By Susan Spann In the digital age, it’s easy to break the law and call it “harmless.” For example: …Copying a photograph or an inspirational piece of art from someone else’s website. …Re-blogging a blog post without obtaining the author’s permission in advance. …Downloading pirated ebooks, songs, or videos off the Internet, because after all…those people make tons…
Author: Susan Spann
Writing the Gender-Flipped Character
By Susan Spann Good fiction requires both male and female characters, and every author needs to learn to write both types convincingly in order to put a compelling cast on the page. Few authors have experience living as both a male and a female. Most of us are only dealt one hand of gender-cards. The…
Five Ways to Improve YOUR Conference Experience
Many (if not most) professional authors understand the value of attending writers’ conferences. In addition to offering valuable writing tips and marketing classes, conferences provide an unparalleled opportunity to network and connect with other authors and industry professionals. But are you getting the most from your conference experience? Here are some tips for turning a…
Don’t “Gag” on your Publishing Contract
Today’s guest post relates to a topic I’m seeing more than I’d like to in the publishing lawyer side of my day: contracts containing a “nondisclosure” clause which prohibits the author from discussing the publisher–or the author’s relationship with the publisher–in public. Too many authors sign these contracts without an understanding of industry standards — or…
For Your “Consideration” – Royalties in Anthology Contracts
This month’s RMFW #PubLaw post continues our ongoing series on writing for anthologies. Specifically, it’s time to show me the money – and look at royalties in the anthology world. When it Comes to Royalties, Anthologies Vary. Know the Terms Before You Commit. Some anthologies pay contributing authors a royalty on copies sold. Some anthologies do not. Always ask–and get a…