Before You Sign That Publishing Contract…By Diane Craver

I’ve had a few author friends complain recently about their traditional publishers. It’s important to know as much as possible about your new publisher and what they will offer you before signing the contract. When you get the contract offer, your excitement might cloud your judgment. If the contract isn’t going to work for you, then you need to turn it down. I had to do this a couple of times. It wasn’t easy because I was anxious to have a publisher for my last two books. A sick feeling might be in your gut when you have to say no but you have to make a commitment to yourself and your career path.

Why the In-Laws Won’t Let Me Drive Anymore…

Last Friday, four of my in-laws arrived. Now, before you send me a a sympathy card or suggest I buy a box of Calgon, you should know that we’re having a great time! Well, I am anyway.

Demand Studios – What Their Average Contributors Are Saying… By Angela Hoy

We have been profiling content mills and companies that have revenue sharing / pay-per-click programs. You know the type. They either offer insultingly low rates for articles (and often take all rights)…or you work your butt off to fill their site with content, and promote their site to get lots of clicks and/or ad revenue. They then earn money on ads placed on your content pages and you usually end up earning less than minimum wage, if anything at all.
Last week, I issued a call for writers who write, or have written, for Demand Studios / DemandStudios.com…

Is it Legal to Pay Someone for Work Only After They Reach a Specific Dollar Threshold?

In response to the question I asked in this article, an attorney (who is also a BookLocker author) shared this:
Hi Ang-
Concerning the “pay-per-click” issue:
I’d have to read the agreement but, based on what I understand of the process, the writer has agreed to such terms and conditions, unattractive as they might be, and therefore a court would probably say he or she has no right to complain. Accordingly, his or her seeking legal recourse, especially in light of the sums involved, would probably be counterproductive from an economic prospective. The better answer might be: Refuse to agree to such a provision.
Harvey
—-
Hi Angela,
I am mystified by the response from Terry accusing you of elitism because you dared to explain the workings of AllVoices.com. You are unmatched as a reputable advocate for writers and I thank you for that.
Keep up the good work,
Glenna

Cancer Survivor Living a Double Life! By Mary Beth Hall

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, a very good friend went looking for a book to teach her how to help me through the cancer ordeal. She inquired in bookstores, went to the Internet, asked relatives and friends, and tried every avenue available in her quest for information. She came up empty handed each time. After a year of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, I sat down and wrote the book she was looking for. I titled it Lessons from a Bald Chick: How to Help Yourself or Someone You Know Through Cancer.

Second Guessing the Muse By Ruth Schiffmann

The last time I argued with my muse, it landed me in a writing slump for months. I hid it well, bringing resurrected pieces to my weekly writing group, and sharing market news and contest announcements with fellow writers in lieu of new stories, articles or essays.

Leaf Watchers Descend on the Hoy House

This is the time of year when everybody wants to visit us…because of the miraculous Fall show we get in Maine, of course. This weekend, Richard’s mom, step-dad, aunt and uncle will be arriving for a 5-day stay. The next week, his childhood friend, Scott, will be visiting with his girlfriend. And, on Halloween weekend, my mom is coming. We are so excited!