writing solicitation

**"* C* <d*@sympatico.ca>**

Folks,
I'm looking for some garden writer advice here. A member of the GWA sent me
a request to write something for a book. I'll paste the post here with names
removed so there should be no id possible. My questions follow.

Hi Daniel,
I am a freelance garden writer and also work as the Senior Staff Writer and
Contributing Editor of ___________Magazine.
I am in the process of compiling an exciting book on gardening and would
very much like your input. The book will be a compilation of the wisdom of a
great many gardening experts like you!
Each expert will provide a short narrative (500-1500 words), with or without
supporting images, that outlines one of their favorite gardening tips or
techniques along with an "about the author" statement that can include
contact information and/or other business affiliations.
My publisher has asked that each author include the following statement with
their submission. "I (Name) understand that this article may be edited and
published by (insert name of person who sent me this e-mail) and I am
providing it free of copyright.
I hope you will consider providing a piece for this project and look forward
to hearing from you.

So GWL compadres,
There's a few things that strike me as odd.
The first is the writer called me Daniel. My wife calls me Daniel when I am
in trouble.
The second is that  a "free-lancer" is asking me to give away my work for
free and give away the copyright. I'm interested but I have never given away
copyright of anything of mine unless it was for charity or to help out a
friend.
The third, although author info is requested nothing is said about it being
in the book. (Am I overly worried here?)
A fourth, the magazine website does not supply a masthead, only gives the
name of the publisher, so I can't check out the magazine credentials listed.
Next, info about the name of the book, where it is being published, who is
the audience, who is the publisher etc is not given.
On the internet and elsewhere, I can only find personal information supplied
by the individual and nothing associated with the public i.e. no way to
corroborate what is being said.
On the plus side- hey maybe my name in a big-time book, with national
(preferably inter-north-national) distribution, and lots of offers just
rolling in to counteract this freebie.
My instincts say toss this, but this person is a member of the GWA and , so
far, the members in that org with whom I have chatted are pretty decent
sorts.
My next thought would be to cross check with the recently announced "new" 
members of GWA and see if they have received similar solicitation.

Do you experienced contributors run into this sort of stuff often? Or do you
just run?
Advice on-list, off-list, all is appreciated,
Thanks,
Dan

Dan Clost
The Good Earth Columnist
Dan Clost's Greenscapes
dan.clost@sympatico.ca

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