Who owns the rights to your 24-hour short story contest entry? You do!!
Hello. Was wondering, if I did not win the contest, can I submit my story to a magazine or other publishing company? …
Ask The Expert
My traditional publisher won’t promote my book! What’s an easy, affordable way to do it myself?
In 2002, my book was published by (a traditional publisher). It's a book on creative writing for teachers. I don't think the publisher could afford marketing and I did not have time with my job at a museum. Any ideas for how to promote?…
Paying for Press Releases = Throwing Your Money Away?
There are lots of publishers (and other firms) that will gladly and greedily ask you to plunk down a lot of money to create and distribute a press release (that they know will likely cost you more than any resulting book sales) ...…
Book Signings? More of a (Flattering) Time-Waster Than a Money-Maker!
My friend (who is a marketing major) and I are trying to organize a book signing. We are considering various things to make more sales. However, to do that, she said Barnes and Noble told us that the book has to be sold in that store in order for them to host my signing ...…
I Think My Social Media Posts Might Be Hurting My Professional Reputation
As I move towards higher paying (read: corporate) markets, I am wondering what impact of my social media posts might be on editors at these markets. For example, could an editor take a look at my Twitter page and decide my tweets are too controversial for their magazine to feature my byline?…
My Publisher Wants All Rights to My Edited Manuscript….THAT I’LL BE PAYING THEM TO EDIT!
Can you send me the list of freelance book editors you recommend? My publisher's contract says if I pay them to edit my book, they'll then own the rights to that version of my manuscript. No way!!!…
Somebody Stole My Photos…And They Ended Up In A Book!
Someone gave an author my photographs, and claimed that they belonged to them. The author then used my photos in their book. Who do I contact regarding copyright infringement?…
Can I Use Materials in My Book, without Permission, for “Educational Purposes?”
Online, I found two polls and a graph I want to use in my book. I believe that since it is for educational purposes, the fair use doctrine would apply. Is that right?…
Help! I Can’t Find The Copyright Owner Of This Piece But I Need To Use It!
I want to write a book and it would feature an old story from a 1956 periodical. I have been trying to get a copyright permission to include this short story. However, the publisher was bought out a couple times. The new company put me on hold while they searched their records further, and told me that the "rightful owners" are a completely different firm in New York. I cannot find them on the Internet to contact them to get the needed copyright permission so that I can proceed with my book.…
Publisher Won’t Show Me Their Contract! Arrrggghhh!!!
I am very interested in using a particular POD publisher for my book. But, I can't find a link to their contract anywhere on their site. When I ask them for a copy, they just send more advertising mumbo jumbo. What should I do?…
Weird Spaces Between Words in MSWord? We Have An Easy Fix!
I'm using MSWord on a PC. Why are some of the spaces between words in my fully-justified manuscript uneven? There are normal spaces between most words, and weird, long spaces between others...on the same line of text! It doesn't make any sense. Can you help? …
Did You Include Work-For-Hire In Your Contract? No? You May NOT Own All Rights!
You can't assume work for hire unless you have a contract that specifically states it.…
Can I Mention Old Characters In My Fiction If The Original Copyright Has Expired?
My query is to ask if the restrictions you quoted in your article would also apply to mentioning or quoting characters from older fiction, which is now in the public domain, e.g. from writers such as Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and other similarly antiquated sources? …
Beware Of “Book Marketing” Telemarketers!
I just received a call from a company called (name removed) and they say they want to promote my book. What do you know about this company? …
How Can I Make Money Giving Away A Free E-Book On Amazon?
Is it sensible for me to promote my latest book by giving away some free ebooks on the Kindle? How can I avoid pitfalls about poorly-formatted MOBI formatted ebooks (I've heard horror stories), and what costs should I expect for publishing my ebook, and for promoting it? …
How Do You Get Started Writing a Book?
