Author Beware!4This page is dedicated to all the authors who have been screwed, and it’s for the up and coming writers seeking publication. Maybe you can avoid some of the mistakes other authors make.


“Pirates pilfer our work outright – We handed it to her on a silver platter and came back for more.” –Unknown Author

Unfortunately this statement is true of a lot of “publishers” out there. Your contract is only legally binding for your publisher if you can afford to take them to court. That’s right, I said it! There are some publishers out there that won’t abide by their own contracts, and what can you do if you can’t afford to take them to court? Not damn much.

So the trick is to not get caught with an awful publisher. You can’t always prevent it, but here are a few tips that will hopefully help you.

Google them. It’s easy to punch in a name and look at a couple websites to see exactly what you’re getting into, but you’d be surprised how many authors don’t do it. I understand, it might be your first offer for a contract, but do a quick celebration and then sit down and do some research.

Check with authors of that publisher or agent. I’d say ask a minimum of five authors if they have complaints. There is no maximum. Check until you feel comfortable signing that contract. And if after all that checking, you still don’t feel comfortable, then don’t sign. Go with your gut.

I’d love to be able to make my own site dedicated to giving the dirt on publishers, but I don’t have that kind of time. Here are a few resources to check to. They’re pretty reliable and spending five minutes looking up your prospective publisher can save you a world of pain in the long run. You might know about some of these, but I didn’t know about them until after I’d signed my first contract, so its possible you don’t either.
Piers Anthony

Preditors and Editors

EREC

I also suggest that you invest in a good author legal book. There are a lot out there. Just search ‘authors contract law’ on Amazon and you’ll come up with quite a few. I haven’t read any, but as soon as I have I’ll put some suggestions on this page.

To all authors with websites: Feel free to steal this page. You can copy it verbatim, I don’t care. Maybe if more authors had them then their fans who are just starting out would take these warnings to heart.

If you have any suggestions for this page, like resource sites or good author legal books that you’ve read, feel free to contact me at: honoriaravena467@yahoo.com

copied with permission from http://honoriaravena.com/author-beware

Welcome, MuseIt Up Author, Janie Franz

First, let me apologize to Janie. She was supposed to be on my blog, Sept. 30th, but I never received her blog. So Ihad to reschedule her for today.

Hello, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Janie Franz and I’ve been a published novelist for almost a year.

Though I’ve lived in North Dakota more than half my life, I still think of myself as a Southerner. I was born in east Tennessee, but raised in Cincinnati, and still have a trace of an Appalachian twang. Currently the place I live is probably one of the flatest and coldest places in the country, it is a rural state and that pervades everything, including commercials for farming equipment or Round Up during the news.
Recently, I went back to Ohio to spend sometime in Hocking Hills, a very magical place in the south central part of the state, full of gorges and waterfalls. That area reminds me of places I used to explore when I was a child visiting relatives in Kentucky and Tennessee. I snapped a lot of pictures and used them for two of my book trailers this summer. (You can find them at my new website—still under some construction—at:

http://janiefranz.fourfour.com/videos

The soundtrack for both book trailers was composed by Chris O’Brien of Enchanted Ape and Matthew Probst of Gyspy Lumberjacks, two Minneapolis bands. These talented musicians have offered to write the soundtracks for all of my trailers, including those that I’ll have published next year through Muse It Up and Muse It Hot! I’m just thrilled by their willingness to do that.
I met these musicians several years ago through my work as a freelance journalist. I have written thousands of articles over the past decade for over a hundred regional, national, and international publications (print and online). I’ve written about medical diseases and science, massage, yoga and relaxation, organic gardening, food and drink, paving and pavement maintenance, landscaping and irrigation, art and dance, ecological issues, writing, and, always, music. I’ve interviewed CEOs, chefs, contractors, manufacturers, scientists, environmentalists, doctors and therapists, artists, dancers, writers, and musicians. And, I do my own photography and was a prolific music and book reviewer.
Because I was so invested in music (I married a musician and booked and did PR for my son’s groove/funk band, booking two large national tours), last year I launched my own online music publication, Refrain Magazine (www.refrainmagazine.com). And I still have a regular column, Music Up Close with Janie at skopemag.com. Over the years, some of the people I’ve interviewed have been essayist Sam Pickering, Pulitzer Prize writer Robert Olen Butler, and musicians Arlo Guthrie, Marc Cohn, Charlie Musselwhite, Martin Simpson, John Doyle, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir (Hart, Lesh, and Weir were original members of the Grateful Dead), Dewey Bunnel (America), Jonny Lang, Tom Paxton, Peter Rowen, Gordon Lightfoot, Ralph Stanley, Ladysmith Black Mambasso, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), and BB King (for a radio interview).
I also co-wrote two books with Texas wedding DJ, Bill Cox (The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book and The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book), and self-published a writing manual, Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid! I also wrote seven chapters in Rick Baker’s 7-Minute Organic Garden book last year and have multiple entries in a number of Gale medical encyclopedias.
While I was building this career, I was still toying with the idea of polishing up some fiction and submitting it. Though encouragement by the Muse Online Writer’s Conference last year, The Bowdancer, was picked up by Breathless Press. That book launched the Bowdancer Saga, which now includes The Wayfarer’s Road (released August 6) and Warrior Women (out on November 5). I’m currently seeking another publisher to continue the saga because of the themes developed in the series.

