea. Perhaps SGillen, copyright attorney and our resident legal eagle, would like to start one. Why don't you contact SGillen and ask?
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Weinvine/Electronic rights
Date: 96-04-17 09:25:36 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
I went ahead and sent the previous message to copyright attorney Stephan Gillen and here is his reply:
>>Thanks for the plug, Steve. There is an article by me in "The Laws and Writing" area that deals specifically with electronic rights and another piece there on doing business on the 'net.<<
Subj: I have an idea.....
Date: 96-04-23 06:07:54 EST
From: MiracleMat
Posted on: America Online
I have an idea for a book.
The subject is a theory (my own) on how different personalities relate to colors. Some call these auras, and ask if I can see them. sorry, nope. But after ten years of developing this theory and watching people whose color I know interactwith other colors, I believe I can easily produce a book on the subject.
My question is where would I find out (on line, libraries, publishers, distributors) if this could be a marketable topic.
Thanks.
Subj: Re:I have an idea.....
Date: 96-04-23 07:14:04 EST
From: MWyck0828
Posted on: America Online
Go to the library or the bookstore and find the 1996 edition of Writer's Market. Look for publishers that publish New Age material. Query the publisher first.
Subj: Re:I have an idea.....
Date: 96-04-23 07:30:07 EST
From: MRMcKinney
Posted on: America Online
+
FWIW, you might want to look at a non-fiction book by Michael Crichton, called TRAVELS, or Journeys, or some such thing. It is a sort of autobiography, but it deals a LOT with auras, etc.
Even for skeptics (me), it was a very interesting read, and might lend some insights to your topic.
Michael
Subj: Class registration still open
Date: 96-04-23 08:38:27 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Thanks to forces beyond our control, the registration for the Online Campus is extended by "a few days" whatever that means. So my c ourses in magazine article writing and in conducting a freelance writing business are still open too.
For descriptions of those and many other writing classes, type keyword CLASSES and look in the Online Campus catalog.
And be quick about it. I have no idea what "a few days" means.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Newspaper submission
Date: 96-04-26 00:14:24 EST
From: MPSEMAC
Posted on: America Online
I am submitting an unsolicited non-fiction personal essay to several large newspapers in Northern California with somewhat overlapping circulations. I previously had a similar essay published in one of the papers (December). It is unlikely much, if any, payment will be had. What are the legal/professional ramifications of simultaneous submissions to newspapers? Do any rights change hands in such a situation? How do I respond if more than one paper wants to publish it? Will I get my kneecaps broken? (As you can guess, I'm pretty new to all this!) Email answer is fine.
Subj: Re:Newspaper submission
Date: 96-04-26 18:01:18 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>...What are the legal/professional ramifications of simultaneous submissions to newspapers? Do any rights change hands in such a situation? How do I respond if more than one paper wants to publish it? Will I get my kneecaps broken?...<<
You also mentioned that the newspapers had somewhat overlapping circulation areas and that COULD be a problem for them. In the absence of any written and signed (by them and by you) contract, about the only rights you are selling is "one-time" rights. You give the newspaper the right to print the piece one time. Period. No promise about being first in North America, or anything else. You DO state, implictly and by offering the piece, that you still retain the right to sell it to them--that you have not sold all-rights or some such elsewhere.
It is customary to offer one-time rights or exclusive rights within the newspaper's distribution area. Sometimes there is also a time limit, say six months or a year. All these things are negotiable at the time you and the editor speak.
Legally, the newspapers have no beef even if they all three print the same article on the same weekend, so long as you signed nothing to the contrary. But that won't keep the editors from memorizing your name and then throwing their heads away.
If this essay is of no great timeliness, why don't you send it to one paper first, then the next, and so on? Failing that, I'd say send it out to all of them and be prepared to sell it to the first editor who calls.
In the meantime you can amuse yourself by reading up on copyright law. It's better than Valium. You can read all about it elsewhere here in the Writer's Club. Look in the center section of the main club window. Or use the search engine set on "copyright" to turn up a lot of articles, one of them by myself, several by SGillen, a copyright attorney.
:-)
-steve
Subj: OutrageousContracts
Date: 96-04-27 18:29:20 EST
From: Stpedersen
Posted on: America Online
I'm interesting in getting everyone's take on an outrageous contract I recently signed with a well-known teen magazine. Here it is:
"...Accordingly, Writer understands and agrees that: Publisher shall be the sole owner of the copyright (and all other right, title and interst) in and to the Material upon creation, throughout the world and forever(!!); Publisher has the exclusive right, thoughout the world and forever, to publish, print, copy, use, sell, license, distribute, exhibit, broadcast, transmit, display, advertise, publicize and promote all or any part of the Material, for any purpose whatever (including, but not limited to advertising, publicity, or promotional purposes, an any other commercial purposes), by any means or methods (whether now know or unknown, or hereafter invented or developed(!!)); Publisher is the sole owner of all English and foreign language rights (!!) in the Material including but not limited to condensation rights, motion picture rights, first serializtion rights, second serialization rights and abridgement rights; Publisher has the right at all times to edit and revise the contents of the Material in any manner deemed appropriate by Publisher; and Writer does not reserve or retain any right to republish any of the Material, in any form(!!).
