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Topic: Breach of Contract -- Magazine $$$ -- Advice?
| Author | Message |
| scribechick | Posted – 10/16/2007 12:05:44 PM | show profile Hello, I'm surprised that I'm writing this note. It's been yrs. since I've written articles that pay "after" publication. However, the editor came to me. I got to write stories about topics of my choice (one article promoted my books) and the editor did send me contracts which we've both signed. So, I wrote three stories. Two have been published online and in hard copy. The third story is being copyedited. Today, I am told that payment will be delayed due to changes in the staff and the frequency of the magazine. But isn't this breach of contract? We're talking a mere $900 for three articles but still. . . Please advise. Should I let it go or? Thanks. |
| scribechick | Posted – 10/16/2007 12:08:05 PM | show profile One more thing. Payment is to be made 30 days after publication. It has only been two weeks past the 30 days for the first article. But I hesitated when I was getting ready to write the fourth story. I began to realize it didn't feel right to be doing so much work without any payment. |
| scribechick | Posted – 10/16/2007 12:08:16 PM | show profile One more thing. Payment is to be made 30 days after publication. It has only been two weeks past the 30 days for the first article. But I hesitated when I was getting ready to write the fourth story. I began to realize it didn't feel right to be doing so much work without any payment. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 10/16/2007 12:14:08 PM | show profile Yes, according to the contract you are owed the money 30 days after it appears online. No, they cannot legally change the terms of the contract on their own without your permission. Personally, I would immediately stop any work on the fourth story and not turn it in until I was paid for the others. Now you should press for payment. |
| scribechick | Posted – 10/16/2007 12:42:24 PM | show profile Dribble, Thanks for the advice. I feel so silly because I didn't listen to my own gut instinct--payment after publication was a mega red flag. Gosh, this brings back memories of getting stiffed years ago. I did follow up with a note, as you suggested, about honoring the contract. But if the publication goes belly up there's not much I can do, right? |
