Hey, guys. Yesterday I received an invitation to submit a full. I've done my homework on this agency, and they certainly are reputable with a proven track record of sales, but I admit they have given me pause. In addition to the manuscript, they asked that I sign and submit a release form.
The form reads pretty straightforward (as straightforward as any legal document can read) and comes across as boilerplate. Just barely being able to eat, I certainly can't afford to pay an attorney to look the document over and must, therefore, rely on my own wits (don't laugh!).
Seriously, though, I really don't think they have the intention of stealing my work, all the clauses about not being held liable for acquiring works with a similar or even identical theme, plot, character, etc., notwithstanding.
I don't think a big agency has time to go around stealing people's work, but I do feel a little odd about starting a possible relationship on such a negative footing. The author/agent relationship is one of trust, but asking me to sign an indemnity form, basically waiving my legal rights, just doesn't feel all that good.
I can't help but wonder if someone has accused them of some breach in the past and this is just an umbrella policy. No, no, no, no, no! I am NOT planning to write an op-ed about this.
Again, this isn't some scam outfit. They have a very strong presence in the publishing world. I know release forms are common in Hollywood, as are lawsuits regarding stolen material, but this is a first for me in the publishing arena.
The form reads pretty straightforward (as straightforward as any legal document can read) and comes across as boilerplate. Just barely being able to eat, I certainly can't afford to pay an attorney to look the document over and must, therefore, rely on my own wits (don't laugh!).
Seriously, though, I really don't think they have the intention of stealing my work, all the clauses about not being held liable for acquiring works with a similar or even identical theme, plot, character, etc., notwithstanding.
I don't think a big agency has time to go around stealing people's work, but I do feel a little odd about starting a possible relationship on such a negative footing. The author/agent relationship is one of trust, but asking me to sign an indemnity form, basically waiving my legal rights, just doesn't feel all that good.
I can't help but wonder if someone has accused them of some breach in the past and this is just an umbrella policy. No, no, no, no, no! I am NOT planning to write an op-ed about this.
Again, this isn't some scam outfit. They have a very strong presence in the publishing world. I know release forms are common in Hollywood, as are lawsuits regarding stolen material, but this is a first for me in the publishing arena.
