Somebody wants a photo!

[marchael]

I just received a message from someone that works for a textbook publisher who would like to use one of my images. They want me to send them my response as well as my terms, and as I've never sold one before I'm kind of lost as to what to do. Any advice that you can give me would be very muchly appreciated, stressing the VERY MUCHLY. I was hoping this day would come, but had no idea it would be so soon.

[1designguy]

Here is a place to start:

http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

[dang]

Is this McGraw Publishing?

[lancemoreland]

Is this McGraw Publishing?

Do you have experience with them? They have contacted me.

[annayu]

I just received a message from someone that works for a textbook publisher who would like to use one of my images. They want me to send them my response as well as my terms, and as I've never sold one before I'm kind of lost as to what to do. Any advice that you can give me would be very muchly appreciated, stressing the VERY MUCHLY. I was hoping this day would come, but had no idea it would be so soon.

Chinese company based in HongKong? Whatever you ask for, make sure it's cash and not just some free samples of the textbooks. I made the mistake of giving away freebies in my early days because I was pleased that anyone wanted to use my pictures. Don't go that way. Money up front, otherwise no deal. Specify the terms of licensing your image. You always retain the copyright, they only buy the right to use it according to the terms in the contract. Amount doesn't really matter (it won't be a fortune). Just make up your own terms. Keep it simple.

[dkite]

I'd agree with Anna, I've been stung over three photo's, for an Indian company publishing childrens books. Golden rule is get the money up front.

[marchael]

Thanks everyone. Actually, it was a Canadian company, and I haven't heard back from them yet after emailing my terms and fee request. So, we'll see what happens, if anything.

[dougj]

I'd agree with Anna, I've been stung over three photo's, for an Indian company publishing childrens books. Golden rule is get the money up front.

Interesting. I’ve sold a number of images to publishers in Europe, Asia and the US on a trust basis. I’ve only been stung once, and this by an Indian publisher of children’s books.

[dazedgonebye]

Thanks everyone. Actually, it was a Canadian company, and I haven't heard back from them yet after emailing my terms and fee request. So, we'll see what happens, if anything.

I had a Canadian company contact me regarding a pic in one of their visual dictionaries. I can't remember the name (I'll have to find the email), but I haven't received the copy of the book as promised. Of course, it may not be finished.
Bad enough that I've been willing to give it away, I'd like to at least get the tear sheet.