Publishing new titles in the software industry requires contracts and arrangements in all details for the storage and distribution of all works in order to be marketed world-wide.
Many of the subjects that can be disclosed for mass-marketing strategies may include Product Catalogs, Service Manuals, Maintenance/Repair Books, Educational Subjects, and a ton of others that fall into categories other than Games.
Producing custom software is not easy, but it is effective and I do own my own engine and can create any title to interact with any website, phone, or even FAX machine!
In order to ensure work performed stays on schedule and is original to its new owner, I must insist on working with some sort of an agreement for the work being performed.
There are several contracts in my list that entitle you as the recipient of the new Copyrighted Material to be the owner of the works, and do with what you wish.
Other agreements may include me being the sole distributor or holder for the title(s) in your honor, or as an Independent Producer held out for hire; working under other management or developers on location with directors, producers or even writers.
Contributions to most works and projects should get equal time, and sometimes can be well worth the effort when it gets paid for. Some of the effort in getting assistance or a sponsor has to be thought of because, there is alot of time communicating on the phone or "cold calling" as they say in the biz and long-distance bills can add-up quickly. There is also the time it takes to communicate through Email and even Fax messages. Not all time can be as productive as planned, so I set aside the mornings and evenings for doing my in/out messages, and save the day for work.
Legal issues are always a part of the operation in producing a product, and all means to understand the uses and who is going to use it, along with what can happen if it fails. At no time should the project come into conflict with copyright or patent issues. The work should be usefull to a vast majority of the 'age-bracket' or market. Pay close attention to who will be using it, and what they should do to interact in a possitive environment and all the time be aware of the fact that, sometimes the best customer is the worst customer.
To see a list of legal agreements please refer to the link/website below for legal advice and sample contracts that I frequently use.
I have been using Mark Litwak's books for sometime now, and found his insight and experience is unequaled in the world today. He has published several books on the subjects related to this industry and most of his works can be found at major book sellers around the country. Please feel free to drop him any questions you may have about Multimedia, Publishing, Film & Television, and Acting Careers.
