I personally found this piece from the New York Times chilling. It’s about publishers claiming the right to back out of your contract if, for any reason, you attract negative publicity. Here’s a particularly salient paragraph:
This past year, regular contributors to Condé Nast magazines started spotting a new paragraph in their yearly contracts. It’s a doozy. If, in the company’s “sole judgment,” the clause states, the writer “becomes the subject of public disrepute, contempt, complaints or scandals,” Condé Nast can terminate the agreement. In other words, a writer need not have done anything wrong; she need only become scandalous. In the age of the Twitter mob, that could mean simply writing or saying something that offends some group of strident tweeters.
A source interviewed for the article claims that “the groups subjected to the most public vitriol for their published work” and “most viciously trolled” are “[w]omen and members of minorities.” That stands to reason.
So maybe those of you with publishing contracts should take a second look?
Just Can't Help Writing 
The way the (big 5) traditional publishing houses are shooting themselves in the feet, left, right and center, there’s no way in hell would I ever consider using their services.
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The ease of self-publishing has certainly opened up many options. Now to just get better at marketing!
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It’s always something isn’t it?
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So true! This likelihood hadn’t occurred to me, though, but I guess it should have!
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Reblogged this on Two Gals and a Book and commented:
Something to think about (for writers, and those with similar aspirations):
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Thanks for sharing!
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You are welcome! : ) Happy New Year!
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Same to you! I tried to go to your post but the link didn’t work for me. I’ll check later.
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It seems sometimes the “reblogging” thing has glitches?
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Usually not within WordPress. Sometimes, though, people don’t have a reblog button. Then, and outside of WordPress, I end up doing pingbacks. I don’t like that as much, because all I can include is the link. If you know of a way to reblog outside of WordPress, tell me!! I am always ready to learn new tricks. (And now I’m getting a “site deleted” message at your WordPress address.)
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Thanks for bringing that to our attention. I’ve actually just signed a new contract with my publisher, and it doesn’t say that, thank goodness.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
In case you need to know 😎
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Thanks! I had no idea this was happening. It feels as if writers ought to think hard about this and, when necessary, push back.
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Agreed, Virginia
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