Writing Tools: Contracts

Photo by Cera Crowley

I’m going to start with a rather humorous contract. Remember wording is everything. Back in 1996, my family went to Scotland. My oldest daughter Cera was particularly interested in Loch Ness. My dad made an agreement with my daughter. “If you bring back a photo of a monster at Loch Ness, I will give you $20.” We went and above is the photo she took of a monster at Loch Ness. My dad’s complaint was that it wasn’t Nessie. I was her witness and repeated the agreement specifying “a monster at Loch Ness” and the photo was indeed taken at Loch Ness. Her grandfather had to pay up.

It’s best to get contracts in writing as verbal agreements are not always honored. It is vitally important that you read everything in a contract, and if you don’t understand something get an agent or entertainment lawyer to read it and explain.

I am not an expert, but I have been witness to a few contract disasters.

In addition to protecting yourself with an agent or entertainment lawyer, educate yourself on what to expect in a contract. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has public pages with model contracts. https://www.sfwa.org/member-links/committees/contracts-committee/ Click around under For Writers for other great resources.

Being a writer (especially if you are a small press or self-published author), you want to be up on the laws that protect you and how to use them. Helen Sedwick is an author and business attorney who has a great book called Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook: Updated Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Your Wallet (Second Edition) It has a second on contract basics and contract language among a lot you will want to know. I love it and highly recommend this book. Your work is important, so know how to protect your rights.

One last thing: I know getting a contract is very exciting, but if you don’t agree with parts of it, ask for changes. I have.

Truly,

Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
https://susanhannifordcrowley.com
https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Hanniford-Crowley/e/B004YXOGXG

EverNight for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
EverWarm for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback.
Lady Fallon’s Dragons for ages 13-113 is now available on Kindle and Amazon Paperback, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, BAM online bookstore sells the paperback, Scribd, and in paperback in the UK at Waterstones, also on Amazon around the world.
The Vampire with a Blanket of Stars, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 3 is available in Amazon Print and Kindle, Nook, Kobo,  Apple, Walmart ebooks & Smashwords.
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 now in Kindle and Print! Walmart Bookstore Online
Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available on Kindle.
Poseidon’s Catch(mythology romance) is available on Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) is available on Kindle.
A Vampire for Christmas, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available on Kindle.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print
When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 is available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Smashwords, and iBooks (on Apple devices).

Now we wait
for the return of the princess.