mtc@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (07/15/86)
This note is in response to a request in Info-IBMPC recently, but may have general interest to others. An excellent book on the subject of independent marketing of software thru software publishers is 1986 PROGRAMMER'S MARKET, edited by Brad M McGehee, Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, OH. The book's comments about itself (on the cover) 700 microcomputer software publishers who use freelance material: what they need - how to sell to them - how much to pay. My comments: Plenty of case studies, including a few on games and entertainment software writers. Chapters on Contract Programming, Designing an Adventure game, Testing, Technical Assistance, etc. A great appendix titled "The Business of Freelancing", which includes: The submission process Programmer's guidelines Non-disclosure agreements The Query The Resume The Cover Letter The Proposal Simultaneous Submission Manuscript Mechanics How to Package The Money Rights Copyrights Contract Programming Freelance Tech Writing Recordkeeping In short, an exhaustive book of practical information on the subject. I bought mine at Wordsworth, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA for $16.95 - 10% discount (standard at that store). Mark Colan MIT Project Athena