Publishing Agreement Received

The contract from The Johns Hopkins University Press arrived in yesterday’s mail. Anne left it on the kitchen counter, where we leave incoming mail. I didn’t open it for about two hours, as I enjoyed the feeling of just knowing that it was in the house.

Finally, curiosity got the better of me, and I carefully opened the large envelope. The Publishing Agreement is very similar to the one received for Union Faces. Part six of the four-page document is of immediate interest to me: The delivery of the manuscript. Due by August 15 is the final version, submitted in both print and electronic formats.

The due date is not a surprise. The assistant preparing the contract emailed me a couple days ago, and asked me when I planned to send the manuscript.

This agreement marks a definite turning point: Up until now, I’ve worked on my own, and on my schedule. After August 15, the manuscript will be on a production, marketing, advertising and sales track.

Lots of work ahead — and I’m looking forward to digging in!