Expert advice for authors and would-be authors; pointers to make your publishing experience a positive one. Note:
We're still trying to establish a regular schedule for
our new electronic newsletter. Meanwhile, you can still
pick up some handy tips in these articles from our print
newsletters in years past. Get It in Writing!--- from the August
2000 newsletter Ron Kaye, a professional ghostwriter, editor and book designer in Houston, is the founding president of the APA (ne AAP, ne HPAA). While being an author is an artistic endeavor, you should always remember that the minute you strive to put your work before the reading public, that endeavor becomes a business, as well. Whether you're retaining the services of another creative professional, a publicist, a printer, or are just putting your work in a newsgroup for commentary, you enter the realm of copyrights, fair use, and compliance with the details specified in working agreements. Even if you're dealing with an old friend, the best way to ensure a satisfactory working relationship (and a continuing friendship) is to put every detail of your agreement in writing, and don't proceed until all parties have signed it. Furthermore, it's a very good idea to have a professional attorney draft (or review) the agreement, just to make sure there are no "gray areas" that can haunt you later. For more info on the legal issues authors face, have a look at publishing attorney Ivan Hoffman's website at http://www.ivanhoffman.com, where you'll find a wealth of articles on many of those issues. (This is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the author nor AAP has any affiliation with, nor interest in, Mr. Hoffman's practice.) Good luck! Click here for past Publishing Points articles. This web site is designed and maintained
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