Writing is an art, but it’s also a business. If we want to support our art, we have to understand our business.

Some writers choose to leave the contract comprehension to their agent. After all, that’s what they’re paying their agents for. Although I understand this viewpoint, I don’t subscribe to it. The agent’s not the one signing my contract; I am.

My signature on a publishing contract says I agree to the publisher’s terms and conditions. How can I agree with something I don’t understand? I don’t want to wake up one night screaming with the realization I’ve irrevocably tied myself to a publisher with a contract that hurts me in a myriad of unpleasant ways.

But how do we learn about contracts?
• Join a professional writing organization. Most professional organizations provide forums or courses on the business of writing, including the mysteries of contracts.
• Read current books. In between those delicious Ann Christopher novels and the inspiring craft books, slip in a few books on contracts. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
• Ask other writers. Don’t ask about advances or royalties. You may lose a friend. But ask about contract terms, like option clauses, first refusal rights, reprint rights. What have their experiences been? What are the pros and cons of those clauses? We can learn from each other and, by increasing our individual awareness, perhaps work together to improve the negotiation success rate in our favor.

A final thought, one of the most critical, I think: determine in your heart the terms you’re willing to accept and those you would not be able to stomach. Know this beforehand. Your contract should be the realization of your dream, not the beginning of a nightmare.

Best wishes for writing success!

My nerves are still out of whack on account of this whole book release thing.

As I’ve mentioned to anyone foolish enough to slow down long enough to come within hearing range, I’m really frazzled between worrying about whether anyone’s buying my book (TROUBLE, BTW, is on shelves now, in case you haven’t already pre-ordered or picked up a copy) and worrying about my August 31 deadline to turn in a manuscript that’s currently only half written.

I could fill up a whole entry about my various worries, fears, phobias, and concerns, but I won’t do that to you because I want you to come back again. Therefore, I’ve brought in my great new friend and fellow newbie, Patricia Sargeant, who writes romantic suspense for Kensington/Dafina. She’s going to tell us her thoughts about writers and contracts.

Here’s Sargeant’s website: http://www.PatriciaSargeant.com

And here’s a little more about Sargeant at my other blog: http://blogitorium.com/annchristopher

Here she comes …