I tried to whittle the agreement down to North American rights only--I wanted to sell the piece to an Australian mag--but the editor insisted that it was her publishing company's way or no way. The pay was simply okay--50 cents per word--but I had shopped the article idea around and this is the magazine that bit. I've talked with freelance friends and a few have encountered such greedy contracts. My question is, how can we negotiate better terms for ourselves without losing the assignment? I feel this is extremely exploitive and I would hate for this kind of contract to become the industry norm.
Subj: Re:OutrageousContracts
Date: 96-04-28 09:19:13 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
Well, that is a nsaty contract, all right. But actually, it's not all that unusual. There are two engines driving such contracts:
1) The information explosion the computer and Web access have created. Most major magazines and newspapers are now wanting to put the material they buy from writers to further profitable use. (And if they tell you it isn't profitable, they're assuming that you are too stupid to tie your shoes. They aren't doing it for a hobby.)
2) The old days of grizzled editors in patched sweaters who actually thought writers had some value has given way to big companies who let their editorial decisions be driven by the company's attorneys. Thus these contracts. Having written about business for twelve years, I can tell you that any company that lets its attorneys run the show is stupid. But there is no shortage of stupid CEOs out there. Some of them run publishing houses.
So how do you deal with editors who tell you "take it or leave it, but don't change it."
>>... My question is, how can we negotiate better terms for ourselves without losing the assignment? I feel this is extremely exploitive and I would hate for this kind of contract to become the industry norm. <<
The simple answer is that it IS exploitative. And it WILL become the industry norm if YOU let it. If we all let it. You did not say how hard you pushed this editor on the rights issue. That "sorry, no changes, all rights" stuff is often just an opening negotiating position. Magazines often have several "standard" contracts. There is "standard" contract A, sent to everyone first. Then there is standard contract B which is sent to those few writers who complain about A. B is better. Always.
Just for example, SEVENTEEN magazine, owned by K-III Holdings, demands all rights and reprint rights, but some writers have reported talking them out of that demand. Those writers are tough guys who talk back--and get to re-sell their stuff elsewhere.
The fact is that some responsible organizations ARE fighting for better treatment of writers. The American Society of Journalists and Authors actually posts a "Contracts Watch" in this Magazine Writers area from time to time--and those postings are full of news and advice about magazine contracts.
But it's hard to make headway when there is someone else out there willing to cave in. The brutal fact is that you must be willing to say to that editor, "Sorry. I'll sell you First North American only. If you want more, you have to pay me more--to compensate me for my lost revenue elsewhere."
I've done this a number of times and have learned several things: First, they usually DO back up, and you usually CAN arrive at a compromise position. They were testing my mettle and found they were dealing with a freelancer who was also a hard-nosed businessman who didn't really care if they bought the piece or not. And second, I learned that when you convince the editor that you aren't interested in playing games, and will refuse to write the piece unless the terms are to your satisfaction, you have a much stronger bargaining position. It's the person who doesn't care--or at least ACTS as if he doesn't care--if he gets the job or not who gets the job. Or gets the better contract.
And in the worst-case scenario, you walk away from the job. I would have in this instance. If you aren't willing to walk away, then you aren't really negotiating. You're just quibbling about how far they are going to make you bend over.
It's a wonderfully liberating experience to say "no" and hang up the phone. I recommend it, at least occasionally.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:OutrageousContracts
Date: 96-04-28 19:38:04 EST
From: Stpedersen
Posted on: America Online
Thanks for the advice--you're right, of course. I thought I fought hard, but I realize that it was my fear of losing the assignment that made me cave in. I really do hope everyone takes your advice--I would love never to see another contract like that one again
stpedersen
Subj: Writer needs help with query
Date: 96-04-28 23:11:26 EST
From: Wurg
Posted on: America Online
I am going on a rather large cross-country trip via automobile from June to October. I am planning on writing magazine and newspaper articles from the experiences I have on this trip. I would like to send some pre-trip query letters to my target publications in order to get some writing assignments. However, since there will be a large and varied range of subjects I will be writing on, I am not sure how to write this query. Is it appropriate to send a "here is what I'm doing and where I'm going would you like me to write anything for you" letter? I have some article ideas, but since my trip is so long, it is difficult for me to be able to pinpoint exactly the who, what, where and when. Any suggestions?