On the coattails of that, I have new books coming out with Muse It Up and Muse It Hot! next year. Ruins: Discovery, the first book in her archaeology romance thriller trilogy, will be out April 1, 2011 under the Muse It Hot! division, first as an ebook and then in print. The other two books in the trilogy hopefully will past muster and be out shortly afterward. Sugar Magnolia, a contemporary romance about the music industry, will be published by Muse It Hot! in July 2011 for the ebook and print later. And, The Premier, a sweet contemporary romance, will be published as an ebook by Muse It Up in November 2011.

I’m very excited to be part of the new Muse It Up/Muse It Hot! family.

Welcome, Marsha Moore

Thanks, Roseanne, for inviting me to be here today. Since this month is all about Muse Publishing and getting to know its authors, I thought I’d invite you and your readers into my home to see where I spend lots of time writing.

I’m pleased to have a room to myself, an extra bedroom converted into an office space, I don’t have to share with anyone. In there are my laptop and desktop computers, and reference books about magic, alchemy, ghosts, demons, witches. I like to write late at night and my tiny dragon figurines keep me company. On the floor is a woolen Indian rug, part of my Indian art collection. I never worry if Indian décor mixes with fantasy dragons. This is a room for my inspiration.

When I take a break from writing, I use a separate desk for doing my watercolor paintings. Both desks are ages old, the painting desk an authentic Mission style from the turn of the century. They belonged to my dad, who is no longer with us and I miss much. Using his furniture brings me close to him.

As my writing time has increased, I’ve found one of the biggest hardships is giving up time outside. I often take notepads and write longhand at local beaches, easy to do year round here in Tampa. Last week, we finished a summer-long remodeling project in our backyard, expanding the patio area. It’s enclosed in a lanai to keep hungry Florida bugs away. After surviving plenty of sand, dirt, and cement dust for a couple months, we have finished with a nice floor of pavers leading from our family room. Finally, I have a comfortable place to sit at the patio table with my netbook and write outside, thinking about my characters while staring at the lagoon behind us. The hammock gives a nice spot to lounge and brainstorm plot twists. We have put in a hot tub, which I haven’t yet managed as a writing aide – the warm water seems to sap my strength. But, it does serve as a great reward after meeting a good day’s word count. I’m having no trouble getting comfortable writing outside in our new lanai.

I always like to see where other writers spend hours gaining their creative ideas. A writer’s workspace seems to have an energy unique to that writer. It’s been fun sharing where I like to create.

To learn more about me, my writing, and my upcoming Muse release, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, please visit my website at http://www.marshaamoore.com/

Here’s an excerpt of my coming book, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, Chapter Ten:

The Black Hawk made port and its crew secured her to a dock. In every direction I looked were pirate ships.

Sam sidled up to me. “Feast yer eyes, lass. There be every type of privateer vessel here today.” He pointed them out, one by one. “Next to us be a square-rigger, massive enough to store plenty of booty . . . over there be a nimble sloop fitted with its dress canvases . . . and there, a two-masted brigantine workhorse . . . and farther back, a fleet of schooners with shallow drafts to make swift course in shoal waters.”

“Amazing! And all fly the skull and crossbones flag,” I said.

“That be the Jolly Roger, the buccaneer mark displayed aside their own war pennants, like ours be a black hawk set on a red field.”

What a sight, seeing dozens of fine sailing vessels docked or anchored in the tropical cove.

With the gangplank finally lowered and secured all hands anxiously waited for the captain to come on deck to dismiss them. Although only a few moments passed, the men grumbled.

Black Sam shot them a long, fierce glare before Raphael appeared.

The captain grinned from ear-to-ear, his booming voice full of excitement, “Aye, ye scallywags, the Hawk sets sail again midday tomorrow. Be here or be left behind. Now get yourselves ashore.”

They all scampered onto the dock like mice, yelling and laughing in anticipation of merriment and adventure.

Raphael proudly extended me his arm. “Ciel, you look lovely. Let me now show you the wonders of Tortuga.”

Along the promenade that followed the shore I struggled to match his gait. I was impeded by my less than agile tail flipper, and glad for his arm.

