What CAN Happen
Awhile back I mentioned via LiveJournal the experiences that made me cynical and skeptical about the big publishers out there. As I've stated not all big publishers are alike, so keep in mind that when I say something less than flattering about a publisher it does not mean all publishers. I've met with and spoken with quite a few publishers and editors who were above and beyond fantastic, and they represented their profession with the utmost in honor and skill.
One particular case involved a paranormal romance I was writing in the late 90's. By this time I had numerous publications under my belt, not under this name however, and I was making a name for myself.
I had the book more than half finished, had the outline and synopsis finished and was very pleased with what I had. I sent samples chapters and the outline and synopsis to a publisher after they asked to see it, following a successful query. We were back and forth for months, we spoke on the phone a few times and I was told we were ready to go forward. Then there was no communication, they dropped everything with no word. I spoke with the editor and was told his higher ups screwed the pooch, so to speak. He could not make the offer he wanted to, on a book he really wanted to see published and was fully supportive of, because the head honcho chose to scrap all lesser or new projects, even those they had deals with, so they could pay a BIG name author who was past their hey day another couple million. They were cutting bonus pay, health care, retirement, etc., for their staff, editors, agents and so on to make up the extra money for this author. Needless to say, I was upset but I understood.
What I did NOT understand was the publishers attempt to keep my submission and refuse to return it in the prepaid mailer envelope. After much back and forth, I found that they were hanging on it for somewhat less than honorable reasons (can we say setting a writer from their stable to finish it and put their name on it?) I sent them a certified letter stating that I was removing my submission from their consideration and that I had had it accepted by another publisher. Which I had. That publisher was and is a close friend of mine and they took on this burden as a favor to me, to free up my work and let these unscrupulous people know the work was not theirs for the taking.
I was so bitter at the time, not because of the lost opportunity, but due to the attempt at stealing from me and attempting to screw me. I never thought that a big, reputable company would have to resort to such tactics, but they did and they still DO.
Some advice for writers, do what I did: always keep copies of your communications, keep track of dates of submissions and response times. Always keep a full copy of your work, because the big guys are sometimes assholes who throw your submission into the trash unread and willl steal your stamps, or SASE or return packaging. I know of several who cut the stamps off the return SASE and kept the paperclips, and even laughed about how they were saving money by doing this.
For further protection, register your copyrighted manuscript with the Library of Congress, and send yourself a copy of your completed manuscript through registered mail, in a bubble envelope and DO NOT OPEN IT. These efforts will work to assure your copyright is not fucked with.
There are some disreputable people out there and they will not hesitate to steal from you. Many advice columns out there will tell you this kind of behavior and outright theft is a rare thing, but if it happens to YOU you will not care that you were the one in 1,000 it happened to. Be a little paranoid, be protective of your work and safeguard yourself against these unscrupulous businesses.
By registering your copyright, you can also sue them for damages, loss of income and a myriad of other injuries to yourself and your career.
I do not want any other writer to feel the way I did when this happened. I can't protect all of them, but I can help and I can warn them.
By the by, I am planning on revisiting that novel, and releasing it next year. I strongly feel that paranormal themes and high fantasy are my stronger areas, along with erotica so I intend to run with those!
Okay, I'm heading off to watch the latest Silent Hill offering. Yeah, there's going to be no sleep for me for awhile! lol
Happy Writing,
Happy Reading,
Storm
One particular case involved a paranormal romance I was writing in the late 90's. By this time I had numerous publications under my belt, not under this name however, and I was making a name for myself.
I had the book more than half finished, had the outline and synopsis finished and was very pleased with what I had. I sent samples chapters and the outline and synopsis to a publisher after they asked to see it, following a successful query. We were back and forth for months, we spoke on the phone a few times and I was told we were ready to go forward. Then there was no communication, they dropped everything with no word. I spoke with the editor and was told his higher ups screwed the pooch, so to speak. He could not make the offer he wanted to, on a book he really wanted to see published and was fully supportive of, because the head honcho chose to scrap all lesser or new projects, even those they had deals with, so they could pay a BIG name author who was past their hey day another couple million. They were cutting bonus pay, health care, retirement, etc., for their staff, editors, agents and so on to make up the extra money for this author. Needless to say, I was upset but I understood.
What I did NOT understand was the publishers attempt to keep my submission and refuse to return it in the prepaid mailer envelope. After much back and forth, I found that they were hanging on it for somewhat less than honorable reasons (can we say setting a writer from their stable to finish it and put their name on it?) I sent them a certified letter stating that I was removing my submission from their consideration and that I had had it accepted by another publisher. Which I had. That publisher was and is a close friend of mine and they took on this burden as a favor to me, to free up my work and let these unscrupulous people know the work was not theirs for the taking.
I was so bitter at the time, not because of the lost opportunity, but due to the attempt at stealing from me and attempting to screw me. I never thought that a big, reputable company would have to resort to such tactics, but they did and they still DO.
Some advice for writers, do what I did: always keep copies of your communications, keep track of dates of submissions and response times. Always keep a full copy of your work, because the big guys are sometimes assholes who throw your submission into the trash unread and willl steal your stamps, or SASE or return packaging. I know of several who cut the stamps off the return SASE and kept the paperclips, and even laughed about how they were saving money by doing this.
For further protection, register your copyrighted manuscript with the Library of Congress, and send yourself a copy of your completed manuscript through registered mail, in a bubble envelope and DO NOT OPEN IT. These efforts will work to assure your copyright is not fucked with.
There are some disreputable people out there and they will not hesitate to steal from you. Many advice columns out there will tell you this kind of behavior and outright theft is a rare thing, but if it happens to YOU you will not care that you were the one in 1,000 it happened to. Be a little paranoid, be protective of your work and safeguard yourself against these unscrupulous businesses.
By registering your copyright, you can also sue them for damages, loss of income and a myriad of other injuries to yourself and your career.
I do not want any other writer to feel the way I did when this happened. I can't protect all of them, but I can help and I can warn them.
By the by, I am planning on revisiting that novel, and releasing it next year. I strongly feel that paranormal themes and high fantasy are my stronger areas, along with erotica so I intend to run with those!
Okay, I'm heading off to watch the latest Silent Hill offering. Yeah, there's going to be no sleep for me for awhile! lol
Happy Writing,
Happy Reading,
Storm
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