Q. I've been writing a monthly column for a local online publication that is suddenly able to pay me! But whereas they only wanted first rights before, now they want all rights. Is $200 enough for all rights? It seems great for one-time rights or even first rights, but all rights seems a bit much, especially if I reprint in non-competing markets like national online ethnic and adoption publications.
And do first rights mean anything anymore in this new digital age? How much are first rights worth when you can reprint again an hour later in noncompeting markets, which -- because everything is online -- is just as easy for a reader to find? How do I make first rights meaningful/valuable when there is no money to pay journalists anyway?
Thanks, you're the best,
Soon to be RichA. The rights issue is a thorny one. Some publishers are trying to have it all ways. They want to publish any material they get on all available platforms at no additional cost -- and tell their own staffs that they cannot freelance anywhere because everyone competes with them.
The secret, of course, is in negotiating.
First, evaluate whether the material you are doing could have a second life. It sounds as though you have a book in mind. That makes subsequent rights valuable to you. You'll have to negotiate for them. Chances are, this outlet is not thinking about books, but is trying to leave itself the flexibility to publish on multiple platforms. (I heard of one contract that claims for the publisher rights for the entire universe, not merely North America.) The publisher probably also wants to protect itself from seeing your work on someone else's Web site the minute after it is on theirs.
So, talk to them. If all you want is the freedom to republish your material in a book, ask for that right. Your needs and the publisher's needs may not be in conflict at all and could be mutually beneficial.
Despite the tight job market, I do not think you are without negotiating power. Columns like yours do not grow on trees and while they might be able to find some sort of alternative, you are, at the moment, the option they like best.
I do not advocate signing away all rights unless the material is so timely as to be almost worthless after the day of publication or if the freelance rate makes it worthwhile to you.
What's your career question? E-mail it to me at
joe.grimm@gmail.com. I'll send you an answer soon.
Coming Friday: She feels that her old method of providing clips and tear sheets is outdated. Should she develop a digital portfolio?
