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Joined: Jul 2005
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,773 |
I'm not sure I'm in the right forum though this does have to do with an agency looking for writers. According to an AP story entitled Online writing platforms attract new writers circa March 30, several new sites, like Heliu8um, ThisIsByUs, and Associated Content "...dangle micro amounts of pay to amateur writers..."
As it sounds too good to be true, and if any of our participants might wish to look into the subject and if you have the same reaction s I did, here's a query I transmitted to Helium
If I get a reply I will append it
Sirs:
I have written a book of 77,000 words entitled “The World .... in Short Words,” purporting to explain the Universe to the young man and written entirely (except for footnotes) in words of one syllable
Forgive me but I can’t cope with a huge site like Helium and while I suppose they might be found somewhere therein, it might take me three weeks just to uncover the critical answers so I hope you can quickly rejoin to just a few questions. Forgive me also if I have used the wrong “Contact Us” and if so I hope you will forward this message
1) Is your service entirely gratis and if not is there a fee of some sort to the writer, how much is it, and is it applied just once
2) If you should accept my MS how am I repaid; that is, do I get one-time remuneration or can I expect royalties and typically if my work should prove popular how are they calculated
3) By submitting the ms to Helium do I lose the rights to it permanently or if it proves unsuccessful, for how long
4) Do you need to know anything else about me and if there is a link to a form I must complete, what page is it found on and what is its title
5) I note you accept the ms in Windows/Word. Would I transmit it as an attachment to email and if so please provide an appropriate address
–Thank you–Dale Hileman, Apple Valley, CA
dalehileman
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Joined: Feb 2008
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old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,067 |
...it sounds too good to be true ...and therefore probably is...
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 120
member
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Have you looked into Lulu.com? It doesn't cost anything to upload, basic fee for your own copy, some cost if you want it advertised. Huge variety of printing options, as well.
tempus edax rerum
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,773 |
dalehileman
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 389
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2003
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Lulu is exactly what I was looking for, but didn't have a clue where to look since our local printer retired.
Thanks you so much Maven.
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Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,400 |
there are other services besides Lulu.. try kinko's too.
you can upload (manuscript) and then have it printed (in several different styles/prices) at ANY KINKO's in the world..
and now that kinko's =fedex, you can also (for a fee) the same mailed off (if someone lives far away from a kinko's
stuff can be published on demand, (no inventory to deal with)
printed on demand (want a 1--spiral bound copy? or a 2--perfect bound copy or some other 3--binding? 1 cost X, 2 cost Y, 3 cost Z)
(and customer pays kinko' and sends you a 'credit'!)
(or customer pays you, via pay pal, and you pay kinko's.)
there is often less than 24 hour 'turn around'--great customer service..
there are a number of knitting books published this way. (especially stuff for re-enacters.. patterns for (and from) 1860's (US civil war) and re-engineered patterns for felted hats, and other stuff(from 1500's or other times)(theres alot of stuff around from 1500's and its not that hard to re-engineer a pattern)
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Joined: Apr 2007
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member
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I've use Lulu and Kinko's and Lulu is cheaper unless you need assistance in prepping a print ready electronic version. HTH
tempus edax rerum
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,773
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,773 |
Thanks to all you guys and here as promised is the most kind and helpful reply from Rachel at Helium
1) Is your service entirely gratis and if not is there a fee of some sort to the writer, how much is it, and is it applied just once
There is no fee for use of Helium. In fact, Helium pay you based on reads of your articles.
2) If you should accept my MS how am I repaid; that is, do I get one-time remuneration or can I expect royalties and typically if my work should prove popular how are they calculated
Helium is for writing articles rather than manuscripts. Articles are around 1500 words and are on any subject that you wish to write about. Use the search box at the top of the site to locate areas of interest. You get paid on an ongoing basis for ever, although will not reap the benefits until you have a fair amount of articles. It is worth the investment.
3) By submitting the ms to Helium do I lose the rights to it permanently or if it proves unsuccessful, for how long
You do not lose your rights when you submit an article to Helium, UNLESS you submit to one of the marketplaces that asks for exclusive rights.
4) Do you need to know anything else about me and if there is a link to a form I must complete, what page is it found on and what is its title
No, although if you write back and tell me more about yourself, I can guide you through the maze !
5) I note you accept the ms in Windows/Word. Would I transmit it as an attachment to email and if so please provide an appropriate address
Your articles are posted directly to the site by you. Press the subject, press the pencil marker and this takes you to a field where you can post your work. Spell check, exit spellcheck, and make sure you have paragraphs intact. Never use indentations as these do not work on the site.
If I can help you further, just let me know.
Rachel
Helium Mentors.
dalehileman
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