Also, I was thinking about querying book publishers to see if anyone would be interested in publishing the book I plan on writing about my trip once I return. However, since I won't really know how the book will turn out until it is finished, is this appropriate or just a waste of my time and money? The only concrete items I will be able to put in the letter are my angle (single, young woman travels alone across the United States) and the places I plan on going.
Thanks for your help - Jennifer Wurges
Subj: Re:Wurg/Writer needs help
Date: 96-04-29 12:05:17 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>... I would like to send some pre-trip query letters to my target publications in order to get some writing assignments. However, since there will be a large and varied range of subjects I will be writing on, I am not sure how to write this query. Is it appropriate to send a "here is what I'm doing and where I'm going would you like me to write anything for you" letter? I have some article ideas, but since my trip is so long, it is difficult for me to be able to pinpoint exactly the who, what, where and when. Any suggestions?...<<
You certainly have the right idea. Line up some markets BEFORE you go on the trip. This is easier said than done but it's a goal to work toward. You will not, of course, send a single type of query, but rather send queries slanted to specific magazines, and focusing upon various aspects of the trip. And while it sounds logical to give the editors your itinerary and ask for what they need, I doubt that you will get much response to that. At the least, suggest one or two story ideas to each editor--and then ask if there is anything else they might want. As for the difficulty of knowing now what you will find interesting during the trip--well that's always a problem. Do the best you can to line up work beforehand and be prepared to query new magazines--or the same editors on new topics--as the trip progresses. Take lots of shopping bags for brochures and chamber of commerce info. (And those same chambers, or the visitor and tourist commissions, may send you material in advance if you ask politely.)
>>...Also, I was thinking about querying book publishers to see if anyone would be interested in publishing the book I plan on writing about my trip once I return. However, since I won't really know how the book will turn out until it is finished, is this appropriate or just a waste of my time and money?...<<
It's probably a waste of postage at this point. I can see a publisher saying, "Well--let's see what you come up with at the end." And you probably also need an agent. Be prepared to write up a book proposal, in fact start writing it as you travel, especially the outline.
Finally, I might add that unless you can come up with a novel slant to the whole trip--maybe something offbeat and introspective like William Least Heat Moon's "Blue Highways"--you aren't going to have a book to write anyway. Get a theme before you go.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:Wurg/Writer needs help
Date: 96-04-29 19:02:40 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
<<Take lots of shopping bags for brochures and chamber of commerce info.>>
Actually, you can buy collapsible mailing boxes from the post office and put them in the bottom of your suitcase; that makes it easier to mail the goods home. Or -- carry FedEx boxes (you can open a FedEx account with just a credit card, and bring your account no. with you on the trip) and FedEx the material home, if you expect to be writing on deadline.
Subj: Re:Wurg/Writer needs help
Date: 96-04-30 07:58:11 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
DylanB writes: >>Actually, you can buy collapsible mailing boxes from the post office and put them in the bottom of your suitcase; that makes it easier to mail the goods home. Or -- carry FedEx boxes (you can open a FedEx account with just a credit card, and bring your account no. with you on the trip) and FedEx the material home, if you expect to be writing on deadline.<<
Right. I was assuming a car, but of course even that can get crowded after a few months and a few thousand miles and a few dozen towns/shopping bags.
I also recommend getting a phone book (white AND yellow pages) from each city you visit. These can be invaluable resources when you have to make follow-up calls to get that tidbit of information you forgot to get when you were there, or which you didn't know you would need. Often the local chamber of commerce can give you a phone book, or you can buy one or get a freebie at the local phone company office.
I also carry a pair of heavy-gauge wire cutters in the glove compartment of each car--but only for auto repair. And if you check into a hotel room and the phone book is missing--I was there just ahead of you. (I'd have taken the artwork too, but it was bolted to the wall. I DID carefully replace that "guaranteed sterile" paper band back onto the toilet before I left. I knew you'd want to know that.)
Those CD-ROM phone books could be valuable BEFORE the trip, helping you to plan stops, contact people, etc. I don't know. I have a set and I use them all the time, though not for planning trips.
:-)
-steve
Subj: audiobook review sources
Date: 96-04-30 20:22:12 EST
From: ZWLPUB
Posted on: America Online
Would like opinions on best review sources for non-fiction, self-help audiobooks.Know about Audiofile magazine. It's great. Also, Small Press is accepting audios for review now. Other suggestions?We're in the speech/business/self-improvement area.ZWLPUB
Subj: Re:OutrageousContracts
Date: 96-05-01 06:23:11 EST
From: SGillen
Posted on: America Online
Re negotiating for NA rights vs. all rights, you write:
<<I tried to whittle the agreement down to North American rights only--I wanted to sell the piece to an Australian mag->>
I suggest you estimate what you might make from placing the piece in an Australian mag and the tell the US editor that he will have to increase his offer by at least that amount if he wants All Rights to offset the opportunity cost to you of not pursuing the Australian placement.
