Last week we talked about what being previously published means. This week we’re looking at options for work that falls into that category and your options for moving forward.
Self Publishing
Self-publishing something that has already lived online is an option, though the problem remains—how do you convince readers to purchase something they can read for free? There are ways, but it will take a great marketing plan and some research into self-publishing. Since I don’t do self-publishing I am going to recommend going to someone who has and learning as much as you can about it before you jump into that option. There are advantages and disadvantages as with anything. Do your research first. Look to writers who have done this successfully, particularly bloggers who have used material from their blogs (or the actual blogs) and turned them into books.
Guidelines
There are sites and publications that allow previously published material, particularly if that previous outlet had a low readership or was only in print and not online. Check the guidelines.
If you are still uncertain, ask if they would consider your work. It’s the only way to find out whether a prospective agent or publication will consider your work even though it has appeared (fill in specific sites where the work has appeared). Some publications are more generous with their definition than others. Just be honest about the providence of a piece.
Reprints
Some publications will publish reprints, but before you seek out these outlets to sell your previously published works, be sure to carefully read the terms of your copyright deal. If you have a contract, it will clearly state who holds the copyright and for how long. You can only submit work that you have retained the copyright for. If you do hold it, you may have some options.
New Work from Old
The best option for previously published work, particularly for nonfiction works, is to create a new version of the piece. For example, say you’ve written an article about Ben Franklin and his inventions, but while you were researching the topic you found some interesting facts about his life or the Colonial Era. You could use the research you’ve collected to write another article. You could even write another piece about Ben Franklin that focuses on a different aspect of his life. This does not fall under “previously published” because it is a new and original piece.
Things to be careful about:
1. Be sure the two (or more) articles are substantially different and do not contain any shared lines. You do not want to plagiarize yourself, which is a thing.
2. Know the difference between “double-dipping” and offering two distinct works. The first is pitching a barely concealed rip-off of your previous work to a new source. The second is using your topic in a new way with a new perspective to create an entirely new piece that may be related to your previous piece, but that stands alone and separate.
3. The best way to approach the idea of new work from shared research is to plan ahead. When you’re researching the first idea, stay open to new ideas. The point is to consolidate your research time so you can do more with less. Or with reduced work. For example, if you stumble across a great idea while working on another, stop and think it through. You may be able to do the research for both without increasing your research time by much. The point is to work smarter, not harder.
4. Use your success from the first article to land the second. If your editor is pleased with the first article, immediately pitch the second and third. See if you can land a multi-article deal. This will help you solidify your relationship with the editor and strengthen your bottom line without losing time to pitching. It’s a win for everyone.
5. Be cognizant of the ethical dilemmas inherent in seeking new outlets for work. If you obtained the research or information or even the story idea from a previous client or publication, you should, in good conscience, offer them the story first. Be careful not to burn bridges in an attempt to sell more work. Of course, if you came up with the idea for the first article and the second is an new work that is substantially, if not completely, different from the first, there should be no ethical issues involved. Just be careful. Full disclosure and a quick conversation is the best way to eliminate any concerns or bad feelings.
6. If you were paid to do the research for a client, you should not pitch any work that came from that research to anyone else without the client’s knowledge and express written permission. Doing otherwise would be unethical.
7. Change format. This is a great way to use the same material. Turn the subject of an article into a short story. Use research for a large project as the basis for a novel. You can use information in many ways. Be creative.