I recently came across a Creative Gigs ad that basically states Payment would be "a percentage of
future sales."
Sigh. I don't begrudge these "entrepeneurs" their grab at the brass ring but as a working artist, I wanted
to give my two cents and give those artists tempted to engage in such a deal some food for thought in
the form of a YES and NO condition structure. Please note that I will use "author" as a general term for
any entrepeneur seeking art with publishing whether in print or online as the targeted industry so
writers, please bear with me...
STEP ONE: YES - WORK FOR FUTURE ROYALTIES FROM FUTURE SALES.
1. The author is a known commodity (ala Stephen King or J.K. Rowling) or the author is not known but
has a letter from a publisher expressing interest in the proposed work. The letter should have the
publisher's letterhead, address, and phone number as well as the interested editor's name and say that
they are interested in the project.
If the "YES" condition listed above is met, then proceed full steam ahead and good luck!!! The chances
are very good that you will be paid.
If the condition listed above is not met, proceed to STEP TWO: MAYBE.
