Red Room Where the Writers Are

(Ref: My blog of 10/21/09) The important question of whether or not posting content on a Red Room blog or member page constitutes “publishing” was handled most expertly by the lady who should know, Ivory Madison.  She gives excellent advice in her comments to me following that blog, so I strongly suggest clicking on.  (Raymond Mallette also gives honest support.)

     Eons ago before the internet, when the dinosaurs roamed, I handled foreign rights for Random House and its imprints and a right was a right was a right, a la Gertrude Stein.  The current publishing world presents a fresh circumstance to consider every day.  Google, Facebook, Twitter, Twerkster --- okay, I made that one up but it’s coming --- all these and myriad others are a potential legal morass.  I totally agree with Ivory that since the author is expected to be self-promoting at all times, what better promotion than showcasing one’s own work on a website that garners as large an audience as possible. 

     I have removed my story from my page, have corresponded with the publishing house, will submit to them, and we’ll see.  Of course, the brilliance of the story will win them over, and if not, there will be much crying and gnashing of teeth.