I have wanted to become an author for more than 20 years. This dream has always taken a backseat to everything in my life. I would like to know if you can offer me any advice on getting started. …
Sending A Book To Large Institutions
What are your thoughts on sending a book to large institutions that I plan to pitch to? For example, I am going to pitch to colleges to include my book as recommended reading for psychology/sociology programs. …
Sending A Book To Large Institutions That I Plan To Pitch
What are your thoughts on sending a book to large institutions that I plan to pitch to? For example, I am going to pitch to colleges to include my book as recommended reading for psychology/sociology programs. …
Do I Need Permission To Quote Others In My Book?
If I reference a book and/or the authors of that book, do I have to get written permission from them? Is it enough just to list them in my reference section? …
Why Is BookLocker So Inexpensive Compared To Other POD Publishers?! The Answer Is Simple…
I am interested in speaking to someone about publishing my children's book. I ran across the page advertising BookLocker's (color-interior program) and would like to know a little more about this company, especially why is the pricing so inexpensive compared to some of the other publishing companies? …
Did That TV Show Steal My Idea? Probably Not…
I started writing a book on my computer about ten years ago, but never finished it because life has been very busy for me. Recently, I watched this new show that started last year that is exactly the same as far as storyline and characters. Could it be coincidence? …
Why Does Amazon Have My Book Listed At A Fraction Of The List Price?!
I was just wondering if you have any insight into why Amazon is selling new copies of my book for $3.13 when the list price is $19.95. …
Sample Anthology Contributor Contract
I am publishing an anthology book for my project, and read your article, HOW TO COMPILE AND PUBLISH AN ANTHOLOGY. I found it very insightful. I was wondering if you might be willing to share the contract that you use. I would be willing to pay for it. …
What’s Your Opinion About Those Marketing Services with “Bestseller” in Their Name?
What is your opinion of the (name removed) organization and their bestseller program. The fee is $20 and they will purchase (a few) copies for reviewers to evaluate my book and potentially increase my sales dramatically. I would like your opinion. I would have to provide a copy of my book for them to utilize and have an opportunity for someone to win a free copy. …
My Novel is Based on a True Story. Can I Be Sued?
I want to publish my novel with BookLocker (it's my nature) about liability, as the novel is based on a true story. I've read your articles, as well as many others, about this issue, but am hesitant to proceed even after doing the obvious--changing characters' names, appearances, and facts, so they don't resemble the real people or exact events. Some of the principles of the true story are deceased, but at least one that I know of is still living. I think you mentioned that a lawyer should vet a novel, but I can't afford that. My question: Am I worrying needlessly? …
Website Publishing Article Without My Permission
I came across a website that has published one of my articles on their website without my permission or my knowledge. What should I do? …
How Can You Help Me Find Writing Work?
My name is (removed). I have an interest in writing, especially the commentary/opinions/short stories variety. I have been told by a friend that your organization could be helpful in getting some of my installments published. Could you advise me how to proceed? …
How Do I Get Magazine Editors To Respond To Me?!
Over the last two months I've sent out close to fifty emails to different magazines, pitching ideas for articles and features and, to date, only three have responded. One declined my idea. Another said they would consider it late. A third said they already had something similar planned for their own in-house staff to write. I'm a good writer. I know my ideas have merit and are entertaining, topical and newsworthy. Yet, I feel like a complete non-entity when magazines can't even be bothered to reply to me. As heart breaking as it can be to be met with a 'no,' at least saying 'no' means that someone at least took the time to read your email and reply. Complete silence time after time after time is just soul destroying. Is there a way to address such problems? …
Can I Submit My Previously Published Book To Agents?
I attempted to get an agent for (my novel) but they were only accepting things not previously published. Is that normal? …
Can I Estimate Book Sales Based On A Website’s “Wish List?”
Lots of people have clicked to add my book to a wish list on a website. I haven't received any sales reports for my book yet. How can I estimate sales using the wish list information from that site? …