February 2005

Where Can I Find Children's Ebook Publishers?

I have written and illustrated an interactive children's book. I think that the ebook format is the best way to publish my book. Do you know where I can find children's ebook publishers? I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have.

First of all, I suggest you look for children's interactive book publishers. Publishers of children's interactive books package their books in more than one format, such as ebook and CD. Therefore, a search for only children's ebook publishers would be too narrow. Visit your local library and ask the children's librarian to show you interactive children's books on CD. Look for books -- or products -- that are similar to yours and jot down the name of the publishers. You can find more information about those publishers by doing a Google search for the publisher's web site, and look for submission guidelines on their web site. Or you can visit the web site, Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers where you will find an alphabetical listing, plus links to the publishers' web sites. The Publishing Central web site also publishes a list of children's book publishers. They provide a description of the type of books published and links to their web sites. You can also find publishers' guidelines in the Children's Writers and Illustrator's Market. When in doubt, send a query letter describing your project to the appropriate editor.

When you submit to publishers, you must accept the fact that some publishers may only be interested in the idea and the text of the your submission. The publisher might prefer to choose the illustrator, or even add music or animation. You will need to keep an open mind toward collaboration once a publisher expresses interest.

Are Gross Sales Better Than Retail Sales?

I recently signed a book contract for 7% of gross sales. What does that mean? I should know by now but I was hoping you could help me. I was wondering if books get returned, do I have to return the money? Is gross better than retail sales? Thank you for your help.

I'll answer the easy question first. No, you will not have to give back any royalties on returned books. Your publisher will handle the bookkeeping and any returns will be figured into your future royalty statements.

The issue is not whether gross sales are better than retail sales. Royalties are calculated on either gross sales or net sales, based on either the retail or wholesale price of the book. Royalties that amount to a percentage of gross sales based on the retail price of the book are the most advantageous contract terms for an author. In her article "Royalties", Vicki Hinze explains in how royalties are calculated. At Ivan Hoffman's web site, read his article "Royalty Calculations in Book Contracts" for a more detailed discussion including information about factors that can affect your royalties, such as discounts and returns.

If you're a member of SCBWI, go to the Publications section of the web site and click on the link at the top of the page for "Members", then scroll down to "Answers to Some Questions About Contracts", which is a good primer for understanding your book contract.

Where Can I Find A Nondisclosure Agreement?

I am a children's writer/publisher seeking an illustrator. I have already produced a book dummy. I need to share the dummy with illustrator candidates as part of the selection process. What is a fair nondisclosure agreement? Is there a resource where I can review a standard agreement?

For the benefit of my readers, a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) assures that the person who signs it will not make use of the information (product or idea) disclosed, without your consent. An NDA , or Confidentiality Agreement, is good practice when discussing your idea (product or invention) with anyone capable of copying it. It's not a good idea to register the copyright for a picture book dummy since it is only an outline and series of sketches, and not the finished product. For that reason, the NDA is the better choice in this instance.

I'm not sure if you need to worry about what's fair. From what I could find, NDAs are what is known in legal terms as "boilerplate", or fill-in-the-blanks. You will need to take into consideration how long the other party will be prohibited from discussing your idea. Also whether or not you want to add any additional clauses. At Law Depot.com you can customize their templates with the specific terms of your agreement. However they do charge for downloading and printing the final form. In Bobbie Christmas' new column Ask the Book Doctor, she covers nondisclosure agreements and suggests a web site where you can view and print free forms. Be sure to check out her January 2005 column.

For more information:

Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers

http://www.childrens-publishers.com

Publishing Central Children's Book Publishers

http://www.publishingcentral.com/subject.html?sid=86&si=1

Royalties

http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/royalties.html

Royalty Calculations in Book Contracts

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

SCBWI Publications

http://www.scbwi.org/pubs.htm

Law Depot.com

http://www.lawdepot.com

Ask the Book Doctor - January 2005

http://www.writing-world.com/columns/book/book03.shtml

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