Got a consultant for my book --what to do?

Hello people,

I'm a bit puzzled as I really don't know what to do in this situation. As I mentioned before, I'm working on a historical novel about the World War II. Some time ago, I posted a question on a World War II message board and a guy answered who turned out to specialise in the very subject I wanted to use in my book. We exchanged a few emails and ideas. He seems to know quite a bit about the things I need for my book, so I promised to mention him in the acknowledgements part (if it ever comes to that).

But now I received an email where he seriously suggests becoming a "proper" consultant -- he could dig out some little-known historical material for me, clue me in on some relevant political events, etc, etc. The guy does seem to be in the know, so I really like it, but I just don't know how to go about it. What are your obligations to a book consultant? Will he expect money? If so, how much? The fact that he might not have proper credentials doen't mean much to me, really, because he seems to be one of those history fans who know the subject better than the specialists do.

What do you think -- what does he expect and what should I promise? I'm always very cautious about the new people I meet, I don't make friendships easily, but maybe this one might be well worth it? The person eagerly offers to help me. I can use his help, for sure. But what does he expect for his help?

If you are interested in exploring the possibility, why don't you ask him what he would expect in return?

My guess is if he using the phrase "proper consultant", he is expecting a more professional, business relationship, which would equate to some of paid service, but you would have to ask him to know for certain what he is thinking or wants in exchange.

Thank you, Lori!

His exact words, translated into English, are: "I have to admit I'd love to see my name mentioned in the book. But I don't think one or two ideas are enough for that." So looks like he doesn't speak money. But on the other hand, I'd hate to have him spend his time on my book for nothing. And I feel a bit awkward asking him about it.

Write it down

If your book should be a financial success, there's a very good chance your collaborator will want a share. This is how lawsuits begin. I would strongly suggest a written agreement, no matter how friendly or informal he may seem now.

Re: Write it down

Tell him his name is already going to be in the book in the acknowledgements.

Do you want to use his information? If not, just drop him a note thanking him for his help and assuring him that you'll have questions for him on your next work.

If you do want to use him, sit down and write up an agreement you can be happy with, then send it to him. Don't talk to him about it ahead of time, and don't ask him what he wants. Just send it to him and see how he takes it.

If you feel you need to offer him something, offer two free copies of the book.

If he gripes about money, say you're sorry, but you thought all he wanted was to see his name in the book. Don't pay the guy. There isn't enough money in it for you to start sharing.

Re: Write it down

i agree, if he wants money just thank him for his time and interest and that if you use anything he's already said in the book you'll be sure to mention him in the acknowledgements. if, say, someone takes a suggestion of mine and uses it in a book for which i critiqued a chapter of and that book is a bestseller, i'm not due a damn penny. indeed, there's no law saying i even have to be mentioned at all, unless there was some verbal contract saying that, and, yeah, try proving that. furthermore, try collecting recompensense.

i don't see where the guy is even asking for money, but let's say he is just as a general rule: i instantly disregard anyone with 'indispensible' facts who wants to be paid for their 'effort.' it really sounds as if what he really has is minutiea (sp). if anyone got snooty about it, i'd just say, look, pal, were i to pay for a 'proper consultant', guess what? i'll pay for a *professional* that's already established. otherwise, it can read 'with thanks to so-and-so for helping on historical details' rather than 'with very special thanks to so-and-so, whose unfettered help and expertise helped make this book possible: i'll always appreciate you.'

the entire reason people get excited about helping authors is to be mentioned in the book. for most people, seeing their name in print is a big deal. it's something they can be proud of and when someone comes over to their house, they can pull the book off the shelf and say, check this out. but, if i have a buddy who comes over and helps build a racecar and he suddenly says, 'you know, i've tuned this up while you rebuilt the transmission, and now you ask me to put on new belts while you weld in a roll-cage, well, i'll need to be paid for that,' can just get the hell out of my garage. that's not much more than a bait-and-switch con, really. 'here, i'll offer something for free, and when you're hooked i'll start hitting you up for money.' sure, it's one thing when he's practically writing the damn book, but just helping out in the factoid department, how much is that really worth? especially when the vast majority of people are willing to help out an author for FREE? cripes, man, i've got people who will beta the whole damn book for free and not expect anything, but since i'm a decent guy every day of the week that begins with the letter 't', it's a giving they'll be mentioned. if they offer so much great help, shiiiiiiit, i'd probably slip them a couple hundred as a gift.

it sounds as if this guy started out as a good resource. resources are free in the library, and who's to say that that's not where he's getting his information? good resources naturally get a mention and, i don't know, a basket of fruit or gift certificate or something, just to show your appreciation. also, my appreciation is directly proportionate to how much the source expects as 'payment.' those who expect nothing gets the most. those who expect something will probably be disappointed. those who demand something can just kiss it. that's probably some obscure biblical lesson i learned as a kid, lol. if it's not, it should be, because that's *my* religion, baby.

crap, man, i don't know how many books i've practically re-written for people who don't know me from adam other than a screen name, and not once did even the idea of asking for money enter my mind. just philosophically, anything i know i'm more than willing to give.

THANK YOU!!!

Oh, thank you, guys, thank you ever so much!

I really didn't know what to do, you know that? Now I feel so much better about this situation. I'm just normally very wary of people who offer me something--whether it's a product, information, or even friendship. A nasty character trait, I know that. But I think that now, thanks to you, I can handle it.

THANKS AGAIN!!