The Advicely Drive-by: Alex Adsett
Alex Adsett has sold books, worked for publishers such as Penguin and Jacaranda Wiley and now she runs her own publishing advice bureau. She is savy, smart and extremely helpful to have looking at your contract. If you can't get a literary agent, then having a company like Alex Adsett Publishing Services look over your contract is the next best thing. You'll receive contract and negotiating advice for a flat fee, without paying the 12-15% commission an agent will take.
She is also a voracious reader who just luuuurves books and here she answers some random questions.
The first book that blew my mind was …
Aiee! So many in so many different ways. The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper was my first undeviating shutter vision obsession and Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody was the first book I ever wanted desperately to live inside (I had so much to offer their world!). But I think the first book that blew my mind into the beginnings of the shape it is today was The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson. Over one long hot summer I was 14, those books drew me in, hypnotised, forcing me to realise the darkness, passion, good and evil that was possible in the world. Part of me has never recovered from the power of those books.
I can also blame The Bicentennial Man by Asimov in first year Uni as the reason I stuck with Law degree, and see that it could be used as a force for good.
2. You get to be a fictional character for a day – who do you choose, where do you go, what do you do?Elspeth Geordie from the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody, I've been reading this series almost since it was published 20 years ago and it's still not finished – Argh!
Firstly, I'd really like to be in the world of Obernewtyn, and drag the love interest off to a hayloft (he's been my fictional crush for 20 years too), but that probably wouldn't be very polite, plus I'm older than him now, *sigh*. If I were Elspeth in the real world, I'd have a conversation with my dog on the nature of things and have a few long distance telepathic conversations with my best friends scattered around the world. (If I had a second pick, I'd want Bessie's birthday fairy wings from the end of the Faraway Tree).
3. Three reasons why writers need someone qualified to look at their contracts *before* they sign them are …
… what a great question, Angela, I'm so glad you asked. *g*. Although publishing is still a small and fairly friendly business, there are a lot of disreputable people out there. Authors should have someone who knows the publishing industry check the contract to make sure a. they're signing with a company that is reputable and can do what they're promising to do; b) that the contract does not include terms that are at odds with publishing industry standards; and c) to make sure that the contract is not missing some vital protections for the author.
One of the most important things is for the author, or someone they trust, to read and understand every word of the contract before signing. As an added complication at the moment, the rights and royalties surrounding ebooks are in a state of flux, and it is important to make sure your rights are protected and that you will get a fair income from any exploitation of those rights in territories around the world. It's a tricky issue – watch this space.
4. I'm a proud spec-fic nerd because …
… I'm a proud spec-fic nerd because of the stories. I don't think any other genre (and literature is a genre like any other) consistently comes up with new and exciting stories and characters and worlds year after year. Spec fic opens my mind, challenges me with new ideas, explores the ramifications of decisions we make now and allows us to experience other people's lives. Plus, spec fic readers are the best fun to hang out with – they're my tribe.
5. Donuts or danishes?
Ooo, Up until last month I would have always said danishes – particularly the sour cherry danishes from King of Cakes in Brisbane. After Aussiecon in Melbourne a few weeks ago, I'm afraid the hot jam donuts of Melbourne have won me over. It's hard to beat a freshly baked warm jammy ball of dough as one wanders home from the Con bar after an excellent night out with friends.