He sensed my dependence upon him and beamed, in high spirits. Smiling to familiar faces, he tipped his three-cornered black hat, its billowing white plume waving in the breeze. He looked dashing, outfitted in a purple waistcoat and gold brocade jacket. Slim black trousers and knee-high dress boots with shiny silver buckles accentuated his trim physique.

I smiled at him, pleased to be on his arm for reasons more than for physical support.

Everywhere I looked strode the most bizarre beings and unusually dressed people imaginable. At the sides of the promenade, men swallowed blades of any cutlass, dagger, or sword passing buccaneers might volunteer. In amazement I paused to try and discover their secrets, while Raphael pulled me along by the arm with my head turning back over my shoulder, mystified.

Scantily clad women preformed miraculous contortions, happily accepting gifts of doubloons tucked into any edges of their skimpy clothing or body orifices the seafarers wished to leave tips within. Their spines seemed boneless and I wondered if they were truly human.

Many merfolk, both male and female, accompanied pirates, while others sauntered alone or mingled in groups of their own kind. The mermaids all looked so beautiful, wearing lavish golden jewelry and their hair gleamed in the sunlight. I felt rather plain in comparison with only sea baubles for adornments.

The pirate captains and their staff all dressed in an eccentric array of finery. They lent a festive atmosphere, in their bright colors, fancy hats, and tall boots. Garb from around the world proudly boasted, of their travels in the Caribbean, as well as remote destinations of the Far East and Africa.

Amongst the mariners I caught a glimpse of one extremely odd creature strolling past who made me gasp. I could not help but stare. I knew not whether the being was male or female. I could see human legs, covered with pants and shoes, but also the upper body of a seal. I whispered to Black Sam beside me, “What is that sea creature?’

Noticing my bewilderment, he chuckled. “One of the bizarre wonders of the abyss. Pure magic. That be a common sight only on the land of this isle. He's a selkie who's not donned all his sealskin.” He pointed to draw my attention, which was unnecessary, since my eyes were already fixed to the sealman. “See that brown mass danglin' down behind him? That be the rest of it. Left out his legs, likely, so he can walk.”

“I envy him. I wish I could pull my scaly skin back to find some feet to walk upon.”

Raphael was smiling and listening to our conversation. “Don’t forget I can solve that problem for you, Ciel,” he whispered in my ear.

I sensed pressure to make my decision conveyed in his tone, and a wave of panic swept over me, taking my attention from the selkie.

The captain tightened his grasp upon my arm and looked imploringly into my eyes for that answer.

My pulse raced, unable to grant him the choice I knew he expected, yet also unable to leave his world behind for the sea.

Welcome, David J. Normoyle

Games of Thrones - a tribute.

Thanks for hosting me, Roseanne. I want to talk about my favourite book today.

It's Game of Thrones, the first book in the George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire
and Ice Series.

We enter a world with a host of breathtakingly original characters. Each one has
their own motivations, desires and flaws. Usually in books, you know that the
good guys will survive despite the dangerous situations they get themselves
into, but not here. No one is safe; anyone can die at any time. We don't even
know who the good guys are, and who the bad guys are. Everyone is a shade of
grey. Characters who you haven't figured out are good or bad do things which you
aren't sure are right or wrong.

Their world is a medieval one with fantasy elements. It's a large interesting
place, with kingdoms and fiefdoms, cities and mountains. The characters traverse
it: plotting, fighting, escaping, living, dying. It's an adult world, not
sanitised, with sex, cursing, war, incest, death. It's not easy to make the best
decision even for the most noble characters, as every choice has uncertain
ramifications. They have to throw the dice, with their lives and often thousands
of other lives on a knife edge.

Every chapters forms a short story with a distinct beginning, middle and end.

Generally the ending of every chapter is a new twist or surprise which leaves
you wanting more, only to find out that George R.R. Martin has taken you to a
new character who will face different challenges. As the book progresses the
characters' journeys weaves around each other, creating the a coherent story.

There are now four books released in the series and my only criticism is the
length of time the author is taking to produce the next one. In the meantime,
HBO are creating a mini-series based on the books with a host of great actors
including Sean Bean. It promises to be fantastic and is due out next year.

That series is my Everest as I embark on my writing career. It's fantastic to
have as an inspiration even if I never scale the heights.

My first novel Crimson Dream a Young Adult Fantasy, is released in February.

Check out my website: www.davidjnormoyle.com for further details or follow my
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-J-Normoyle/157832707561908


BLURB

Centuries ago, Deren's people fled to a hidden valley deep in the mountains

chased by the Domain, whose powerful Seers could not find them.

Deren’s safe world disintegrates when his vision foretells his sister’s death by
a Domain soldier. Deren can't defend Bennie because of his asthmatic attacks, so
he trains her in archery and prepares his people for war against their ancient
foe.

