Developing or Reworking a Manuscript
 
If I feel a project has merit I will enter into an agreement with you to develop or complete a manuscript. This generally leads to some sort of writing partnership either with me or with one of the writers within my network of experienced editors. Depending on the nature of the content, we may decide that even though I will remain involved and will supervise the project, it may make more sense to partner you with someone who has some experience and/or background knowledge in your field. For example, if you are writing a book on a highly technical topic, such as particular computer programming language, cosmetic surgery, or global warming, I would likely suggest one of my specialty editors.
 
You will own the intellectual property to any work that is produced by me or any of my editorial staff and we will convey our rights to you in writing upon payment in full for professional services rendered.
 
I ask everyone I work with to sign a document indicating that all of the content you are submitting to me is original and that you have not incorporated material into the draft material that is anyone else's intellectual property (words or images) unless you have obtained permission. If at any point in the writing process we discover plagiarism in the documents you have supplied all of your material will be returned to you and our relationship terminated immediately regardless of the state of completion of the project. I have a zero tolerance policy on plagiarism.
 
As we are discussing the scope of the manuscript we will have a strategic conversation about your goals for the book so that I am certain we are in agreement as to the intended audience, the point of entry into the market and the voicing.