What do you think of these conditions?

valerie_parker · Oct 7, 2007

I would like to enter a short story competition. However when I read this bit, I became wary.

"Writers and artists have the copyright of each entry, but must grant Chakra Publishing House the irrevocable royalty-free licence to reproduce, publish, adapt or perform - in the case of stories - all or part of the entry in any form or medium."

I've been hanging around AW a lot, and from what I've read, this does not seem too right. What I think it means is that you will be credited with the work, but not one else will be able to publish it ever.

Now my thoughts: I've won a competiton recently that gave me a big self-esteem boost with my writing. I would like to enter this one as well. First place is approx US$150. But I dont want my rights taken away from me. On the other hand, will it hurt so much if what i get is publication credits?

I have no real aspirations to be a full time writer. But I would like to do a novel eventually. All I have behind my name, so to speak, is that one competition that I won. I would say that my aim is just to get my work out there. But I dont want to do anything I will later regret. What should I do? (Besides find out more about Chakra Publishing House, which I am trying to do, but my internet is having issues.)

Tracy · Oct 8, 2007

Looks to me you're giving them the right to publish it, which is fair enough. They're paying you $150 (or whatever the prize for this is) for it. 'Irrevocable' means forever; i.e. you can't come back in a year and say, "I've changed my mind. Take my story out of your anthology". And if they decide, they can do other stuff with it, such as put it on as a play.

But they're not looking for exclusivity, it seems to me. So you can publish it elsewhere too.

sound fair to me.

Usual disclaimers apply to this advice: I'm not a solicitor etc.

PeeDee · Oct 8, 2007

This Chakra Publishing?

Because they suddenly scare the crap outta me. Not least because their web-site is hosted on Geocities.

As for the contest stuff, it seems to me that Tracy's right, so far as I'm reading it.

Susan Gable · Oct 8, 2007

Tracy said:
Looks to me you're giving them the right to publish it, which is fair enough. They're paying you $150 (or whatever the prize for this is) for it. 'Irrevocable' means forever; i.e. you can't come back in a year and say, "I've changed my mind. Take my story out of your anthology". And if they decide, they can do other stuff with it, such as put it on as a play.

But they're not looking for exclusivity, it seems to me. So you can publish it elsewhere too.

sound fair to me.

Usual disclaimers apply to this advice: I'm not a solicitor etc.

Yes, but not too many other paying places may want it, once it's been pubbed elsewhere. Reprint rights can be sold, yes. But I'm wondering if you can sell reprint rights if Chakra is still pubbing it. I'm not sure. They're taking the rights to do all sorts of things with it. They can make it a PodCast, if they want. They can make an audio release.

Basically you are selling them the right to publish this story now and forever for $150.00. No more money in the future. If that seems like a great deal to you, go for it.

I don't think it sounds like a great deal.

Susan G.

Birol · Oct 8, 2007

They're only paying $150 if you win. Might some non-winners also be published if this is an anthology?

Trust your instincts.

RickN · Oct 8, 2007

You're giving up all your publication and royalty rights forever. In exchange, they give you nothing (unless you happen to be the $150 winner).

I wouldn't take that deal.

valerie_parker · Oct 8, 2007

Thank you all very much for your views.

Yes, PeeDee, it is that Chakra Publishing. I turns out we actually have some of their books at home, and i've seen some being sold at the university.

And also, as I understand it, non-winners will also be published, so not everyone will be getting this $150.

My instinct is telling me not to do this, so I'm going to follow it. Thanks again so much for the clarification.

Tracy · Oct 8, 2007

Ah, it was everybody who had to grant the publishing rights, not just the winner ... I didn't realise that, and that's very different. I'm glad you're not going with it.

Good thing I include that disclaimer with my advice, huh?

valerie_parker · Oct 8, 2007

Tracy said:
Ah, it was everybody who had to grant the publishing rights, not just the winner ... I didn't realise that, and that's very different. I'm glad you're not going with it.

Good thing I include that disclaimer with my advice, huh?

Yup, good thing

veinglory · Oct 8, 2007

It's like submitting to a market, except they probably won't pay you.

Hmmm.

Is the sheer honor of appearing on their pages worth more than what another market would pay you in cold, hard cash?

blacbird · Oct 8, 2007

"must grant Chakra Publishing House the irrevocable royalty-free licence to reproduce, publish, adapt or perform - in the case of stories - all or part of the entry in any form or medium."

As I read this, they claim, in advance, by dint of your very submission, the right to use your work in any way they see fit, without any payment. Forever. You're right to be wary.

caw

Tish Davidson · Oct 8, 2007

Don't do it! Don't do it! Don't do it. From what you have posted, they can do whatever they want with your story whether or not you win. You give up your rights JUST BY ENTERING, not just if you are a winner. Find another contest, another market. I'd rather see my piece sitting in the trash than give these guys the rights to it.

What do you think of these conditions?

valerie_parker

Tracy

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

Susan Gable

Dreamer of dreams, teller of tales

Birol

Around and About

RickN

valerie_parker

Tracy

valerie_parker

veinglory

volitare nequeo

blacbird

Tish Davidson