Strategically, you want the US editor to realize that the extra rights that he wants (but in all probability does not need) are not free.
Steve Gillen
Subj: Re:OutrageousContracts
Date: 96-05-01 17:12:32 EST
From: Stpedersen
Posted on: America Online
THANKS!
Subj: Authors Registry news (1)
Date: 96-05-02 19:39:49 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
he Authors Registry (212-563-6920)
The Authors Guild (212-563-5904)
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) (212-997-0947)
For immediate release
May 1, 1996
AUTHORS' GROUPS JOIN TO SUPPORT FREELANCE DAVIDS
AS E-RIGHTS COURT BATTLE AGAINST GOLIATHS HEATS UP
Authors' organizations representing tens of thousands of writers
yesterday submitted a "friend of the court" brief in support of
several freelancers who are embroiled in battle with the New York
Times, Time Inc. and other major publishers and database producers
over the hot writers' issue of the 90s: electronic rights.
The show of solidarity came from the Authors Registry, the new
royalty collecting and licensing agency that counts more than
50,000 enrollees, and two leading writers' groups--the Authors
Guild and the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA).
The lawsuit, proceeding in U.S. District Court in New York City,
is backed by the National Writers Union.
Defendants are the publishers of the Times, Sports Illustrated
(Time Inc.) and Newsday (Times-Mirror), and the producers of the
Nexis and UMI article databases.
At issue is whether the publisher defendants, after initial
publication, had the right to license the database producers to
sell articles by freelancers in online and CD-ROM formats without
permission of the authors. The defendants maintain that no permission
or extra payment was needed. The writers and their supporters argue
that since, under the law, freelancers own the copyrights in their
work, and the writers involved had not licensed electronic rights
to the publishers, the additional use constitutes infringement.
Atlantic Monthly, also a defendant when the lawsuit was filed in
December 1993, recently settled with the writer whose work it had
sublicensed for electronic use. Terms of the settlement have not
been made public, but Atlantic now says it will negotiate electronic
rights with freelance contributors.
Originally, 11 writers were involved in the lawsuit, but in the
nearly two and a half years the case has plodded through the court
schedule, depositions and motions, several have dropped out.
Both sides--the five remaining defendants and six remaining
plaintiffs--have filed for summary judgment. U.S. District Judge
Sonya Sotomayor is scheduled to hear arguments on the cross-motions
in June. If neither side prevails, a trial would likely be ordered.
"I am enormously appreciative that the Registry, the Guild and
ASJA have supported our position," said the plaintiffs' lawyer, Emily M.
Bass of Burstein & Bass. "They have spoken very eloquently on behalf
of their members and very forcefully on behalf of all writers. Their
brief brings home very clearly the economic impact that a ruling in
favor of the defendants would have on freelancers."
The "friend of the court" brief, prepared by Authors Guild lawyers
for the Registry, the Guild and ASJA, points out that new
technologies "extend the shelf-life of the contributions to periodicals by making
the articles perpetually available for resale anywhere in the world."
The brief continues: "The overwhelming majority of publishers
procure specific licenses from authors for these electronic uses.
To our knowledge, only defendants have claimed that the Copyright
Act itself allows these specific uses without license."
The writers' groups argue that the defendants' interpretation
of the law "distorts the plain language of the statute, its
legislative history and the clear intent of Congress, demonstrated
over and over in the statute, that the market must properly reward
authors as well as their publishers for their valuable work in order
to encourage continued production of useful information. That
fundamental policy of copyright demonstrates, we believe, that these
plaintiffs own the reproduction rights that the publisher defendants
purported to grant to the database defendants."
Subj: Authors Registry news (2)
Date: 96-05-02 19:40:31 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
... As money flows into cyber-publishing, the right to profit from
electronic use of articles has become a growing issue with writers.
Now, as the Registry, the Guild and ASJA noted in their brief, the
New York Times predicts it will take in $80 million in royalties over
the next five years from the publisher's portion of search and
download fees paid by users of the Nexis online database.
To the freelancers, that would be good news except that the Times
intends to keep all the money. According to Contracts Watch, an ASJA
bulletin that keeps tabs on freelance rights issues, some periodicals
have begun to split with authors the royalties received from such
ventures as the Nexis and UMI databases while others pay fees for the
rights.
The Authors Registry was established in 1995 chiefly to collect
electronic-use royalties of the sort that the defendants have refused
to pay. It quickly gained wide support, now counting more than 30
writers' organizations and 95 literary agencies among its endorsers.
The Registry began operations in February 1996.
###
Contacts:
Authors Registry - Paul Aiken, 212-563-6920
Authors Guild - Kay Murray, 212-563-5904
ASJA - Dan Carlinsky, 212-997-0947
Subj: Re:Authors Registry news
Date: 96-05-03 14:15:17 EST
From: DylanB
Posted on: America Online
Steve,
If you write without a contract, are you automatically presumed to have any rights? What are they?
