My proposal was accepted for a book about Portland. Editor extraordinaire emailed yesterday to ask how much time I wanted on the contract.
Then my enthusiasm shut down. I would totally love this project. But they are asking for 200-250 high quality photos in the book at the old contract rate – which for the record - I still have not gotten paid for. So essentially, even though I know royalties take time to catch up – I’d be busting ass for free. Logically, I know it’s not really for free. But my brain cannot accept it for some reason without so much as a penny for Ghosts of Seattle.
She reminded me that writers don’t write for the money. Yes, I know. But we should be writing not just for the love – but to also at some point – to make a living. It doesn’t have to be huge – but it needs to be something.
I hate to turn it down because I would have so much fun doing it. Then again realistically, while working a full time job and trying to re-immerse myself in my love of writing fiction…. I just don’t know how that will work.
I’m a little bit stumped. I’d love it, but I know I’d be letting them take terrible advantage of me at such a horrible contract rate – on top of everything else I need to fit into my schedule. I love Portland, and I’d love to be able to share that with readers – but at what personal expense?
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Whats to be stumped about? If you wanna do it…do it. If’n ya don’t…don’t. If you don’t like the old contract rate….talk them into a new one. If they dont…screw them. run your life your way, and on your terms.
I agree with Chadley on this one. If the contract rate is crappy, negotiate a new one, or take it to an agency that will. If you want to write the book, do it. I know it’s not that simple, but you’re not happy at your job and you need to do something that makes you glad. But whatever you choose, you know that you have so many friends and people who love you.
Do you think you can get them to renegotiate the contract? Do you feel that even asking will hurt any further opportunities you have with this publisher? The idea of another book in your name is unbelievable and such a great opportunity but if all it will do is stress you out and make you broke it won’t be worth it. The journey is half the fun or something like that. HUGS
much like men, I’d say honestly ask yourself “is it worth it?”
Honestly, I think they’re trying to f$*# you in the arsehole. Just for the record *grins* I think that she is thinking she can get this much work out of you for the old price because you are new and naive.
I think if you love the project, you could do your own version of it and peddle it elsewhere or you could do something else you love and peddle it wherever, I think to say yes would be to show her that you are condoning her use of you for more work at a same rate sort of deal. I think that you should say that until you get paid for the last book you simply can’t say yes, even though you know writers don’t write for money, writers do deserve what they are promised and deserve a living wage.
Then again, I also think that if you really love it and really want to do it a little money may be better than none at all, and bending over this time may be worth it as long as you set your limits of what you will and won’t do for this company very clearly.
So basically I have a big old “I don’t know, but look to your gut and let it guide you” for ya! *hugs*
hey, what’re you doing on saturday afternoon btw?
Thanks you guys. I agree that if I want to do it – which I really-really do… then I should.
But I also agree, that I should try for a better contract. A contract that will at least pay for the time and effort and photography costs.
I’ve been professionally advised by an agent I trust to stop working with this publisher. So I think I’ll see what I can do to get a better contract, sign on with an agent, or as Megan said – peddle it elsewhere.
I know I’d be good at this project – there’s bound to be someone out there who will want it at a fair price.
Thank you all for the perspective!
-Athena