i harbour a dream of doing a kids book i have a fantastic premise but i need some advice...do i need to copyright etc b4 approaching a publisher etc etc
mucho appreciato!

I think a publisher would be able to help you with that. Or maybe an agent.

I think XxAxX has published some books so she might know.

I don't know what the order is. But it seems to me that just circulating a manuscript is hardly a committment on either their part or yours.

jonylawson said:

Just click below

New Zealand site: http://www.bookcouncil.or...getpub.htm

US site: http://www.cbcbooks.org (select 'Publishing FAQs section)

Canadian site: http://www.pubcouncil.ca/faqs.htm

British Council site (starting point): http://www2.britishcounci...ources.htm

I can't find a Geordie-specific site.

You should also find some copyright details on these sites but, generally speaking, copyright to an original work vests in the author at the point of creation in a tangible form. So your idea is just an idea. But write your story out on paper etc, and you have it copyrighted.

Some people like to establish firm evidence in case of dispute. So retain a dated copy on disc, or send a sealed copy to yourself (sign your name across the envelope joins and stick clear tape across the joins) by dated post, and don't break the seal. You can always make sure a work, when submitted to a publisher, is marked as copyrighted to yourself.

If the publisher wishes to proceed, then you will discuss future copyright arrangements for contractual purposes. At that point, you will probably want a literary agent and a lawyer that can represent your best interests.

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[This message was edited Mon Dec 29 1:09:46 PST 2003 by langebleu]

thanks man!

jonylawson said:

No problems - and a happy new year to you and the family.

Dreams are great, but in order to make dreams come true you have to arrange your business properly. Here is a little help.

First, your copyright exist from the moment you have created your work, or part of it. In order to enjoy copyright protection you therefore don't have to register your copyright or adhere to other formal procedures.

However, for purposes of evidence that the manuscript and copyright is yours it is recommendable to send a copy of the manuscript to your national copyright office (or other institution willing to register it -- you have to find out yourself where to do that in New Zealand). Aks for a certificate with a date stating the book and copyright is yours before you disclose it to a publisher or have it published.

Second, before you make your ideas or manuscript known to a publisher or an agent it is recommendable to have them sign a simple confidentiality agreement, in the form of a short letter, stating that the idea of the book, the manuscript and the copyright are yours and the publisher or agent may only use it to assess its publishing value. Don't be afraid to do this. A publisher or agent who refuses to sign such a letter probably does not have good intentions with you in the first place.

When you have found a publisher willing to publish your book he will probably ask you to sign a contract. Whatever you do, do NOT agree to transfer/sell your copyright to the publisher. Once you transfer your copyright you lose all control of the exploitation of your book and possibly more. Granting your publisher an exclusive license to only distribute copies of your book for a reasonable amount of time in certain countries is enough to start with. Also, do try to not commit yourself to write more than one or two books per contract.

Further, always have two or more independent and reliable lawyers, legal counsels or other persons experienced with publishing contracts look at the contract you are offered before signing it. Take your time to think through an offer and never be afraid to ask for amendmends. When you are an unexperienced writer don't focus on the money you could make. Most starters don't earn a lot and often nothing. Instead try to make sure that any investements and advances are not recoupable from your royalties and don't make any debts. Focus on a good relationship with your publisher and make sure your contract has a 'best seller' clause and a clause obligating him to publish and promote your book.

There are more important matters I have not adressed here, but these are one of the most important.

Last but not least, this post is not legal advice and you assume all risks for the use of it.

Yes, it appears Abrazo and Langbleu do.

wow, this is great advice!

Spell check - it's the most valuable advice

Abrazo said:

this is excellent advice.

also, persevere. don't be afraid of rejection (easier said than done) just keep on keeping on. perseverance and luck play a big part in the process imo

The only other thing that comes to mind is that there's often nothing to be lost from speaking with people who have done it before and were probably equally unsure of how to go about book publishing at the beginning. It might be worth speaking to your local major bookshops and libraries and finding out if there are any major children's book authors visiting in the near future. You may not get much time with them if it is just for a book-signing, but some bookstore chains arrange evening talks with Q and As afterwards, - and you can always ask if an author would mind you writing / emailing with 5 burning questions you have about getting started. You haven't got anything to lose.

Of course, people are people, and some can be defensive and unhelpful, but equally there are others out there with a heart of gold who will tell you all of the mistakes they made for free because they'd hate to see you do the same.

thanks lads!

jonylawson said:

Let us know when your book will be published!