D.
Subj: Re:DylanB/no contract
Date: 96-05-04 08:33:53 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>If you write without a contract, are you automatically presumed to have any rights? What are they?<<
Copyright law says that, in the absence of a signed (by you) contract, you are selling only one-time rights. (Doesn't actually SAY that, but that's what it amounts to.) You retain ownership of the piece and the right to sell it as-is to someone else. Of course you could not sell it as "first" any more.
Buyer has no right to print the piece more than one time.
But buyers have been known to place a very generous (to themselves) interpretation upon that "one-time," and often claim that posting your article to their Web page or selling reprints of it to customers or running it again in a year-end "best-of" anthology is all included in that one-time right. They're nuts, but sometimes they get away with this, which to me is sort of like my telling Hertz that, because I rented their car one weekend, I have the right to use it again whenever I want without paying them any more.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Native American Author
Date: 96-05-04 09:31:32 EST
From: Elbap36
Posted on: America Online
Does anyone know the name of a Native American writer who is considered to be one of the best?
I was impressed with the recitation of part of his work, when he was answering a question about what he believed in.
One of the phrases was : "My spirit is a sacred trust." And he goes on to describe his communion with nature.
Unfortunately, this was on TV and there was no more mention of his name.
And THIS IS a question about non-fiction writing.
I'll appreciate any help.
-elba
Subj: Advice please
Date: 96-05-06 15:37:55 EST
From: CWebb1234
Posted on: America Online
Steve.... This is going to sound like a dumb question but here goes. I spent the last three years as the news editor for a community newspaper. (Fancy title that simply meant I wrote the front page twice a week and columns several times a month.)I was published over 900 times and my work includes hard news, features, and editorial columns. I left that position because as a divorced mom it was taking too many hours away from my son.....60 hours a week was the average. Now I want to freelance. Will my experience give me a "leg up" in the eyes of the editorial gods at magazines? And when editors say they only work with published writers does my experience count? I know these are crazy questions coming from a 900 times published writer but I have always had an empty front page to fill and never had to convince someone what I wrote was worthy....execpt the occasional letter to the editor author. Hee Hee
Thanks for your advice in helping me get started "on my own".
Candy
Subj: Need Input from Book Authors
Date: 96-05-06 18:31:49 EST
From: M J Ruben
Posted on: America Online
NEED AUTHORS OF NONFICTION BOOKS
Your Input Needed
AUTHOR of book (under contract) on how to write nonfiction trade-books seeks experienced and published authors for input on giving tips and advice to newcomers. A plus if you've authored nonfiction books on self-improvement, mental health, career, personal lifestyle (marriage, sexuality, etc).
All experienced nonfiction trade writers are welcome.
NEED only a couple minutes of your valuable time.
If willing to give those brief minutes, please let us know at mjruben@aol.com.
Thank you for your assistance in advance
DH RUBEN, PHD
Subj: Re:Advice please
Date: 96-05-07 07:48:12 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>I spent the last three years as the news editor for a community newspaper....Will my experience give me a "leg up" in the eyes of the editorial gods at magazines? And when editors say they only work with published writers does my experience count? I know these are crazy questions coming from a 900 times published writer but I have always had an empty front page to fill and never had to convince someone what I wrote was worthy....<<
I'd say you had to convince your boss at the newspaper and you obviously did so.
If I were a magazine editor (and I have been) I would appreciate the fact that you made 900 deadlines and wrote 900 sets of copy to the right length. I might want to see a few clips to assess the writing style--and here you have a disadvantage: You see, being the editor yourself, *you* didn't have an editor to spiff it up for you. :-)
I might be cautious about assigning you a 2,000-word or 3,000-word piece if all you have done in the past is 500-700 word pieces, but that seems a not-insurmountable obstacle. And, of course, magazines don't use inverted-pyramid news style, but you have probably done feature-writing too--and of course those columns.
I see no problem.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Collaborating w/med profs.
Date: 96-05-07 20:59:35 EST
From: LCRPR
Posted on: America Online
I have written about medical/health topics in a PR context and a few freelance articles. Now I have an opportunity to collaborate w/a semi-prominent medical expert on a popular consumer health issue. Problem is I don't know how to market this partnership to get the best assignments and best pay from mainstream consumer magazines.
Do I approach the editors, or does the medical expert? Should we have several specific article topics in mind, or just let them know the expert is interested/available and has selected me to do the writing? Should I be concerned about getting the "assignment" then the editor assigning a staff writer to simply interview the expert, cutting me out?
Any tips greatly appreciated. Please email me - LCRPR@aol.com. Thanks.
