So I have a contract. Now what?

If you're in the UK, join the Society of Authors and ask them to look over the contract for you.

If you're based elsewhere, find a similar organisation to check your contract for you.

Or you could try to get an agent to represent you, and negotiate the finer points of the contract for you.

Tromboli said:

I do have a few agents reading a MG novel now, I could contact them I suppose, since it could effect them later if they offer on the other book. Otherwise, I think I'll stick with it on my own for now.

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Definitely contact them. It can't hurt! Having the contract in hand can only help you. I would look around the internet for contract information and do as much research as you can in the mean time. Figure out what shady clauses to look for and proof your contract.

Make sure to read every word front to back and take notes on a notepad about what each sentence means in plain English. If you don't know what something means or what it would mean for your career or book, call the publisher and ask, and ask here.

Just be careful, and congrats!!!

Congratulations! I have no advice. Just admiration.

Tromboli said:

I'm in the US. I've heard of the writers guild but was confused looking at the site. Seemed like it was for screen writers more than print. And I had no idea what this meant: "The fundamental requirement for becoming a WGA member is that you are hired to write by an employer who issignatory to a WGA contract."

But I guess I'll just have to call and find out.

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The WGA is for screenwriters - the quoted means to become a member of the guild you must have been hired by an org. that has agreed to guild conditions. Same as to get a SAG card you have to work on a SAG production. They're basically unions. You need to work at a union shop to become a union member.

If you're talking about a novel, it's not relevant.

Tromboli said:

Then what is everyone talking about the writers guild of America that does contract negotiations for writers?

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Tromboli, I might have got this wrong... but didn't you bring up the Writers' Guild in this thread? You're the only one talking about them here, as far as I can see.

Hi Tromboli,
I joined the authors guild when I received the contract for my first book. The dues were something like $90 US/year or so. The only reason I joined was because a book contract review by an attorney was included with the dues.

Although I never met him face to face, the lawyer was a good guy. I think he may have been a bit green, but I'm not sure. At any rate, green or ripe, he flagged several items in the contract and suggested how I should negotiate them.

I got with my publisher and negotiated the points that were flagged. I was fairly stunned that my publisher agreed to everything, save one point. I don't recall what that was, but I remember it was something out of his control.

I'm pretty sure if I had hired an intellectual properties attorney (which I have now) their fees would have significantly outweighed the $90 for the guild dues.

I hope this helps you out.

Tromboli said:

Ok. Someone in an old thread mentioned Writers Guild Of America so I assumed that what Old Hack meant. Guess that person had it wrong then. Makes sense. Thanks

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When I referred to the Society of Authors, I meant... the Society of Authors. Not the Writers' Guild or any other organisation.