Space Coast Parent in Florida has been bought by Gannett and is asking all freelancers to sign a work for hire agreement. They pay $35/article for anywhere from 800-1,200 words. I have sold dozens of reprints to this magazine under their prior ownership. Not only did they pay better, they bought one time rights. Copied below is the essence of the new agreement. Those of you who have written for them before should think twice about signing it. For those looking to break into the parenting market, check the Parenting Publications of America website for other parenting papers with less restrictive contracts (but avoid Iowa Parent, which is also a Gannett paper with an even more restrictive contract).
TD
The problem wording in the Gannett contract:
"The Work will be a work made for hire under the U.S. copyright laws. The Magazine, has the right to reproduce, edit, adapt, modify, perform, transmit and otherwise use the Work, in any manner or medium in perpetuity without additional compensation. This includes, but is not limited to, the right to reproduce and distribute the Work in electronic or optical media, or in CD-ROM, on-line or similar format.
You warrant that the Work submitted under this agreement is your original work, of which you have sole ownership, and that its publication will not violate any copyright or other right of any third party. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Magazine, or Gannett Co., Inc., its affiliated corporations and licensees from any loss, claim, damages or expenses arising from your breach of this agreement, including any representations contained herein."
TD
The problem wording in the Gannett contract:
"The Work will be a work made for hire under the U.S. copyright laws. The Magazine, has the right to reproduce, edit, adapt, modify, perform, transmit and otherwise use the Work, in any manner or medium in perpetuity without additional compensation. This includes, but is not limited to, the right to reproduce and distribute the Work in electronic or optical media, or in CD-ROM, on-line or similar format.
You warrant that the Work submitted under this agreement is your original work, of which you have sole ownership, and that its publication will not violate any copyright or other right of any third party. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Magazine, or Gannett Co., Inc., its affiliated corporations and licensees from any loss, claim, damages or expenses arising from your breach of this agreement, including any representations contained herein."