Subj: Thanks Steve
Date: 96-05-07 22:40:56 EST
From: CWebb1234
Posted on: America Online
I sent 12 query letters in the middle of February and am waiting to hear something.....anything....@ @
>
\____/
Thanks for your reply it strengthened my resolve to get back to querying. Candy
Subj: me again
Date: 96-05-07 22:45:48 EST
From: CWebb1234
Posted on: America Online
By the way, thanks for the input on assigning short pieces first, it makes a lot of sense. I think I will target my queries for those lengths to try and break in. I did write features...lots of them and I enjoyed it because it gave me much more creative leeway than the hard news beat I covered daily.
I'll keep ya "posted" on my progress.......Candy
Subj: Re:Collaborating w/med profs.
Date: 96-05-08 09:31:29 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
>>... I have an opportunity to collaborate w/a semi-prominent medical expert on a popular consumer health issue. Problem is I don't know how to market this partnership to get the best assignments and best pay from mainstream consumer magazines....<<
That's your first problem--you are marketing yourself and your partner, but an editor is more concerned about her readers' needs. She is also unlikely to show interest in articles that are one-interview self-promotional pieces. Some magazines DO use such material because they don't have to pay for it. The expert/promoter writes it for free. I doubt this will appeal to you.
You need to rethink this concept. Are you, the writer, doing PR work for this guy--on speculation only. It seems to me that you are, if you don't get paid until he gets into print.
----------
>>Any tips greatly appreciated. Please email me - LCRPR@aol.com. <<
Sorry. Doesn't work that way in this advice folder. If you ask publically, you get answered publically. That's only fair to the others who have to read the question and who could learn from the answer.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Collab. w/med prof, again
Date: 96-05-09 22:40:23 EST
From: LCRPR
Posted on: America Online
Sorry, this was my first experiment in message boards. I do understand the idea now about public questions & public answers. Works for me, I've learned a lot just reading some posts today.
Back to my question about collaborating w/the medical professional. No, I'm not doing PR for her, but we figured since she's often called for quotes, wouldn't it be appealing to editors to have her byline on an article? Do I submit a query in which I say, "Dr. Doe and I would like to write..."?
Or is there another tried-and-true method to this type of query?
Any further comments or advice much appreciated
Subj: UrgentQuestionForSteve
Date: 96-05-14 19:18:48 EST
From: Rjoedemler
Posted on: America Online
Hi Steve--I have a question for you. I'll start from the beginning: In January I queried a NY-based teen magazine (mag A) and received a standard rejection letter. I then pitched the idea to another teen magazine (mag B) --who assigned me the piece. Here's the problem: My story is in the June issue of mag B. It is also in the June issue of mag A--written by one of mag A's regular contributors. I have reason to beleive mag A "stole my idea." Before I come off as a hysterical freelancer, I must tell you I've been in the business awhile. And while I've never written for mag A before, somone I know on the edit staff of mag A dropped me a hint that the editor I had queried took my idea and gave it to another freelancer. This person also said that she would deny admitting she gave me this information should I contact the magazine. What makes this even more glaring a theft is that the subject matter deals with a highly, highly, highl, unusual compulsive physical behavior indulged in by a small number of teenage girls.
I have been working in magazine publishing for ten years--five of them on staff at various publications, five of them freelance. As an editor, I myself have told freelancers who accused us of ripping off thier story ideas that it was coincidence, etc. And it usually was. But I have to admit, there were times that my bosses would take a query idea from an unknown freelancer and quietly give the story to one of our regular contributors or have someone on staff do it. I have always believed this to be wrong, but I've been at magazines where it was done with alarming frequency. And even worse, there was nothing these poor writers could do about it. It was--and is--always thier word agains the editor's.
I've always avoided putting copyright symbols on my queries becuase I felt they made one look unprofessional and paranoid. But one thing I did notice at two of the magazines I was at, was that if an unknown freelancer had printed a copyright symbol on his or her query, the editors would take a chance and assign him or her the piece instead of sneaking it out to one of our regulars.
I feel like there is nothing I can do with my current situation--it's my word against mag A's. But my husband, who also works in publishing, admits that he's been at magazines where editors have "re-assgined" querie ideas as well. What can I do to make sure this doesn't happen to me again?
Subj: Re:UrgentQuestionForSteve
Date: 96-05-15 06:30:26 EST
From: Menneske
Posted on: America Online
Hi--can I ask you the name of the teen mag? I understand if you would rather not, but I've had a similar experience in the last year with a NY-based teen mag (owned by KIII) and I would love to talk to someone about it.
Subj: Re:UrgentQuestionForSteve
Date: 96-05-15 07:50:07 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<...What can I do to make sure this doesn't happen to me again?>>
Probably not much. When you were an editor and actually witnessed theft of article ideas--what recourse did those writers have?
