Welcome back to another Author’s Corner. I’ve just returned from CopperCon in Phoenix, Arizona and I’m ready to spend some time at home for a while. I had a chance to sit with Peter Morwood (The Dark Kingdom) and learn a little about his roots in Northern Ireland. As usual, Catherine Book did a really nice job with the programming.

If you are from the area (Phoenix), you should really consider attending CopperCon next year. The committee is moving it off of Labor Day weekend to the following weekend at the Embassy Suites (I-17 and Greenway). I’m looking forward to returning. I had a lot of fun with those who attended.

Next on my list of conventions is PhilCon (Nov. 10-12) in Center City, Philadelphia. I understand this year’s convention is going to have a number of surprises to celebrate Star Trek’s 40th anniversary. I’ll have to watch their website for details.

And now for the business end of things. Since my last Author’s Corner, things have picked up a bit. The Robins Agency is representing the newer, bigger Fractured Time novel which is less PG and more R rated as well as Twisted Fate and Dark Horizon. Ah, the things we do for publishers. The screenplays and TV series are still in the hands of The Sci-Fi Channel. No word yet.

The Christmas comedy The Christmas Solution is still in the hands of a major motion picture company. I have good feelings about this one.

The new novel for the Space Frontiers series, The Eye of Icarus, is still in the hands of the agent. I might have to give her a push pretty soon. Ironically, the first of two screenplays from the novel has been picked up by a major agency because of interest from two sources. I’m really excited about getting this series started in novels but the movie would be awesome.

I recently finished something new and different. A screenplay called The Queen of Spades, which is an action-packed murder/suspense thriller. I’ve just posted it this week on the Inktip website. Producers and agencies subscribe to this website and it gets a lot of attention. So, I’m praying that something happens soon. There’s a lot of things backing up here.

For this month’s writers’ tip, I’m passing on some interesting information I’ve learned recently about agencies. Some agencies charge a 15% commission when the deal is done. They also deduct costs like phone calls, copies, etc. in addition to the 15%. Others charge 10% and bill you up front for the charges. These usually have a full staff working under them and have an efficient and successful track record. You should never be charged again after that payment. When you speak with an agency, be aware of what you might need to pay up front and why. They should never charge you a reading fee ever. Read everything carefully and make sure it’s for you.

Join me again next month for another edition of Author’s Corner.

- Michael D'Ambrosio

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