I have been offered a contract by a small digital publisher. It will be my first published work of fiction. I asked about a publication date, and was told the book would be published "when it is done." I thought this was kind of weird. I would like some input from others as to whether this is at all commonplace. Thank you.
Question About Contract Offer
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The contract they offer you should specify a publication date so yes, this does sound odd. Who is the publisher? Have you checked them out to make sure they're reputable and competent?
I also have a contract question but it's more general. I was also offered a publishing contract with a pretty well known digital publisher. They of course said to call with any questions.
I have a dozen. Maybe two. Will they think I'm tedious if I ask a million questions? I'm having the contract looked over by a professional but the questions are more general. (Example: If the book will only be digitally published, can I - at my own expense - order a few print on demand copies - for myself and a couple family members?)
Someone also told me to chat with other authors published with this publisher. I've seen them of course, as I said, they're pretty well known but I don't "know" these people. Would it seem... strange, or inappropriate to ask them if they'd like to talk about their experiences with this publisher?
I don't want to step on toes or get off on the wrong foot.
I have a dozen. Maybe two. Will they think I'm tedious if I ask a million questions? I'm having the contract looked over by a professional but the questions are more general. (Example: If the book will only be digitally published, can I - at my own expense - order a few print on demand copies - for myself and a couple family members?)
Someone also told me to chat with other authors published with this publisher. I've seen them of course, as I said, they're pretty well known but I don't "know" these people. Would it seem... strange, or inappropriate to ask them if they'd like to talk about their experiences with this publisher?
I don't want to step on toes or get off on the wrong foot.
If you have questions you have to ask them. Otherwise you won't know how things are expected to work, and might well make a horrible mistake and/or regret signing.
If they object to your asking questions then it's perhaps an indication that they're going to be difficult to work with later.
A professional what? A lawyer is not going to know how a publishing contract should work unless he's experienced in this specific area. If you're a member of the UK's SoA you can send your contract to them for advice: there must be similar US organisations.
I doubt it: there's a huge difference between digital and print editions, and you can't easily build a print edition from the contents of a digital one.
They should be able to put you in contact with a few of their authors if you ask them. It's not stepping on toes, it's a reasonable request.
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You could try posting some of your general questions for authors in Bewares and Background Checks - you might find some authors there who would be happy to help.
Thank you so much!
I was able to find lawyers that specialize in the arts, publishing contracts specifically. (I'm in the US but this may be comparable.)
I will have to explain to my Great Aunt that no, I won't be able to "sign" my book for her. She is not familiar with the idea of an ebook but my Great Uncle does email so there's hope. I feel a bit silly for not realizing how different the formatting would be. Print on demand seems so popular these days.
I think I will go ahead and chat with the other authors. I feel a bit like the new kid on the block, but you're right. Better to ask now and go in informed. Thank you all!
I was able to find lawyers that specialize in the arts, publishing contracts specifically. (I'm in the US but this may be comparable.)
I will have to explain to my Great Aunt that no, I won't be able to "sign" my book for her. She is not familiar with the idea of an ebook but my Great Uncle does email so there's hope. I feel a bit silly for not realizing how different the formatting would be. Print on demand seems so popular these days.
I think I will go ahead and chat with the other authors. I feel a bit like the new kid on the block, but you're right. Better to ask now and go in informed. Thank you all!
Publication Period 18 months after notification of acceptance of manuscript
Not sure if this is commonplace but I'm with a digital imprint (its small but the parent publisher is large).
It seemed excessive so I asked about it and they told me that was their safety net. In case of a major disruption to business or whatever it kept them from being in breach of the contract. I was assured that generally it took one to two months after the MS had gone through the revision/editing process (I'm still in that)
Did your contract have, if not an exact date, then something like XX months from XXXXX ?
As for the rights to print your own hard copy that should be explained in the contract as well. If they ask for exclusive rights to that format and you sign the dotted line then no you can't print one for family.
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Yes. My contract had deadlines for me, then the publisher had 12 months from my final deadline to publish it. They ended up working much, much faster than that.
Congratulations!
Lucie
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Depends entirely on the contract you signed with the publisher. If they took only digital publication rights, then sure. But the actual question you need to ask is: "May I use the cover art on a print book, if I choose to print some?" Some publishers use outside artists (not employees of the company) and pay them for a specific use. Print may not be one of those uses, because the artwork would have to transition from a digital-only resolution to a dpi high enough to look good in print. There might be an extra fee for the artist to do that, or it might not be allowed under the publisher's contract with the artist.
Up to 12 months to publication sounds about right to me. I have noticed digital publishers can sometimes get it published quicker than that. But I think 12 months is about right for a lot of publishers.