An accomplished author wants to use my story in his *new* book on paranormal events,what do I get besides??--?

Question

having the glory of my story being within his 1st chapter of his book??
He emailed me stating he was very intrigued by my account/read my ghost story online (from 1999).
Can I charge him cash (if I agree)???
I mean what if I want to write my own book on supernatural accounts/studies someday?
I'd like to get something out of my own work.
WHAT DO PEOPLE normally "do" generally when someone wants to use their personal story please??
This is very important to me, I appreciate any valuable info here :o)
thank you

what I meant by accomplished was I saw that he'd written 1-2 books/published [unless that was false/designed an image on his website]--it 'looks' to be true.
I believe I'd just want to KEEP my story.
I wouldn't even know what to charge the guy.

Well, ... I REALLY do not consider it "low standard" at all, personally seeing this individual atleast somewhat accomplished after have written (2) books.
One does not have to have worldwide fame like Steven King for example w/dozens of published works.

--to be considered accomplished.
How many other people here actually even have (1) published book or novel?

Thank you Ruby Tuesday--I noticed this morning that my story on this particuliar website officially had my work copyrighted automatically as you had mentioned :o)

Answer 1

Go to The Writers Guild and get an "Over Writers Agreement". Probably cost around £5.........BUT......it is legally binding. You can charge a fee for allowing this. If this gent is an Accomplished author he will certainly agree to this. In fact, i am surprised he has not mentioned this. i would tread carefully and ensure his intentions are honourable before committing yourself. There is a lot at stake here - do lots of research before agreeing. This kind of thing does happen, but, NOT overnight.
I can only repeat "tread warily".
May i wish you GOOD LUCK.

Answer 2

You most definately can expect compensation for your story! There is no "glory" in having your story in his book, so if that is all he is offering you then walk away. I would expect payment upon acceptance, not waiting around until he sells the book. I don't know what you mean by "accomplished," so it is hard to judge the sincerity of the offer. I've found most people have very low standard for defining accomplished, so I don't know if you are talking about a successful writer with a real contract with a traditional publisher, or someone who is self-publishing his own book.

Answer 3

What compensation you receive, if any, is completely up to you and the author. You can ask for some amount of money, and he can counter or refuse. Just get a contract. In that contract you can specify the money agreed upon, who retains copyright and for how long, whether or not you receive a by-line, etc.

Even if he doesn't want to pay you, ask for a by-line, or author's credit, especially if you're considering writing your own book in the future. That way, you can always claim to have been published and point to the book on your resume.

Answer 4

They copyright their work first thing - so that author, no matter how accomplished, will always have to pay you to use your work. Depending on which country you live in, laws about copyright varies. In certain European countries, the law states that you recieve automatic copyright on everything you create. Including stories.

But whatever you do, make sure it's oficially recognised as being copyright by you.

**edit**

Ask him for a bid. If you don't like it, then tell him you're backing off and he won't have the story. Also, he will have to publish your name as the creator of the story, even if he buys himself the privilege to use it. Otherwise you can drag him to court - all you have to do then, is prove that it's your story and not his; which would be easy if you keep the e-mails he sent you.

Also, writers' websites give instant copyright to anything a writer posts on them, so if your story is on the internet, on a site like that, it's officially copyrighted to you anyway.