Comments on: Publishing Deals: A Warning About Nondisclosure Clauses

By: Milton Watkins

Milton Watkins — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 20:14:12 +0000

I am a complete newbie to the writing scene. I have never written a book. I do have a tech book/guide that I am writing. I am contemplating asking a lady I work with to contribute or co-author this book with me. Should one be concerned about co-authors/contributors? The guide is tech related in the medical industry and my co-worker has specific experience with software in the medical industry. I know I will ask others to contribute. Should I be concerned about "co-authors/contributors" using my work to create their own? Because of my tech background I have built a BookType server for collaboration and I envision an online training option to coincide with the book. Am I wasting writing time concerning myself with "confidentiality'? Great post Susan! I'm glad I stumbled across it...

By: Susan Spann Spann

Susan Spann Spann — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 20:46:38 +0000

In reply to Laura Drake. Glad to hear you're safe Laura! (It's not a "normal" clause, and it generally only appears in smaller, less experienced publishers' contracts - but it's definitely a huge red flag, for many reasons.)

By: Susan Spann Spann

Susan Spann Spann — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 20:45:51 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Thanks Jenny! I'll be there whenever you need me.

By: Susan Spann Spann

Susan Spann Spann — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 20:32:17 +0000

In reply to Terri Benson. I can think of at least FOUR publishers currently using this kind of clause to make threats - and that's only the ones I've had personal dealings with. It's absolutely a trap, and authors should refuse a contract altogether rather than sign on that can be used to muzzle them. Like Jenny, I'm so sorry your friends are having to go through this.

By: Laura Drake

Laura Drake — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 17:50:35 +0000

None in mine - I just checked! Whew! Thanks Susan, for your wisdom.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 17:32:35 +0000

In reply to Terri Benson. I believe I know the publisher you're speaking of Terri, and this has all been just a dreadful mess. I'm sorry your friends are having to go through this.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 17:31:33 +0000

This just reaffirms my decision to sign no author contracts without running them by you first! Thanks so much for lending us your expertise here at Writers In the Storm, Susan!

By: Terri Benson

Terri Benson — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 12:49:26 +0000

As always, this is great information to have. I know of a couple people who got into this trap and were threatened with dire consequences because the publisher wasn't paying royalties, etc. and the authors put it on their social media. Thanks for the heads up.