Barrett,

Thanks for this info. I remember seeing your book listed on the S&R website, and being intrigued by it.
Have you considered seeking legal counsel? This doesn't have to be expensive, and it may clarify your options, especially if you want to regain your rights. On the Overview page of Writer Beware (http://www.sfwa.org/beware/overview.html ), there's a section on Legal Recourse that provides links to the American Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (a volunteer organization that specializes in providing legal assistance for people in the arts).  Either service will arrange an initial low-cost or pro-bono consultation for you to discuss your situation, after which you can decide on what further action to take.

- Victoria

Barrett Brown wrote:

Hi, Victoria-

Thanks, I'll check out that legal recourse section.

I hooked up with Nederpelt in 2005 or thereabouts when he posted a craigslist ad looking for a humorist to do a book on creationism and intelligent design; there was no advance, and the royalties were substandard, but it was a good opportunity for me and has worked out well. Still, the guy is obviously a sleazeball and a crook; he had me meet him to sign a contract to do another book, but then apparently decided against it and ignored my e-mails for several months. Lately, he's been ignoring me again when I ask about overdue royalties on the first book (Flock of Dodos). There are about a dozen other little things that set him apart from his more professional counterparts, but those are my big complaints. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks,

Barrett Brown
Brooklyn, NY
512-560-2302