True Story.

I was pitching my brand new novel at a small literary festival several years ago, when an editor (who was presenting at the Fest) whispered in my ear… ‘be careful‘.

Ohhhh…. that got my attention.

It was like a head-snap back to reality.

You see, one of the small publishers (who was also a writer, guru mentor to the book world and in my rookie-writer eyes, someone to be admired for their work…) had requested a full manuscript.

If you’re an author, you know what that means… they want to see and read the entire manuscript.

They don’t just want a few pages to see if you can write a complete and proper sentence, nope… they wanted the entire thing.

This happened many years ago before I was more familiar with the industry and aware of some of the lecherous behavior of some industry “professionals”. I was so green to think that my work was A1 right from the first draft.

Ah, yes…. the good ol’ days.

Okay. Okay…. back to the story.

So, that whispered advice got me thinking about all the work I’d put into the manuscript and though I thought it was ready for the world, I was waaaaaay off base and seriously needed to have some assistance in getting it market worthy.

I didn’t send it to the publisher, but I did end up having the editor take a look at the manuscript which cost me $300 (that was huuuuuuge cash back in the day!!).

AUTHOR SIDEBAR: I want you to know that the publisher discussed above, is completely legit. I’ve gotten to know them over the years, they’re lovely and work hard for their clients. But, looking back now I can see how different things would’ve gone for my writing career and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today.

BUT…. ah yes, there’s always a but, isn’t there?

As most of my regular readers know, I worked within the criminal justice system for many years and I have a twisted writer brain AND… I have a suspicious mind. Until proven otherwise, I don’t automatically trust many strangers to have my back–especially when it comes to inequitable relationships like: mentor/student; editor/creative; big businesses who have in-house lawyers etc/little first time writer ….

You get the picture.

So…. Before I handed over my draft to the whispering editor all those years ago, I drafted a Non-Disclosure-Agreement (NDA) and requested that she sign it.

It was fairly basic and indicated that all the words, names, and creative elements of the work belonged specifically to me and were protected under copyright and she was not to use/discuss/disclose any of the ideas etc. from my work.

Hey, as readers and writers, we know how important a twist is in a story, right? You don’t want someone else taking and using that, or using something that you personally experienced and passing it off as their own… nope! Nada! Not okay!

Whispering editor lady didn’t hesitate for one second to sign it and bingo-boppo off we went…

That experience taught me so much regarding all my rookie writing mistakes and the need to slow down, learn the craft, and not get caught up in the excitement of someone’s praise/request/industry involvement or experience.

The manuscript has now been rewritten several times and was picked-up by two different agents–neither of which were a fit for me. But, it will find its way into the world eventually because it’s a story worth reading.

Now, why do I tell you all this?

Well, as a fellow creative, I want everyone to remember to step back, breathe and remember to protect your work.

That NDA I typed up all those years ago formed an understanding of privacy, protection of unique intellectual property, and simple respect for me as the creative.

Whether it is an editor, publisher, beta-reader, mentor, fellow writing group member, or whomever, you have the right to protect your work and it is not ….I repeat…. it is not stupid, paranoid, or crazy to make a request for an NDA.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure. Listen to your gut.

If someone squeaked at the idea and was all… oh you don’t need that… or don’t you trust me? … or I’m a professional and would never…

Yeah, yeah, yeah…. Sign Here.

I’m not saying this to be all paranoid here… I just want you to be aware that you have a right to protect your work. If the person is new to you and perhaps a “one-of” type of interaction (ie: beta reader) then proceed with caution and eyes wide open.

Tell me your thoughts. Have you ever had any negative experiences? Do you use an agreement prior to showing someone your work?

And, just to tell you… the editor that first whispered in my ear… she still edits for me.

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