The fact is that it is not enough to have a good idea. The editor must also be assured that the writer has the capability to make the good idea into a good article. If the editor does not have that assurance, she faces three choices:
She can trust an unknown writer--or worse, a writer already known to do substandard work--to do the job. A failure by the writer will jeopardize the editor's job.
She can reject the query but hand off the idea to someone she trusts more. This will give her a good idea coupled with reliable writing--and also a guilt complex.
She can reject a query she really likes, and forget the idea. This will make her resent the original writer for having screwed-up a good idea by querying on it first. This will be especially true if she then rejects better writers with similar ideas for fear of the appearance of stealing the idea. I do not claim that this is logical, merely all-too-human.
As for copyrighting the query itself or the idea, you are out of luck. You cannot copyright the idea itself and unless they use large portions of your query in the actual article I fail to see how you could have a case there either. If I were the editor and saw a copyright notice on the query itself I would think "Oh boy, this person doesn't know the copyright law." I might still deal with that writer but I would have reservations because I'm in the editing business, not in the legal-defense business.
It sounds as though you got ripped off. Practically speaking, move on to write for people who treat you better. Emotionally speaking, rat on the bad guys at every opportunity and let them dry up for lack of good writers. But don't waste a lot of time on them. They don't deserve it.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:UrgentQuestionForSteve
Date: 96-05-15 07:59:33 EST
From: Rjoedemler
Posted on: America Online
Thanks Steve, I've been writing magazine articles for awhle and have never ran into anything like this.
As for Menneske's question: If the mag you're referring to is named after a number, then we're talking about the same publication.
Subj: Re:RhodaLevin/Senior mags
Date: 96-05-15 20:58:55 EST
From: PatJBell
Posted on: America Online
don't know first hand about Steve's classes, but I do know he gives good information on this folder!
Pat Bell
Cat's-paw Press
Subj: Re:Software for Writing
Date: 96-05-15 21:05:32 EST
From: PatJBell
Posted on: America Online
What would you expect the software to do? i can't imagine anything other than a good word processing program to develop the material, perhaps acquiring data from a database. Seems like you might be looking at making the job harder.
PatJBell
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-05-15 21:13:51 EST
From: PatJBell
Posted on: America Online
Steve,
I have some experience on this sort of arrangement. I'd be glad to discuss it through personal e-mail.
Also, I can provide a list of titles for the boning up on independent publishing. There are several excellent books on that direct topic and on related ones such as marketing--crucial to the issue.
PatJBell
Subj: Re:Cowriting/editing Split?
Date: 96-05-16 08:00:20 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<I have some experience on this sort of arrangement...>>
I should have remembered that. Along with self-publishing expertise. By all means take this one off to e-mail. Thanks.
:-)
-steve
Subj: RE: Education publisher
Date: 96-05-17 13:35:23 EST
From: CBollen
Posted on: America Online
My sons teacher just received a sabbatical to write about childrens self evaluations (instead of report cards). She would like to publish the finished product as a book, but does not know how to find an editor for educational material like this. Does anyone have any clues I could pass on to her?
Subj: 5th grader: biography
Date: 96-05-18 13:00:43 EST
From: Curious692
Posted on: America Online
My son is a student in 5th grade. He has an assignment to write a biography about someone who's 25 years of age or older and whom he respects: he's chosen his older brother, who is a graduate student in chemistry for a Ph.D at Clemson University. Yet, even with what my youngest son's teacher has taught him, he doesn't comprehend how to write a biography. I'm not sure myself. Therefore, at the 5th grade level, my youngest son would appreciate any information about writing a biography: eg, outline, material, etc. Please e-mail your response.
Subj: Re:RE: Education MS/editor
Date: 96-05-18 22:04:59 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<My sons teacher... does not know how to find an editor for educational material....Does anyone have any clues I could pass on to her?>>
I'm--ahem--available. For money. But also, try the board here in the Writers Club for editors.
Or, have your son's teacher call the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). Their "Dial-a-Writer" program, at 212-398-1934 to get in touch with 900 top writers, many of who are also good editors.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:RE: Education MS/editor
Date: 96-05-19 21:11:35 EST
From: CBollen
Posted on: America Online
Steve,
Thanks for the ideas. I will pass them on to my son's teacher.
Subj: RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-19 23:45:04 EST
From: CBollen
Posted on: America Online
Steve -
I just realized I was asking for the wrong kind of person. What my son's teacher needs is a publisher. She has no ideas who publishes educational books. Neither do I. Do you?
Subj: Re:RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-20 20:34:34 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<What my son's teacher needs is a publisher. She has no ideas who publishes educational books. Neither do I. Do you?>>
I think you need to stop fighting your son's teacher's battles. She seems remarkable lacking in initiative. The names of educational book publishers are printed on the spines of the very books she uses to teach.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-21 16:14:21 EST
From: SGillen
Posted on: America Online
Check for a book called "Literary Market Place" in your local library. It lists US publishers by genre and market. Look for an educational publisher that also publishes "methods" books (many educational publishers primarily publish materials for classroom use -- a much bigger market than that for methods materials -- and would not be interested in a methods proposal).
