Two questions...

rubarbb · Apr 8, 2008

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right forum for these questions, but here goes.

1 Is there a standard fee for agents?

2 Do agents and/or publishers disapprove if you have a copyright on
your MS?

Thanks... in advance

rubarbb · Apr 8, 2008

Anyone... Anything...

Little Red Barn · Apr 8, 2008

rubarbb said:
Anyone... Anything...

Hey Ken, not sure I understand but if your asking this; do agents charge? no, they do not. If you asking what % they take it's 15%.
And nah, they really don't care about the copy right issue thingy, just be sure and let them know after you sign.

and hugs!

mscelina · Apr 8, 2008

If an agent charges an upfront fee, it is a scam. Period. Check out the Bewares and Backgrounds subforum here on AW for everything you ever wanted to know about that.

As far as copyrights go, you don't need one. Your publisher will register an ISBN when/if your book is accepted for publication. Don't start trying to meddle with things you don't need to. Write the book. Submit it. It's legally copyrighted from the moment you type each word on the page. All the rest of it is nonsense.

Little Red Barn · Apr 8, 2008

mscelina said:
If an agent charges an upfront fee, it is a scam. Period. Check out the Bewares and Backgrounds subforum here on AW for everything you ever wanted to know about that.

As far as copyrights go, you don't need one. Your publisher will register an ISBN when/if your book is accepted for publication. Don't start trying to meddle with things you don't need to. Write the book. Submit it. It's legally copyrighted from the moment you type each word on the page. All the rest of it is nonsense.

What msc said, Ken, however don't concern yourself if you've already copyrighted, it's really no big deal, just know that if you didn't, they'll do it all for you and you don't need to.

I'm guessing you're near a certain stage right now.

rubarbb · Apr 9, 2008

Thanks... Guess I didn't ask it right kimmi, but you answered what I was trying to ask. Am still searching for an agent. Just curious about the copyright thing. As I paint, I know I am covered with the copyright thing and figured the same applied to writing. Wasn't sure how agents/publishers felt about it. So now I know... Thanks again to you both.

Ken

acousticgroupie · May 4, 2008

Ken, I would look around the forums and read up on the industry standards. The bewares board may be a GREAT place to start!!

johnrobison · May 4, 2008

Agents generally get 15% of whatever they generate for sales on your behalf.

As to copyright . . . it does not matter if you have coprighted your draft manuscript. The finished book will be copyrighted on your behalf by the publisher in its final form.

ResearchGuy · May 5, 2008

rubarbb said:
. . .

2 Do agents and/or publishers disapprove if you have a copyright on
your MS?. . .

Copyright is automatic the moment your manuscript takes any physical form (on paper, as computer file). See www.copyright.gov for FAQ and Copyright Basics. I suspect you are thinking of registration of copyright, a different animal, and a bad idea for a manuscript you intend to submit to an agent or publisher. To register copyright on a manuscript you are shopping around screams "amateur" and creates headaches.

--Ken

Two questions...

rubarbb

Serenity

rubarbb

Serenity

Little Red Barn

haz own threads

mscelina

Teh doommobile, drivin' rite by you

Little Red Barn

haz own threads

rubarbb

Serenity

acousticgroupie

johnrobison

A Free Range Aspergian

ResearchGuy

Resident Curmudgeon