Have you published a childrens book?

[Lori Forbes]

Hey there, I am looking for advise from someone who has been there. I am totally clueless about this business and need to know what is important. I have been offered a chance of a lifetime to get my children stories by a friend who has successfully published two cookbooks in the last two years and wants to branch out. Things have moved very quickly and an artist is already making prelim drawings for the first story. I'm a little nervous because I dont have any kind of legal agreement and want to know what I should be asking for in regards to that. Also how much imput does an author have once the story is turned over to the editor? In my stories the pictures will truely tell alot of the story.I want to do things the right way. Any advise will be gratefully accepted. Loribugg

[Carmella]

Lori,

I'm confused. Is your friend the editor? Publisher? Or someone wanting to branh out into agenting? Who is doing the illustrations? (You don't illustrations to submit your work to a publisher. In fact, most prefer that you DON'T include illustrations with a manscript.) I'd be a little concerned, too, if I were you.

At any rate, you might try asking your questions at www.write4kids.com. The people there are all great and experienced and would probably have sound advice.

Good luck.

[Charlotte Noel]

Well, it sounds as though you are on your way to being published. Don't worry to much about your work as far as publishing goes, you wrote it and that makes it yours with our without copyright.
But, without a contract stipulating what you want, how many books who buys and what percentage each person or company is involved in with your work, then you are putting your friend in jepordy.
If the artist does not give written consent to you to use his / her illustrations and you do... then in time this could come back on you, especially if the book hits the big time.

Get it on paper, what each person will do and what each person will recieve should a book sale. Most the time Illustrions can be paid on a one time fee and the artist does not request a percentage for each book sold.

Watch the royalties Remeber Paper or a NOTE (check the local office supply store for special promissary notes) and have them all notorized.

Once the book is complete the copyright will need to carry all names of those involved and how. You will also need to send a completed copy of the bond work and copies of all notes showing what owner ship each person has in the collaberated work.

Well, I am not good legal advice, but I hope this helps you a little