Steve Gillen
Subj: Re:RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-21 21:20:24 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
<<Check for a book called "Literary Market Place" in your local library...>> --Steve Gillen
Thanks, Steve. You have more patience than I have. I sort of lost it there.
:-)
-steve
Subj: Re:RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-22 19:59:42 EST
From: PatJBell
Posted on: America Online
I would also suggest checking in Forthcoming Books (R. R. Bowker). These are, no surprise, books that publishers are announcing. They are listed in category.
PatJBell
Subj: Re:RE:Ed Publisher
Date: 96-05-23 15:46:00 EST
From: CBollen
Posted on: America Online
Steve - Thanks for your ideas. I passed them on to the teacher and she was very appreciative.
CB
Subj: Please help
Date: 96-05-25 08:52:39 EST
From: JulieC
Posted on: America Online
URGENT: I need help with writing a grant proposal.
Will appreciate any suggestion and/or copy of related information.
Thank you
Julie
Subj: Use of source material??
Date: 96-05-28 10:11:13 EST
From: WrdsmithME
Posted on: America Online
I have several questions for you about the use of source material in writing nonfiction books. (Please forgive me if this seems like a "newbie" question . . . it is, and I'm not sure who else to ask. I just want to make sure that I don't make any major mistakes in writing my first book.)
I'm working on a nonfiction children's book about an event that happened several months ago. The event was widely covered in newspapers and magazines, and there are several World Wide Web sites that provide information about it as well. Basically, I've read everything about it that I can get my hands on. Most of the articles and web pages provide the same information, over and over.
Do I need to reference *all* the articles and web pages that I have used as sources of *general* information? I know that I need to reference those that provide me with specific information not covered by the other articles (such as quotes, numbers, etc.). If a certain piece of information is covered by five different articles, though, do I need to reference any of them, or should I just consider it common knowledge?
How does one reference source materials in a children's book? I don't want to have all kinds of superscripted numbers in the text if I can help it. Can I just provide a "reference list" at the back of the book?
Also, do I need to contact all of the individual publishers (say, a magazine publisher, a newspaper, or the person who created/owns a web site) for permission to use the info? (I know that, when writing a scientific article, one can simply cite a source publication in the reference list. I'm not sure what the rules are for books, though.)
Thank you *very much* in advance for any info you can give me in answer to these questions! :-)
Subj: Re:Use of source material??
Date: 96-05-29 08:46:18 EST
From: SteveMoril
Posted on: America Online
WrdsmithME asks, in part:
<<Do I need to reference *all* the articles and web pages that I have used as sources of *general* information? I know that I need to reference those that provide me with specific information not covered by the other articles (such as quotes, numbers, etc.). If a certain piece of information is covered by five different articles, though, do I need to reference any of them, or should I just consider it common knowledge?>>
Of course not. In todays information age, it's rare that you even FIND all references to a topic. There is certainly no need to cite every reference you run across--especially as it is likely that all but one of those are themselves references to one original cite. But you are running into a fundamental research error; more on this at the end of this message.
-----
<<...How does one reference source materials in a children's book? I don't want to have all kinds of superscripted numbers in the text if I can help it. Can I just provide a "reference list" at the back of the book?>>
This isn't college and we don't need those silly footnotes. Ask your publisher how you should do it but I suspect they will want a back-matter list if they want a list at all.
-----
<<Also, do I need to contact all of the individual publishers (say, a magazine publisher, a newspaper, or the person who created/owns a web site) for permission to use the info? (I know that, when writing a scientific article, one can simply cite a source publication in the reference list. I'm not sure what the rules are for books, though.)>>
Usually the rules are the same. Again, talk to your publisher about any permissions needed. You will likely be expected to get them--and pay any fees incurred.
-----
I mentioned above that you were in danger of making a fundamental error in research. Not knowing the details, it looks to me as though you are writing a book using what we call "secondary" research. You are just copying down stuff that other people have written, or quotes from other sources. In some instances even this is a public--and publishable--service since you assemble in one location otherwise scattered information. But in most cases you need to do "primary" research. You need to go talk to those people yourself, review the documentation yourself, and come up with some unique and new synthesis of the material and the opinions of the experts you interview.
I have the sneaking suspicion that you have not prepared a book proposal and sent this out to some agents or publishers yet. Someone should have mentioned this research concern to you before now.
And perhaps, too, this is not necessary in children's books. I'm no expert on children's books, never having read any.
:-)
-steve
12/20/96 1:57:01 PM Closing Log file.
Comments
Post a Comment