As the invasion advances, Bennie's mastery of the bow leads her along unexpected
paths. Although she hates killing, she must make hard choices. Her loved ones
will die if she doesn't help them.

Will Bennie’s encounter with an enemy prince prove the key to survival? Can

Deren overcome his physical weaknesses and the doubts of his own father to lead
his people?
With fate and overwhelming force stacked against them, it seems their best
efforts will be in vain.

EXCERPT

Deren tried to get up to help Oso and Bennie and fell onto his back. He began to
gasp, his breath labouring through his lungs, fighting for every mouthful. He
took deep sucking drags of air, clutching his neck with his hands. His own lungs
were drowning him, refusing to breathe. He looked into the sky, thinking he
would die. Although it was only twilight, a ghostly moon peeked over the trees.
Whistling noises crept up and down his throat. He prayed to the Goddess of the
Moon. Yenara, help me. Please, don't let me die. Bennie needs me. Please.

A face swam across his vision. "Deren, are you okay?" the face asked. "Deren,
try to calm yourself."
The voice was laden with worry. A hand touched the side of his face. Warm drops
landed on his forehead. "Don't give up on me," the voice said in a fierce
whisper.

Welcome, David J. Normoyle

Games of Thrones - a tribute.

Thanks for hosting me, Roseanne. I want to talk about my favourite book today.

It's Game of Thrones, the first book in the George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire
and Ice Series.

We enter a world with a host of breathtakingly original characters. Each one has
their own motivations, desires and flaws. Usually in books, you know that the
good guys will survive despite the dangerous situations they get themselves
into, but not here. No one is safe; anyone can die at any time. We don't even
know who the good guys are, and who the bad guys are. Everyone is a shade of
grey. Characters who you haven't figured out are good or bad do things which you
aren't sure are right or wrong.

Their world is a medieval one with fantasy elements. It's a large interesting
place, with kingdoms and fiefdoms, cities and mountains. The characters traverse
it: plotting, fighting, escaping, living, dying. It's an adult world, not
sanitised, with sex, cursing, war, incest, death. It's not easy to make the best
decision even for the most noble characters, as every choice has uncertain
ramifications. They have to throw the dice, with their lives and often thousands
of other lives on a knife edge.

Every chapters forms a short story with a distinct beginning, middle and end.

Generally the ending of every chapter is a new twist or surprise which leaves
you wanting more, only to find out that George R.R. Martin has taken you to a
new character who will face different challenges. As the book progresses the
characters' journeys weaves around each other, creating the a coherent story.

There are now four books released in the series and my only criticism is the
length of time the author is taking to produce the next one. In the meantime,
HBO are creating a mini-series based on the books with a host of great actors
including Sean Bean. It promises to be fantastic and is due out next year.

That series is my Everest as I embark on my writing career. It's fantastic to
have as an inspiration even if I never scale the heights.
My first novel Crimson Dream a Young Adult Fantasy, is released in February.

Check out my website: www.davidjnormoyle.com for further details or follow my
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-J-Normoyle/157832707561908

BLURB

Centuries ago, Deren's people fled to a hidden valley deep in the mountains
chased by the Domain, whose powerful Seers could not find them.

Deren’s safe world disintegrates when his vision foretells his sister’s death by
a Domain soldier. Deren can't defend Bennie because of his asthmatic attacks, so
he trains her in archery and prepares his people for war against their ancient
foe.

As the invasion advances, Bennie's mastery of the bow leads her along unexpected
paths. Although she hates killing, she must make hard choices. Her loved ones
will die if she doesn't help them.

Will Bennie’s encounter with an enemy prince prove the key to survival? Can
Deren overcome his physical weaknesses and the doubts of his own father to lead
his people?

With fate and overwhelming force stacked against them, it seems their best
efforts will be in vain.


EXCERPT
Deren tried to get up to help Oso and Bennie and fell onto his back. He began to

gasp, his breath labouring through his lungs, fighting for every mouthful. He
took deep sucking drags of air, clutching his neck with his hands. His own lungs
were drowning him, refusing to breathe. He looked into the sky, thinking he
would die. Although it was only twilight, a ghostly moon peeked over the trees.

Whistling noises crept up and down his throat. He prayed to the Goddess of the
Moon. Yenara, help me. Please, don't let me die. Bennie needs me. Please.
A face swam across his vision. "Deren, are you okay?" the face asked. "Deren,
try to calm yourself."
The voice was laden with worry. A hand touched the side of his face. Warm drops
landed on his forehead. "Don't give up on me," the voice said in a fierce
whisper.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My first novel, Crimson Dream, will be published on 01022011

Check out www.davidjnormoyle.com for details