Get involved!

Questions?
Suggestions?
E-mail webmaster

When an editor calls or emails to say "yes" to a query or manuscript, assume nothing. Clarify ALL the terms of your sale, especially money. If you don't, the editor will think you're an amateur, and probably treat you accordingly. If you do, the editor will know that you're a professional.

Keep this checklist of questions by your office phone as a handy reference:

• Is this piece on assignment or speculation?
  
  
• When is the deadline, and do you want me to send it by email, attached file, mail or FAX?
  
  
• How many words do you want? Any specific instructions about content or style? (If it's the first time I've worked with an editor, I may ask if she'll send me an article she particularly likes for me to use as a model.)
  
  
• Do you pay for (expenses you expect to have: travel, long-distance telephone, etc)?
  
  
• What rights do you want to buy? ("I generally sell lst North American serial rights")
  
  
• How much will you pay for those rights?
  
  
• Do you pay on acceptance or on publication?
  
  
• Will you want extras (photos, sidebar); if so, what is the pay for these?
  
  
• Will you be sending a contract (for assigned article)? If not, "shall I send my contract?" (The National Writers Union model contract)
  
  
• Will you send me the final galleys/proofs? (Magazines may; newspapers don't)?

"On spec" means there's no agreement or commitment until piece is submitted and accepted. Still, for your own reference, ask the above questions, make notes on the responses (including editor's name and the date), but feel free to re-negotiate (noting the previous phone conversation), or to sell the article elsewhere to the highest bidder.

If the editor wants reprint rights, ask for additional money, and ask for "non-exclusive" reprint rights (the publication can resell the article and so can you).

If the editor wants electronic rights (right to post the piece on publication's website, right to resell the piece to electronic distribution services, etc.) ask how much you'll be paid for those extra rights.

If the editor wants you to sign an "all rights" or work-for-hire contract and you agree, you give up your right to re-sell your own piece elsewhere and the publication may choose to publish it without your byline and without paying you anything extra. The NWU advises against such clauses unless you're being paid well in exchange for giving up such rights.

Literary publications and magazine sometimes ask for copyright. Ask for the contract to provide that after publication, the copyright on your piece is reassigned to you.