RE: Question from a lurker

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Writing a chapter for a book to be published by Timber Press has to generate some cash.  Timber Press does not give very large advances, but you should never give away such a significant piece of professional work for free.  Other members of the group probably have a more reliable estimate of what that chapter is worth, but considering it is your first, then maybe only $1000.  How many pages is this chapter?  If it is more than 20 then $1000 is very low end in my view.  It’s nice to have in your resume that you collaborated in a book published by Timber Press, but that should not be a freebie.

Later,

Jeff Ball

-----Original Message-----
From: gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:gardenwriters-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Melanie
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2003 7:40 AM
To: Garden Writers -- GWL -- The Garden Writers Forum
Subject: [GWL] Question from a lurker

Hi all,

Melanie Vassallo, Long Island NY, where I have to admit to being a lurker. I probably joined this group fairly early on but haven't been doing much garden writing in the past year and a half. At one time I was the "ask the expert" writer for www.ligardening.com but due to funding problems, that site's been next to non-existent.

The only other experience I've had in writing has been many articles published in various newsletters and journals for the American Hemerocallis Society. The past two years I've been lecturing extensively on several topics such as perennials, daylilies, garden design and my favorite topic of garden accessories (junk).

2002 was a disaster year for our family, my 8 year old was in a horrible accident, my husband was ill for many months and my father died. Thoughts of writing anything were put on the back burner.

Last week I received a phone call from a man in Canada. He's had a book published by Timber Press in the past few years and is currently working on a new one. He asked me if I'd be interested in writing a chapter and I replied that I'd be thrilled.

Yesterday the contract arrived in the mail. 3500 words and 8 photographs (I love to do photography but have never submitted anything for printing) but the sentance that  caught my eye immediately stated that as sole remuneration I would receive 2 copies of the book.

On one hand I feel like this could be my ticket, my chance to get my foot firmly wedged in the door as a garden writer. On the other hand my husband tells me I'm crazy :-)    He suggested I get some advice asap. The few people I've spoken to have agreed that it's a shame there's no money involved BUT this could be a great opportunity.

So now I'm appealing to the experts. What say you?

Thanks all,

Melanie Vassallo