Re: how binding is an assignment?

**B*@aol.com**

>. My question is, do all editors consider solicited and assigned stories to 
be "on spec" unless a written contract is signed? <

First off, Larry, you cannot ever say "all" editors. There is too much 
diversity for that to be true. However, there are industry practices that 
most adhere to.

Technically, unless there is a contract, all go-aheads are considered to be 
on-spec, unless the word "assignment" is specifically used. That's the legal 
end of it, anyway.

The reality is that with rare exception, if an editor asks you for a story, 
and you deliver it in usable form, he/she is going to use it, and pay you for 
it. 

What bothers me about the deal you presented is that it's pay on publication, 
with no guarantee when that will take place. He may plan it for the July 
issue, but things happen, and it could get bumped. And bumped again. If the 
topic is seasonal, then it could wind up not being published until next year. 
And there you are, waiting for your money.

Can you think of _any_ other business in which you do the work now, but don't 
get paid for a year?

If they really work on a TBA basis, then you should realistically expect 
payment on acceptance, or on some reasonable time frame after acceptance. 

There are many writers I know who refuse to work for any media that pays on 
publication. I'm not that hardnosed. But I do want some kind or reassurance 
that I'll be paid in a timely manner.

Brook
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