Published authors; a question about fees

[Lorien]

I'm doing some work for Scholastic that is far from completed, but they've already sent me the entire paycheck for the project. Is this customary with the larger publishers? Most have only given me a small advance at this stage, and I'm kinda worried about cashing this check!

Thanks!

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. never done the larger ones

I woudl be leery of cashing it yet, or until you deliver the project,

Though they are happy I'd say

[Lorien]

2. Thanks nadinbrzezinski!

The only publisher I've worked with (extensivly) in the past is Hyperion, and since I've been part of the Disney company for 16 years there were few "unknowns" there-but Scholastic is a whole different ballgame!

:hi:

[Journeyman]

3. Cash it, just don't spend it . . .

then, if they demand return of any portion of it, you've got the upper hand (the money is in your bank account), and if they prevail you have the cash you can immediately return. Meanwhile, you've earned whatever interest you may be able to garner.

One drawback to this might be, if they come back and require additional work from you, there could possibly be some difficulties getting more pay. Depends on your relationship with them and your belief they'll treat you right.

Me? I'd put the money in my account and sit on it. But then, I'm coming from the perspective of a designer, and in the years I've had my business going I've only run into troubles a few times and never with one of the large corporations.

[Lorien]

4. I'm an illustrator

though they have me working on two books at the moment and I'm also the author of one of them. I've been working as an illustrator and animator for 22 years, and generally the big corporations are very dependable (except recently; the Walt Disney Co. still owes me for four months of work from last year. It's the first time in 16 years that I've had trouble with them). But I've always been paid on completion. I do intend to put the money in the bank, but as you say, I guess I shouldn't touch it. It all seems rather unorthodox to me!

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. yeah I guess sittting on it could also work

I have only dealt whti relatively unknowns in the gaming industry (RPGs) and trust me these days I only work wiht a contract in hand.

Been burned a couple times

[evolvenow]

7. Also an illustrator/author. I would absolutely cash it and keep it in your

account until you complete. That is wonderful.

Lorien, do you represent yourself or do you work with an agent? The industry has changes so much over the last decade, I have always represented my own work, but feeling it is time for an agent. Thanks so much. Congrats on your projects.

[DavidDvorkin]

6. What does your contract say?

When is full payment due? If you've already satisfied whatever terms the contract set, then the money is yours. If not, there might have been a mistake at their end.