If you do decide to enter into a contract with a print or broadcast publisher, you may find these guidelines helpful.
1. In your dealings with any publication make sure you are accompanied or represented by a legal advisor.
2. Keep a dated record of all conversations.
3. There is no copyright in ideas - only in the written words or pictures. If you write the story yourself or with the help of a 'ghost-writer', make sure you keep copyright.
4. Insist on selling 'first UK rights' only. If a publication wants to purchase 'all rights' it will be to make money by selling your story to others. Your fee should reflect the value of the material to the publisher if it is to be re-published in any form - including film & TV or electronically via databases.
5. If you are not able to write the story yourself, insist that a journalist is assigned to help you write it, on condition that the finished product requires your written approval before publication.
6. Do not part with tapes, photographs or original documents until the terms of your contract are agreed. Ensure that the contract includes satisfactory arrangements for the return of all materials including personal photographs.
7. Try to negotiate the right to approve the manner in which the material is published. If you are not happy about how it is to be presented you should be willing to forgo the fee rather than risk sensational or misleading coverage.
8. Don't be bullied into terms that you are not comfortable with. It is YOUR story, and you will have to live with the consequences if it is handled badly.
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