From: James Britt <james_b@...>
Date: 2005-11-10T17:01:06+09:00
Subject: Re: Red: The Ruby Journal, a professional periodical for Ruby developers

Jim wrote:
> If someone submits an article and it is rejected, can the author shop
> it around to other publications, or does it become the property of
> "Red"?

Of course.  You own it unless you are paid for it or have some other 
binding agreement. (And you should also ask about ownership/reprint 
rights so that you can control your work even after publication.  For 
example, Linux Journal, which in my experience pays more than 'Red' is 
offering, also allows the offer to reprint/resell the work 30 days, I 
think, after print publication.  Ruby Code & Style offers the same 
reprint/resale rights.)

The more typical case is when work gets submitted to a publication, but 
the author is never told what will be done with it and the piece goes 
into limbo.  It's sort of rude to submit a work to multiple places at 
the same time, though no one likes to be left dangling; the best is to 
make clear up front what you expect: tell the editor that the work will 
be offered to other outlets if it is not accepted and published by some 
date or some publication & payment contract is arranged.

You're the author.  You should be in charge.


James Britt

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