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

his book; requesting my 'work' though, as a part of it.
my work is mine.
I want some cash, as writing is obviously an art and very personal

I don't particuliarly 'need' to have my story told through him. As I'd want some kind of compensation for my own writings.
I write all the time,--who knows what idea's I'll have in the future for my own stuff ...

Answer 1

you need to spell out what you expect in a contract, either as lump-sum payment or percentage of royalties, and whether you want to keep the right to re-publish your story another time or not, which all depends on exactly how much you're contributing to the book. The way you describe it I'd suggest you ask for a lump-sum payment plus the rights to your work if you wish to include it in something else at some future date, but that's up to you.

Answer 2

Of course you can sell him the rights to your story. You and he would need to agree on what it is worth and enter into a written contract. No author in his right mind will agree to share their royalties with you. If you do sell the rights, just remember that he will own it for the period determined in the contract.

A lot of the time, people will allow their stories to be told (without any thought of making $$$) because they just want it told. And they probably have no idea how to write it themselves.

However, if you plan to write your own story, do not agree to allow this author to use it.

EDIT: It is a totally different situation if you are writing your own story to be included in his book. Absolutely you should be paid for your contribution.

Answer 3

let him, i mean he's writing it, it's his book. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm trying to write a book about a prison station orbiting the Earth

Tough going the Station MO, falls under the thrall of a new female inmate, who's actually a spy, trying to spring a POW

Answer 4

Ask him if he is willing to pay - either a flat amount or a share of royalties. If he is not then it is a question of whether you want your story used or not (Will you get credit?)

Answer 5

first, is it a short story or a nonfiction story?
regardless....
contract!
he MUST credit you otherwise you can sue for plagerism/theft of intellectual property (this can be tricky if you never copywrited your story to begin with).
regradless, get a contract written up with the terms you want. do you want a few bucks for it? how do you want to be credited?

Answer 6

if you've not decided when you'll write your own book, then give him. if he is famous enough, he'll give you good exposure only ensure your story clearly bears your name.