First time getting published. What kind of copyrights should I retain?

Question

I was approached by someone asking permission to use one of my poems in a book. The book will also be translated into other languages so they need my permission to have the poem translated as well. In this situation, what kind of copyrights should I give? I don’t mind my work being used but I also want to retain rights to it. Also what kind of payment should I recieve? The request did not come with any payment offer. What amount is appropriate to ask? As a struggling writer, I would like to get paid. In the past, I have voluntarily given away too much of my writing for free. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Answer 1

Getting an agent to be included in an anthology is not gonna happen. Agents aren't interested in something that will not pay.

Is your poem being included in an anthology or included in the text of a book (such as a novel)?

If it is an anthology, you should be able to negotiate a very small payment (say $5.00) with up to ten copies of the book. If you cannot get the payment, at least get the copies.

If it is a novel, try to get the same. It's dirt cheap, but it's a paid credit. Explain to them that you must have at least that much as a token payment.

The rights granted for this should be One-Time English Language Publication. That will include the first edition of that book and subsequent printings. If it goes into a second edition (hardback to paperback for instance), the door will be open to renegotiate.

Foreign Language Rights is trickier. You'll have to talk that over with the author. I suggest you go for a slightly higher amount for each additional language. Chances are it will never be sold in other languages anyway unless the author is well known. If he/she is that well known, get a $100.

Answer 2

It depends on how the person approached you. Did you actually submit something to the person, or did they find you from a website. Most legitimate publishers don't troll around on forums and websites looking for poems and stories. They have plenty sitting on their desk!

As a writer, you do in fact deserve to be paid. If this publication is a for-profit work, and the publisher is not offering payment, walk away. "Exposure" means nothing. There are plenty of markets that will pay...meaning you get money AND exposure.

Legitimate publishers should NEVER request control of the copyright. Normally, they request First Time publication rights (meaning they get to publish it before anyone else, and then rights revert right back to you) or reprint rights.

Walk away. Something doesn't smell right about this.

Answer 3

Yes, I agree get an agent or find a Patent & Trademark attorney, they also do copy writing. You can also check the the US Patent and Trademark Office online for copy write information. I believe the link is www.uspto.gov

I used to work in this field so I have some idea about copy writing.

Good luck

Answer 4

The publisher is supposed to handle that. What does it say in your contract?

Answer 5

agent
get a agent
or ask a friend who is agent