Reviews of Writing Books
Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers by Tad Crawford
Allworth Press, February 2000.Trade Paperback, 191 pages.
ISBN: 1581150393
Ordering information
Amazon.com.
One of the most difficult aspects of the publishing business
for a writer is the legal aspects of getting published
or self-published. Attorney and publisher Tad Crawford
aims to remedy this problem for writers with his new
book. This unique reference provides a selection of
common business contracts and forms used
in the publishing industry. Information and tips
are included for each form.
The book also provides an introduction to contracts
and negotiating skills and a negotiation checklist is
provided for each individual contract and business form
to help authors better negotiate their business deals.
Some of the twenty forms included in the book are:
an estimate form, contract with a literary agent,
collaboration agreement, permission form,
contract with a printer, transfer of copyright,
license of rights and license of electronic rights.
The forms in the book are perforated so they
can be easily torn out and photocopied.
An accompanying CD-ROM contains an
electronic version of each of the business forms
compatible for both Windows and Macintosh operating
systems.
The legal forms and contracts combined with Crawford's expert tips and negotiating checklists make this a valuable reference for any writer who wants to understand contracts and maximize potential revenue resulting from his hard work.
Escaping Into the Open by Elizabeth Berg
HarperCollins, 1999.Hardcover, 223 pages.
ISBN: 0060191791
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Elizabeth Berg, the New York
Times bestselling author of Talk
Before Sleep and a writing
instructor at Radcliffe, provides
both motivation and advice in her new aide
for writers. Berg discusses getting
started, moving from fiction to nonfiction,
writer's block, writing classes, writing
groups, using your senses, the business of writing and
common myths about writing. Berg also
provides a number of writing exercises for writers to
develop and tone their craft.
For fun, Berg also includes a section of recipes
to reward yourself after a good day's work.
Elizabeth Berg had always dreamed of becoming a writer as a girl, and she openly shares her love of writing and her own personal story and secrets of success to motivate and educate writers to succeed themselves. An inspiring book for writers, full of practical advice and optimism.
Return to the March 2000 issue of The IWJ.
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