41 replies to this topic

[mattgarvey1981]

Good morning Chaps and Chapettes,

I’m not trying to hog the creative forum and I’m not showing off, I swear.
A second publisher has approached me about another of my comic projects that they want to publish.

The saying about waiting for a bus, rings true. J

They want to publish my Samurai comic that I’ve been putting together with Ray Favourite off here on Millarworld.

They have sent us a contract and it seems to be pretty straight forward.
We retain complete ownership of the book and after outlay of costs for production there is a fair split of profits.
I just wanted to get some advice of any pitfalls or things I need to specifically look out for that perhaps some of you may have experienced in the past.

Any advice would be very welcomed.

Cheers

Matt

[jamon g]

what kind of split. what kind of publishing numbers. what kind of costs!

[mattgarvey1981]

what kind of split. what kind of publishing numbers. what kind of costs! [/size]]

Cheers Jamon
I already thought of those, so its good to know that i'm on the right track of questions i need to ask
You are a good man, thanks.

When you gonna work with me on a story?

[jamon g]

you don't need me anymore, you're almost famous!

[mattgarvey1981]

you're almost famous!

HA! Yeah right!
We'll have to change this forum to GarveyWorld.
i can see a hostile take over in the works!!!!!

[O.S. Georg]

... give the devil a little finger...

[mattgarvey1981]

N'ah,
I like Mr Millar.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here.
On the forum I mean.
The other reason I'm here does have something to do with my parents.
I guess!

[Shannonh]

What about movie and merchandise? I know the big companies like to keep all rights to movie and merchandise (other than Image)...which is where the REAL money is. If it is a deal breaker for you to have total control over movie/ merchandise, I would atleast ask for a percentage.

[Jim Ohara]

He's a first time writer, not Grant Morrison. I would imagine you're looking at a standard contract Matt and not an opportunity to negotiate.

You should look into the background of the publisher, see if they have a good reputation and what kind of marketing and sales effort they put into their books - do they have any major works or success stories? Congratulations on getting some interest - remember, they're investing their money and taking most of the risk and you're a brand new writer with no fan base.

[garjones]

Yeah I think the only area you have to look out for is the profit split after costs. If there isn't there needs to be some detail on what those costs are likely to be.

In book publishing the usual deal is you get your percentage royalty from the first copy sold. If you only sell 10 copies on a 10% royalty on a $10 book you get $10. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with this model, Image use it well and it means potentially more for you if it's a success (Robert Kirkman isn't complaining in his vault of cash). I guess the potential pitfall is, Hollywood accounting style, they set the 'costs' so high you're unlikely to see anything. Which is what had Peter Jackson taking the studio to court over Lord of the Rings for his profit split.

[mattgarvey1981]

Cheers for all the advice guys.

Its much appreciated

[Christopher Hunt]

Anymore, the most important thing for publishers/creators is licensing. I'd read that part of the contract very carefully.

[jamon g]

nah, sign away, who's the publisher?

[Marc Diamond]

Jamon has a point. First time around the block, you're not going to come out too well.

Do the job. Do it well. See if it impresses. Then you can start to talk about strengthening your position.

[Shannonh]

It's your creation. If you want to hand it over Just to see it in print, that's your perogative. Someone said the publisher is taking all the risk. I say, they wouldn't take the risk if they thought it was a flop. I would try pitching it to Image where you will retain your property.

[jamon g]

he already said he keeps ownership

[Shannonh]

he already said he keeps ownership

Movie and merchandise as well? You must be reading something I missed. He said retain ownership of the BOOK. I dont consider that owning the PROPERTY.

[Steve Sensible]

Movie and merchandise as well? You must be reading something I missed. He said retain ownership of the BOOK. I dont consider that owning the PROPERTY.

I really don't think something like movie-rights would be included in a contract like this.

[Shannonh]

I really don't think something like movie-rights would be included in a contract like this.

I'm sure you're right. But should we admit defeat before we ask? I would advise all of you to NOT listen to Eric Larson speak on creator rights. Because if you all listen to him, it may change the industry for the better. But before I get off topic, I'm just saying what does it hurt to ask? If they drop you because you ask, they're not worth working with anyway. I'm done.

[mattgarvey1981]

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for all the advice.
I will keep all the ownership for the property, including if it gets optioned for a movie or toys etc.