What do you think?
Does this set the right tone for the letter? Is it properly couched in sufficiently legalistic language so it looks like I know what I’m talking about?
Dear XXXXXXXXXX,
I regret to hear that this project of yours is so small, and that you’re creating a mix-and-match kit.
The sonnet cycle of the full and new moons I’ve been writing, developing, and thinking about for two years is actually part of a much larger project that’s taken a number of years more. The result is a fairly complete set of writings appropriate to time of day, season of year, weddings, funerals and even specific weeks and days that amounts to approximately seventy or eighty pages to date, and more than ten thousand words.
Simply put, I will not turn over five or six years of work in exchange for author’s copies. I have my own plan in mind for them.
I am prepared to grant you the limited once-off right to publish the October Full Moon Sonnet as part of this specific collection you’re assembling, provided that I retain the overall copyright. If I am not paid, I ask for at least four author’s copies, since my standard writing contract specifies three copies when I’m paid.
I enclose my snail-mail address below if you are still interested in this arrangement.
Thanks!
How are you??
Re: Too late!
All good suggestions for the future. He hasn’t responded to my most recent proposal yet.
Keep your art intact. It may stand on its own very well, but I much prefer the whole to a few parts. And if some parts are worth farming out as teasers, hold out for what you can get!
I like the leter!
Keep your art intact. It may stand on its own very well, but I much prefer the whole to a few parts. And if some parts are worth farming out as teasers, hold out for what you can get!
I like the leter!
Thanks!
How are you??
Too late!
Since this letter is already away, perhaps these comments will be useful in a general way for the future. Of course there is no accounting for style — we each have our own way of making our points. Results not typical, your mileage may vary, etc., etc.,…
Were it my letter, it would look like this:
1. Skip the placation at the head and start with why the reader should care to keep reading: “I am definitely interested in having my work be part of your project X”. The letter follows in the form of a proposal/counter-offer rather than a conversation….
2 – This is what I will give you
3 – These are my terms
4 – These are my reasons
(3 + 4 may be combined; i.e., “I must ask for ____ because ____”)
5 – Thank you for your interest, I look forward to working out a mutually-agreeable arrangement, yada yada.
And “snail mail” is too slang. “Postal address” is more buisiness-like.
—
My $0.02.
Too late!
Since this letter is already away, perhaps these comments will be useful in a general way for the future. Of course there is no accounting for style — we each have our own way of making our points. Results not typical, your mileage may vary, etc., etc.,…
Were it my letter, it would look like this:
1. Skip the placation at the head and start with why the reader should care to keep reading: “I am definitely interested in having my work be part of your project X”. The letter follows in the form of a proposal/counter-offer rather than a conversation….
2 – This is what I will give you
3 – These are my terms
4 – These are my reasons
(3 + 4 may be combined; i.e., “I must ask for ____ because ____”)
5 – Thank you for your interest, I look forward to working out a mutually-agreeable arrangement, yada yada.
And “snail mail” is too slang. “Postal address” is more buisiness-like.
—
My $0.02.
Re: Too late!
All good suggestions for the future. He hasn’t responded to my most recent proposal yet.
Re: Here’s the final edit…
Nice… very diplomatic, with a gentle regal air that does not sound snotty.
Roar.
hes in california, yes? he prolly won’t get it till morning….get some rest.
Re: Here’s the final edit…
yes.