May 2004

How Do I Find Information About Ancient History?

My young adult fantasy manuscript takes place in Ancient History. I have been doing endless research for people, places, animals, and foods. But I can't find much information about other things. I was wondering if writers go to a certain source on the net, or if there are experts in Ancient History lifestyle or culture that might be able to answer some questions for me. I am not using precise facts in my story since it is fantasy but I want to be as close as I can so that situations and actions can be believable to readers. I'd appreciate any advice.

On the Internet, "Exploring Ancient World Cultures" is a good place to start. This web site provides several search options including by chronology, culture, and historical data. Links are also provided for more information about each culture represented, such as Near East and Islam. The "Ancient World Web" offers a category search, which might be more suited to your needs. For instance, there are 51 links for information about daily life and 81 links for more about ancient language and literature.

Carus Publishing and the Archaeological Institute of America's "Dig Magazine" sponsors "Ask Dr. Dig." Dr. Joyce Tyldesley, a well-known Egyptologist and author, answers questions about all aspects of the ancient world. An archive of questions and answers is also available. If you can't find what you're looking for in the archive, be sure to email your questions to her.

Beyond web searching, I encourage you to contact a world history, ancient history, or archeology professor/teacher at a local university, college, or high school. Perhaps a scholar can point you in the right direction for your research, or better yet help answer some of your questions. Offer to take him/her out to lunch for a brainstorming session.

Should I Do What My Editor Asks?

My editor just sent me the sketches for my first picture book. One of the illustrations doesn't go with the text at all, and she asked me to change the text to agree with the illustration. I said I didn't want to change the text and explained why -- the sketch just doesn't support the story in any way. But she wants me to make the change anyway. Should I just do every single thing the editor wants?

I think you did the right thing by telling her how you feel about the change. But she wants you to make the change anyway. As difficult as it may seem at the moment, I suggest that you give it a shot and do what your editor asks. For the simple fact that you will show her you are cooperative and willing to take direction. You might be surprised at the outcome.

An author I know was asked to make major changes in her picture book manuscript. She didn't agree with the changes and thought they weakened the book. But she made the changes anyway because it was her first book with that publisher and she wanted to make a good impression. When she submitted the changes the editor re-read the manuscript and realized that the changes she had requested didn't work. Instead of arguing with the editor, my friend went along with the changes and let the editor see for herself -- and make the final decision. It's possible the same thing will happen in your case.

At this stage of the game you are building a relationship with your editor. Even though you might not agree with her, it's best to give her the benefit of the doubt. Your editor has not spent as much time with your story as you have, it's true, but for that reason it's important to spend the time working with your editor on your manuscript so she becomes as familiar with it as you are. Remember that your editor has definitely published more picture books than you have. Think of it this way, you and your manuscript are getting a lot of attention from that editor. Many authors long for attention from their editors. So this is a good thing!

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Children's Books by Harold Underdown and Lynne Rominger, has two chapters dealing with the stage you're at. "What If I Don't Like the Pictures?" explains the collaborative process involved with picture books and how to let go and become a team player. "The Rest of the Process" offers more tips on editing with your editor.

Should I Submit An Invoice Or A Contract For My Illustrations?

I have been asked to illustrate a book for a local small publisher. So far we've had one meeting and I made verbal agreement to do the illustrations for a flat fee. The publisher said I should submit an invoice when I complete the work. But that doesn't sound right. Is this the right way to go about this? Shouldn't I sign some sort of contract? I'm not even sure if the fee they offered is fair.

According to the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), a reasonable range for flat fee illustration work, including the cover and text, is $1,500 to $4,000.

It's not a good idea to wait until you submit the illustrations to invoice the publisher. If the publisher rejects your illustrations then you have no legal recourse to be paid for your work. You need to establish in writing who owns the illustrations, whether a kill fee will be paid (if they should reject your work), and a production timetable, among other things. In his article "The Cover Artist/Illustrator Contract", copyright attorney Ivan Hoffman advises that commissioned projects are best handled with a work-for hire contract and he explains the many reasons why you need a contract. He also provides a link to a sample work-for-hire contract.

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators publishes a PDF guide for illustrators. If you're a member, go to the web site and log in, then go to publications and scroll down to find "Illustrators & Photo-Illustrators Guide." You will find plenty of information to help you negotiate this project with the publisher.

Once you've done the research and met with the publisher, be sure to consult an attorney to help you draw up a work-for-hire contract.

For more information:

Exploring Ancient World Cultures

http://eawc.evansville.edu/

Ancient World Web

http://www.julen.net/ancient/

Ask Dr. Dig

http://www.digonsite.com/drdig/index.html

The Cover Artist/Illustrator Contract

http://www.ivanhoffman.com/artist.html

SCBWI

http://www.scbwi.org

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