Sams Technical Publishing is using an author contract very unfavorable to writers. The COO has no code of ethics and doesn't care what he does or to whom he does it. It's all about the benjamins. His dealings with staff and freelance help have been less than fair and honest.

Beware.

Frankly, without more details, I don't find this kind of posting very useful. It would be helpful to know WHY you think the contract is unfavorable, and exactly what has been done to make you think they are not fair and honest.

Sorry that wasn't helpful.

Well, first, the publisher sets unrealistic, tight deadlines with penalties for missed deadlines (which are often set at the last minute, w/o agreement btw parties). Second, the royalties he pays are lower than average market rate. Third, he expects authors (and illustrators) to jump through a lot of unnecessary hoops at his whim. Fourth, he keeps all copyright to everything: text, illustrations, etc., with little compensation for work-for-hire. And last, he is known for breaking contracts in order to ensure a bigger windfall for his company.

I won't even mention the lack of professionalism and ethics, or the demeaning way he talks about and treats people who don't go along with every word he says. No need to get into his sarcastic and dismissive attitude when clients, book sellers, advertisers or talent doesn't immediately agree to anything he says. And of course, why bother mentioning his inexperience, lousy track record or poor judgment?

After seeing several people get screwed and seeing the queue of authors lined up awaiting their turn, I just wanted to issue a warning: this company does not use fair business practices, and even a contract is meaningless.

Good luck to all!