Hello - I am a 'newbie' writer/illustrator with no agent but 3 books; 2 written/illustrated, one just illustrated; published with a small publisher in Canada.
With this 3rd book I have run into some issues and wonder if anyone has advice, insight or experience that might help.
The publisher sent the book to print without sending me proofs (or, in all fairness....me asking to see the proofs). On receipt of this book, once printed, I was appalled to find numerous spelling errors (6 in a 32 page children's book) as well as significant changes to textual content that had never been seen, let alone approved of, by me.
Without getting into the whole ensuing conversations (...) they are now acknowledging that we need to reprint. (rather than just 'tip in' selected pages)
The trick here is that although the book is already registered with the Library Archives of Canada (I'm assuming there is a similar body in the US or UK that assigns ISBN#s?) the publisher had previously failed to send me the contract so we are thus far only under a verbal agreement. They are understandably anxious to get my signature now.
After this fiasco, I find I am unwilling to give them 'final rights of revision and review'. Are there standard examples of this NOT being signed over to the publisher and alternative clauses? (ie: I retain final rights of revision and they can refuse to publish....?)
Secondly, since I was unable to give the books out as planned at Christmas, I self-printed greeting cards from the material for friends and family. The response was overwhelming and I wish to pursue these different media (cards, calenders etc) but am not sure how that needs to be dealt with as far as the publishing rights for the material goes. Even if they were into printing these additional formats (tho' I somehow doubt it) I don't know that they have a big enough client base to get them into stores etc. to my satisfaction.
Any thoughts, questions or suggestions would be great...thanks!!
With this 3rd book I have run into some issues and wonder if anyone has advice, insight or experience that might help.
The publisher sent the book to print without sending me proofs (or, in all fairness....me asking to see the proofs). On receipt of this book, once printed, I was appalled to find numerous spelling errors (6 in a 32 page children's book) as well as significant changes to textual content that had never been seen, let alone approved of, by me.
Without getting into the whole ensuing conversations (...) they are now acknowledging that we need to reprint. (rather than just 'tip in' selected pages)
The trick here is that although the book is already registered with the Library Archives of Canada (I'm assuming there is a similar body in the US or UK that assigns ISBN#s?) the publisher had previously failed to send me the contract so we are thus far only under a verbal agreement. They are understandably anxious to get my signature now.
After this fiasco, I find I am unwilling to give them 'final rights of revision and review'. Are there standard examples of this NOT being signed over to the publisher and alternative clauses? (ie: I retain final rights of revision and they can refuse to publish....?)
Secondly, since I was unable to give the books out as planned at Christmas, I self-printed greeting cards from the material for friends and family. The response was overwhelming and I wish to pursue these different media (cards, calenders etc) but am not sure how that needs to be dealt with as far as the publishing rights for the material goes. Even if they were into printing these additional formats (tho' I somehow doubt it) I don't know that they have a big enough client base to get them into stores etc. to my satisfaction.
Any thoughts, questions or suggestions would be great...thanks!!
