The Attorney General is also seeking full restitution on behalf of all victimized consumers, civil penalties of $10,000 for each violation of the Florida Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and reimbursement for fees and costs related to the investigation.

But the civil lawsuit, even if concluded successfully, is only the first step, right? Can't the decision in this case be evidence in a criminal one?

@ David Dyer-Bennet - All he has to do is fleece some more suckers. It's jail time that would actually do something. Taking away money form someone who swindles away other people's money for a living just encourages him to be a more effective swindler.

den-
effin
freude

(*) Although I'm sure that somewhere in the multiverse there is probably someone more deserving, I just can't think of anyone at the moment.

And of course the law enforcement and redaction and revision and modification and repeal of laws protecting consumers, by the misadministration and the judiciary which it appointed/which colluded with it, facilated Fletcher's activities and fostered his continuing in those activities bilking more people....

Oops, I left out the virtual slavery in the Marianas that the misadministration facilitated and promoted and blocked investigation and termination of.... I wonder if Fletcher has been a political contributor and active in political support....

Birds of a feather flock together, etc.

Yes, and I applaud the time and effort pursuant to squelching Fletcher. I hope that the effort effects a permanent termination to his scams.... I wonder alas if there are people who are almost incapable of changing their ways... redemption is something that is almost never not available, but not everyone avails themself of it, alas.

Perhaps he will find some just and noble cause to put his energy and focus to, that doesn't involve scamming people, one can only hope. Nothing that's occurred to date seems to have dissuaded him.

(I have this sudden picture of a publisher of televangical preachers with Internet audiences and distributor of promo videos....)

(One of the amazing things about a lot of scammers is the amount of effort and determination they put into perpetrating their scams... if they put as much time and effort and focus into just and noble, or at least, innocuous legimate enterprises, they'd not be such targets for ire and attack, and might even be commercially legitimately successful....)

From my (admittedly very far from perfect) understanding, one of the things that drive con-artists is the buzz they get from when they con a mark. I suspect more legit business practices don't give the same buzz opportunity and taht is a shame, because if that was the case, maybe we'd have fewer con-artists.

I am a novice in the deep sea of publishing contracts.

My book is non-fiction and regional. I have secured an offer without an agent. The offer includes an initial print run of 10k with a modest advance and what appears to be a standard schedule of royalties. And here is where I'll betray just now little I know about contracts.

Territory is listed as "World." Should this bother me?

The book concept can travel to other regions, and I'd like to make sure I own the brand. Is it standard to negotiate branding?

The release is listed as roughly a year after delivery date. Is that standard?

Is there a roughly average advance and royalty schedule for books of this nature?

I understand that it might come off as overly rude for a first-time commenter to barge in and seek counsel. For that I apologize. Cheers and thanks for any insight you might be able to provide, and it's nice to find such a welcoming and passionate forum!

Welcome, friend.

First, let me say that I am neither an agent nor a lawyer, nor have I seen your contact, nor do I know which publisher you're with.

Have you considered getting an agent? A contract in hand is a powerful lure, and an agent knows where the land mines are buried in all sorts of contracts. You can get an agent for just one project, if you wish.

Remember, a useful agent has sold things you've heard of.

My book is non-fiction and regional. I have secured an offer without an agent. The offer includes an initial print run of 10k with a modest advance and what appears to be a standard schedule of royalties. And here is where I'll betray just now little I know about contracts.

Territory is listed as "World." Should this bother me?

Does the publisher in fact have the ability to sell world-wide? If not, try to negotiate to just the territories where they do business. You might find out if they have regular dealings with overseas publishers who routinely do foreign editions of their books.

The book concept can travel to other regions, and I'd like to make sure I own the brand. Is it standard to negotiate branding

Branding? Say what?

The release is listed as roughly a year after delivery date. Is that standard?

There's no such thing as "standard," but it isn't unusual. Does the contract specify what becomes of the work if they fail to bring it out in a year? I trust that the rights revert to you, and you keep the advance.

Is there a roughly average advance and royalty schedule for books of this nature?

Short answer: No. Longer answer: The royalties should be based on cover price, and are usually in the 8% to 15% range. The advance is usually what the publisher figures the total royalties will be over the life of the book.

I understand that it might come off as overly rude for a first-time commenter to barge in and seek counsel. For that I apologize. Cheers and thanks for any insight you might be able to provide, and it's nice to find such a welcoming and passionate forum!

Not a problem. I'm not certain that this is the best thread for it, though. Not that I'm sure what the right one would be.

Please feel free to look around and read and comment wherever you please. This bit of indexing might help you out: A Writer's Index to Making Light

You're very kind. I appreciate the help and welcome. I'll poke around the place and, ahem, lurk for a while.

Many thanks.

(I'm not saying it's a good example.)

But it's exactly the sort of thing that a competent agent can advise on.

Beyond that, I can't say.

But I can assure you I know several authors besides Jim who would give the same advice as he has. Good luck.

Disclaimer: I am neither a lawyer nor a writer nor an agent. I'm a software developer and sometime entrepreneur who reads a lot.

I'm sure you recall who I am from the Water Cooler, Mr. Macdonald.