Since an "anthology" is a compilation of works by various authors, the
publishers and ALL THE AUTHORS sign a contract stating the various terms
for distribution, payment, etc. More than likely, I will not be listed
on the book as "the author." Whatever publishing company we use will
assign an editor to the project. That editor's name is the name the
book is listed under and all our names listed in table of contents as
contributors. This project may not take as long as you thing. I would
estimate using the next 6 months for writing. Once everyone has written
their piece and sent it to me, the organizing will not take much time (2
weeks maybe) because no matter what order I put it in, the publishers
will rearrange it. That's pretty much guaranteed. Overall, I expect us
to have to go through these stages.
Stage 1 is what I have done -- sent out a "Call for Papers." I've done
this before in the academic world. Lots of textbooks are put together
by various authors and some of my work is published in (a few - 2)
textbooks. What we are doing on this list is the same. I put out the
"Call for Papers." (People with TM stories.)
Stage 2: People submit them to me. I get everyone's name/address, etc.
I organize the writings and submit to the publishing company.
Stage 3: The publishing company contacts all the authors, contracts are
negotiated, signed and then the publishing company takes over the
editing of the works, printing, publishing, distribution, etc. Once the
contracts are signed, most of the correspondence will be between the
publishing company and various authors.
Stage 4: Payment is individual per contract with publishers. The
amount of money any individual makes depends upon how many
chapters/articles they contribute to the book. Everyone should contact a
lawyer before signing the contracts.
This is a simplified version of what happens. I don't know how long the
publishers will take because I don't know how big the book will be. If
it is a good book that they think will market, they will probably push
things through rapidly.
The other thing potential contributors should know about is copyright
law. I would be hesitant to send my work over the net to a stranger,
and I expect that to be your concern also. So, the following is the
cheapest way to protect your writing.
Put what you write in an envelope and mail it to yourself certified
mail. Sign for the letter when it comes but DO NOT OPEN IT. Just keep
it. If you see your writing published by any media without your
permission, you can sue the author/publishers. Take them to court and
let the clerk/judge open your certified letter. The other way to
safeguard your writing is to send it to the Library of Congress
Copyright Office with $20. The last time I copyrighted my work it was
$20. I send my short articles/poems, etc. to myself certified mail.
That's about all I can think of now. I wrote another chapter last
night. When the stuff starts to flow, it is almost impossible to stop.
If anyone is interested in an outline, let me know. My story starts
with some journal entries dated a few months just before my incident.
The journal entries tells a little about me. Then I have a little of my
personal history sprinkled throughout the actual story which only covers
1997 to the present.
Gotta' go. Come on folks. This can be a great adventure. For me, it's
not about money. [Well, maybe a little! :)) ] All of us have suffered
so much and many TMers will suffer forever. Maybe our stories will be a
catalyst for future scientific research on TM. Maybe....
Nora
I
> -----Original Message-----
> From: JHarper33 [SMTP:JHarper33(AT)aol.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 1998 8:04 AM
> To: NBlalock(AT)elpc.org SAFIRTH(AT)dow.com tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com
> Subject: Re: TM Anthology - A New Book!!!
>
> This is looking waaaaay down the road yet, but if such a book were put
> together and sold enough copies to make any money, how would that be
> divided
> up among the various authors/contributors? It's probably too early yet
> to
> figure that out, but it's something to think about.
>
> Barbara