tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3967806610957360397.post8862625969698371224..comments2023-09-29T00:18:58.055-07:00Comments on Marshall Ryan Maresca: The Siren Call of Too EasyMarshall Ryan Marescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06259367667777920728noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3967806610957360397.post-12439097262817360962011-10-14T02:22:41.397-07:002011-10-14T02:22:41.397-07:00Leigh: From what I understand, the major publisher...Leigh: From what I understand, the major publishers want "first publication rights" unless you already have an established fan base (like Amanda Hocking). They'll avoid a previously published novel, even if it's out of print. I'm not sure why they insist on this, though. Any insights?Abbyhttp://abbygoldsmith.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3967806610957360397.post-72502223100578233962011-10-13T13:08:03.446-07:002011-10-13T13:08:03.446-07:00Speaking as someone with precisely zero publishing...Speaking as someone with precisely zero publishing experience, this newest post inspired a couple of thoughts just for the sake of discussion (disclaimer: Repeat, no publishing experience!).<br /><br />First thing, it's not unheard of for a book to have had first small printing, and then be picked up by a larger publishing house later. But I think the catch is in the contract. It would be very easy for an author to get screwed over if the small publishing house they first signed with had a "sorry, you're stuck with us forever and have to always pay us a portion of your profits" clause. But if the contract was iron-clad in protecting the author's interests -- ie, the publishing house will do ONLY one printing, they are entitled to profits from ONLY that printing, and they still owe the author royalties -- then it might not be a bad thing to go with a small-but-willing publishing house initially. Goodness knows it happens in the music industry often enough!<br /><br />And speaking of the music industry, one could liken selling one's own e-books on Amazon.com/etc to a musical artist circumventing the traditionally corrupt music label industry by selling their music direct on iTunes, CDbaby, etc. Some independent musicians have done very well that way and are able to keep most of their profits, so *in theory*, might it not be possible for published works, too?<br /><br />Whether one goes with a small publishing house, gets picked up by a large publishing house, or self-publishes, it's undoubtedly wise to consult an attorney who specializes in intellectual property law, and of published works in particular. No author deserves to suffer a "Joy of Cooking" disaster, where the publisher takes advantage of an under-advised author, and in the end the author winds up with little to nothing.leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16174141098861272059noreply@blogger.com