BootsnAll Travel Community

A publisher recently saw one of my articles here on Bootsnall and contacted me, wanting to republish my article. To tell the truth, I was VERY excited. When I asked about reimbursement/rights, they offered me two options: 1) allow them to republish the article for free and I retain all rights, or 2) they would pay me a very nominal amount for exclusive rights, meaning I could not republish it elsewhere or resell it and they could resell/republish my article wherever they wanted.

I went with option #1, but now I am not so sure I did the right thing. Thoughts anyone? I am completely open to suggestions/comments.

anybody that won't pay you a reasonable fee for your work isn't worth dealing with. First, I should just go ahead and say that this is just a cover "forum" sign-in and it's not a very good cover. They (the Boots Boys, or whatever cute little name they have for themselves these days) know that it's me. How could they not? I've written about twenty thousand words for them. I say that so that you know that I know what I am talking about. Anyway, I write for a living. people that try to dick you around aren't worth your time. Boots is a different story because they let you know up front what the deal is and they will publish ANYBODY. They need copy and so this is the perfect entry point for the best writer to the worst hack. I don't know if you are a real writer or not. I have to assume that you are. Any reasonable and respectable publication usualy doesn't go LOOKING for new writers. Generally, YOU have to find THEM. So, I would be wary from the get-go. That's not to say that if you get famous, then pubs won't seek you out. But, to my knowledge, people without a "name" have knock on doors.Be careful.--bd

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Originally posted by taaka:
Any reasonable and respectable publication usualy doesn't go LOOKING for new writers. Generally, YOU have to find THEM. So, I would be wary from the get-go. That's not to say that if you get famous, then pubs won't seek you out. But, to my knowledge, people without a "name" have knock on doors.Be careful.--bd

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I agree with that. I've been writing for about 6 years for smaller gear type magazines and it's hard to get your foot in the door until you're known.

I say get the money up front if you're a new writer, since getting your work re-published may be hard to do. Even those I write for only buy first rights for an article, so many times some of my stuff is re-published.

Jeff

Randall's Adventure & Training

Adventure Travel Survival Book

Thanks for your input guys! I've been writing for a couple of years and although there have been a couple publishers interested in my work, nothing has ever come of it. I've never actually had to get down to the brass tacks of rights, reimbursement, publication,etc. Your thoughts are much appreciated. Guess it's time to get back to researching markets and possible query letters. I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon!

Again, thanks for your advice!!