SO YOU WANT TO PUBLISH YOUR MEMOIR - POST # 5

                  Dr. LEWIS YABLONSKY'S ENDORSEMENT

"Gibbs Williams book is an entertaining and revealing trip into the social-psychological dynamics of a therapeutic community from the inside out. The author describes in insightful detail through a variety of dram tic incidents, how the process works and times doesn't work in treating addiction. Of considerable interest is how the author's personal psychological issues become an important part of his therapeutic role in Odyssey House. The book is also significant in describing the manner in which people in power in a TC, especially the founder and Director Dr. Judi, can fall into a cult-like posture. I highly recommend this book for therapists attempting to treat addicts, and anyone involved in learning more about the addiction problem and its possible solution. Given the gravity of the American {and world wide} drug addiction problem - this includes everyone."

Between Tom Bratter's promise of a foreword, Lanie's positive feedback and Dr. Yablonsky's endorsement my spirits soared for a few days until........

NOW THE BAD NEWS

• In re reading the terms of my contract more carefully I began realizing that I had all but given away the totality of my rights. For example if the book should be picked up by a movie company the publisher would get half of the deal; the  plus the copy right is under their name.
• It also became clear that I was substantially doing the major percentage of the work including the writing, editing, and formatting for camera ready printing.
• Additionally, the Ross book made it clear that publicity and marketing by the publisher would be minimal at best. That if I expected to net any profit I would have to run my own campaign.
• And even if I was to go all out to publicize and market my book the return would be minimal, with respect to the terms of my particular contract.

As the reality of what I had gotten myself into began to gradually sink into my consciousness I became increasingly agitated, and anxious. It reached a crescendo one night - a week ago - when I found myself tossing, turning, and obsessing about the terms of the contract.

I knew in advance that the terms were not in my favor but I was also aware that this was the first publisher to offer to print my book. This duality of my complicated reality culminated in an overwhelming state of confusion and pain.

I decided to call Marilyn Ross {Self Publishing} for a consultation - something on retrospect I should have done before I had signed the contract. I spoke with her for 15 minutes reading some of the terms of my contract. She indicated in the strongest of terms that I had erred.

Another bad night ensued. Believing there was no way to get out of the contract I decided to have a longer consult with her and see what if anything I could do to maximize my benefits under the present contract.

In speaking with her the next day she asked if I would let her discuss the terms of the contract with me. As she carefully dissected the meanings of each clause of the contract, whatever denial I had left got ripped away. At the end of her analysis she correctly identified that I sounded terribly discouraged. I answered that it was only like going to the doctor and getting a diagnosis of cancer.

The result of the talk culminated in a third horrible night of excruciating  pressure and tension. However having been in this psychological space a few times in my life I have learned to trust my doubts. I consulted my personal unconscious for help. I awoke with my course of action clearly in view. I had to find a way to break the contract at all costs.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE

• No one in the company forced me to sign the contract. It was my choice.
• The company is good for some people such as academics who need to publish or perish and are not interested in doing much leg work to self promote.
• My decision to break the contract - if I could - motivated by my awareness that I wanted something different.

BREAKING the CONTRACT

STEPS:

• The Internet: Impressed by the vast amount of information on the Internet I googled in key words including breaking book contracts. I was surprised to discover that is not even one helpful resource.
• A Lawyer: I called my Lawyer and asked I could get out of the contract. He said send it to him and we would see what might be done.
• Go Directly to the Source: Figuring I didn't have that much to lose I called the appropriate person at the publishing company. I told her that I was uncomfortable with our match and I wanted more control of my work. Initially she actively tried to discourage me from withdrawing, warning me 'never look a gift horse....' Realizing that I would not waiver she agreed to terminate the contract and wished me good luck.

Conclusion:

• A line from Joyce's Ulysses comes to mind "The longest way around is the shortest way home."
• I learned my lesson from Odyssey House quite well. The two questions guiding my book are: (l) What causes sensitive and intelligent people like me to be attracted to cult-like institutions as Odyssey House was; and (2) Once realizing the craziness {inappropriateness of fit'} what makes people like me overstay? To have stayed with the publisher given my traumatic experience at Odyssey House would have been a total denial of what I had learned.
• Freedom to choose is glorious!

But without a signed contract doesn't this mean I am at square one again?

P.S. If anyone knows Jodi Foster, or Meryl Streep. Woody Allen, movie producers, movie directors, and, or screen writers, I would appreciate it if you would invite them to read this blog. The more I reflect - the more convinced I am that Odyssey would be a timely, entertaining, and highly informative motion picture.   Thank you in advance

TO BE CONTINUED