I want to strongly warn writers about the following:
https://hughhowey.com/open-for-submissions/
It's being discussed in several closed writer groups I'm in, among authors who've been around the block, and everyone agrees that there are huge problems with this because:
1) It's completely unclear what he's asking to use people's writing for
2) Any sort of rights agreement, contracting, or payment -- assuming there will be any of the above -- is completely ambiguous
3) There seems to be an indication that things will be posted publicly for no pay, which will almost certainly burn first rights
4) There's no clear benefit at all to submitters for sending him your writing/IP, and no indication of what he'll do with it
I see some newer writers on social media intrigued or excited about this, whereas all the writers I know who've been around a while (including the dedicated self-publishers) are taken aback and alarmed. It's rare I see such a disparity in reaction between new people and pros, which makes me worried that people don't know industry norms regarding the value of and protection of their work. I strongly recommend against submitting unless the guidelines and purpose are clarified tremendously and it becomes clear there is commensurate benefit to the writers for whatever rights they may give up.
Note: I know a lot of people like Hugh Howey or are fans of his -- I am not commenting on his motivations, which may be pure, but on the problematic implementation. I truly hope he will take steps to clarify what he's doing and be explicit about rights protection and compensation.
https://hughhowey.com/open-for-submissions/
It's being discussed in several closed writer groups I'm in, among authors who've been around the block, and everyone agrees that there are huge problems with this because:
1) It's completely unclear what he's asking to use people's writing for
2) Any sort of rights agreement, contracting, or payment -- assuming there will be any of the above -- is completely ambiguous
3) There seems to be an indication that things will be posted publicly for no pay, which will almost certainly burn first rights
4) There's no clear benefit at all to submitters for sending him your writing/IP, and no indication of what he'll do with it
I see some newer writers on social media intrigued or excited about this, whereas all the writers I know who've been around a while (including the dedicated self-publishers) are taken aback and alarmed. It's rare I see such a disparity in reaction between new people and pros, which makes me worried that people don't know industry norms regarding the value of and protection of their work. I strongly recommend against submitting unless the guidelines and purpose are clarified tremendously and it becomes clear there is commensurate benefit to the writers for whatever rights they may give up.
Note: I know a lot of people like Hugh Howey or are fans of his -- I am not commenting on his motivations, which may be pure, but on the problematic implementation. I truly hope he will take steps to clarify what he's doing and be explicit about rights protection and compensation.