Resources for Writers: Protecting Ourselves

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Unfortunately, protecting ourselves against scams is a very important topic for writers.  And I think that, sadly, we’re easy prey since we’re eager to publish and want so much for our story.

Today, I’m sharing resources that help us avoid bad contracts, publishing scams, shady agents, etc.

First of all, Preditors and Editors  (the unusual spelling is intended). This site maintains lists of recommended (or “not recommended”) agents, publishers, contests and more. If you worry you’re potentially being scammed or wonder if the agent you’re considering is reputable, this should be your first stop.

Writer Beware is another important resource that updates writers on current scams that writer Victoria Strauss has uncovered.  The blog’s mission statement: “Shining a bright light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of literary scams, schemes, and pitfalls. Also providing advice for writers, industry news and commentary, and a special focus on the weird and wacky things that happen at the fringes of the publishing world.”

If you are in the position of having to negotiate your own contract, there are resources available to help you know what to be on the lookout for. I wrote a post in 2010 that covered as many available resources as I was able to find at the time.  Most helpful, I think, was the Agenting 101 series of posts, put together by agent Kristin Nelson, now Hugh Howey’s agent. Part one of the series is here and you can find the rest of the series in her right sidebar.  I used this series to negotiate my first contract with Midnight Ink before I was agented.

Because these posts are a bit dated, I also want to share the link to Passive Voice Blog where lawyer David Vandagriff will caution you about non-compete clauses (which have no business in our contracts).

Keeping it Legal is a blog by self-published writer and lawyer Helen Sedwick .  She has helpful posts on a variety of legal topics for writers, including “10 Legal Terms Every Writer Should Know.”

Susan Spann’s blog:  Susan Spann (no relation to me) is also a lawyer and writer and frequently posts on contracts and other legal issues concerning lawyers.  Her publishing law posts are particularly helpful.

Protecting ourselves may also mean protecting ourselves from lawsuits.  Industry expert Jane Friedman has two important posts that I think every author should read: “When Do You Need to Secure Permissions?” and (this one a guest post by attorney Bradlee Frazer) “Is It Fair Use? 7 Questions to Ask Before Using Copyrighted Material.”   I’ve read these posts numerous times.

Also on Jane Friedman’s site is a helpful post from lawyer Helen Sedwick, this time on the topic of taxes: “What Every Self-Published Author Needs to Know About Taxes.” This article covers protecting ourselves from a nasty surprise around tax time (and I’ve had them before, unfortunately).

These are my go-to sites for educating myself on various problems I could face as an author.  Do you have any sites to add or info to offer?

Image: MorgueFile: Alvimann