Artists Passion

Today I learned that 451 Press for whom I write this blog owns the rights to my blogs for one month (the first 30 days after I post my article) and then the rights revert to me.
I hadn’t asked this question when first applying for the position. I was so taken with the idea that I could write a blog and that I didn’t have to focus on its distribution, ascertaining publicity and advertising for my site that I failed to ask this very important question. Not a good idea. Yet as it seems those who operate 451 Press are good people.

They have also instituted really a good system for disseminating information for people like myself that aren’t asking questions at the appropriate times. Unable to receive word from one of the administrators about this matter I simply e-mailed the bloggers who serve on the board of trustees. Within an hour I had received several quick responses that not alleviated my worries, but indicated where I might find the policy of copyright. It was in the agreement I had signed, but failed, again in my excitement, to read. My mistake. Another potential disaster avoided.

I became worried about this matter of copyright after having read in the latest issue of one of my writing magazines about how in this competitive publishing market, many magazines own the rights to the author’s work on stories, essays, poems, etc, in perpetuity. Like me the writers, so eager to see their works in print do not ask about this matter.

As a newly published author I knew the importance of raising this question. But I am new, and again I was excited to have the opportunity to further my career in writing. Fortunately the company that published my book owns the copyright for only a decade. After that ownership reverts back to me. My attorney felt that was a good deal, especially for an author being published for the first time. He also interpreted this as a positive sign concerning the company who published my book. So far I have had complete enjoyment working with them

I feel good about 451 Press and what they are doing too. I like that they only own my work for 30 days from the time of posting.

Writing is challenging and laborious. Giving that work away or having it stolen out of ignorance, and forever seems like indentured servitude, disguised as pay. Yet, not unlike myself, many writers and artist’s fall prey to the excitement of someone simply liking what you have to say, willing to take a chance on you, and wanting to exhibit your writing, or as it is n the case of magazines, hiring you to write for them. In our exultation we don’t think, forget to ask the tough questions that need to be addressed and negotiated. And then oft times when we do, either before or after the matter is settled, we feel horrible for even considering the matter.