John asked Ellen Byron:

How was your association with your publisher established? Did you have multiple alternatives or choices? Did you get a royalty or is therea difference or in conteact based upon geography, e.g. domestic or international, or media type, e.g. trade paper back, hard cover , paper back, electronic or audio? Are there any contract clauses or sales targets which enable either party to terminate the long term obligations?

Ellen Byron John, you ask great questions. My agent knew Matt Martz of Crooked Lane was looking for books that would launch the imprint. Matt jumped on PLANTATION SHUDDERS, and then Doug went to other publishers who had the MS and gave them a chance to respond. Two were interested, but I had a conversation with Matt, and was very impressed. Not only was he enthusiastic, but he totally got my book. As to the royalty question, technically I do get one. I say technically because first an author has to earn out their advance, which I think I've done. No idea when I'll see any royalties, but I should eventually see something. As to your other questions, someone needs to take a good, hard look at their contract and that someone would be me! I believe the royalty is the same across all platforms, but I'd need to check. And yes, there are clauses that allow each party the option of termination. It's funny, I go over my TV contracts with a fine tooth comb. But the publishing contract was even more complex. Also, I think I see it as such a labor of love that I don't treat it as as much of a business as I should (three "as's" in a sentence. Yikes!) Thanks for asking some thought-provoking questions.

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