Open Letter to Writers

IT'S A GRAY AREA
an open letter to writers...
by Lucia C. Greer,
founder, co-editor Passport Journal,
and originator of New Works Review,.
and Casa Chia Library.

July 1, 2007
We started on-line publishing back in 1997. It was with the premise to give the opportunity to new writers to see their work published with no danger of losing their rights.

The conventional publishing houses then did not take us or the Internet seriously. That has all changed.

Today when you send us your story, article, poetry, a picture or a photograph, you still keep your copyright, which has been our policy all these years, but today you have automatically foregone your First North American Rights to that work, according to the conventional publishing houses. That blows away our philosophy, makes us angry and reticent to invite you to submit work for future issues.

Because we are unable to pay you for your rights although every issue stays on line 'forever' for the future enjoyment of our readers, this certainly does not give what we feel is an even exchange for you to lose those first rights.

Alas, it is no longer a gray area.

We solicit your thoughts on this subject. We love the support and interest you have given us through the years, but worry about your future in other publishing ventures.

Your feedback is needed.

PJeditor5@aol.com

Return to Passport Journal cover