Re: university presses

**J* E* M* S* <h*@sbcglobal.net>**

I would start by asking to see the contract. Then, try to read it from the author's view rather than the publisher. If you are a member of Garden Writers Association, you have access to an intellectual property attorney at no charge. Remember that a contract is a negotiating tool and a starting point, not the final word.

jems

On Jan 30, 2013, at 6:54 PM, Amy Ziffer wrote:

Hello All:

A couple of weeks ago there was some discussion here about royalties  
and contracts.  Someone--Doug Green, I think--made the comment that  
university presses operate in a different world  (or something to that  
effect).  I'm being offered a contract by a university press, and I've  
never had one as a publisher before.  Actually, this kind of came from  
out of the blue, and I'm unprepared for it.  Any advice?  What can I  
ask for in terms of commitment to marketing or sales numbers?  Input  
into layout?  I sent them sample layouts I had because I originally  
intended to self-publish this book, but have no idea what they thought  
of them.  Also, has anyone ever had to return a portion of an advance  
because of poor sales?  Any input is welcome!

Amy Ziffer
dba A Shady Lady Garden Design
128 Green Pond Rd.
Sherman, CT  06784
Home office: (860) 350-3565
Cell: (860) 248-0559
amyziffer@earthlink.net
www.amyziffer.com

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____________________
Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp
Director, Garden Writers Association
hoosiergardener@sbcglobal.net
http://hoosiergardener.com
Phone: (317) 251.3261
P.O. Box 20310
Indianapolis, IN 46220-0310
Co-author, Indiana Gardener's Guide
Author, The Visitor's Guide to American Gardens
Great Garden Speakers

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