Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!think.com!yale!eagle.wesleyan.edu!rcook
From: rcook@eagle.wesleyan.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.programmer
Subject: Publishing Software
Message-ID: <1991May27.113111.43309@eagle.wesleyan.edu>
Date: 27 May 91 16:31:11 GMT
Organization: Wesleyan University
Lines: 33

Here's the story:

I have written a game for the Macintosh which a lot of people feel is good
enough to be published.  Not knowing much about the software industry beyond
programming, I am asking all you Mac programmers out there what you know about
getting your code published.

I assume that you get in contact with a publisher and give them a demo disk
along with some information, but how do you keep them from stealing your demo
disk and publishing that?  Do you cripple the software in some way?  Is there
some special legal phrase that will prevent them from cheating me?  How do you
approach a publisher with a potential new product? by mail, phone, or in
person?

Once they decide to publish your code, how do you get paid?  Do you sell your
program outright to them, or do you get royalties?  What kind of prices and
percentages should I expect?  Do you retain control over the changes that can
be made to the program? for how long?  Do you _want_ to keep control of the
program?  Which publishers are good and which are bad?  How many lawyers will I
need? :-)

Over the last few years I have asked several questions on this newsgroup, and
have always received helpful replies.  This is in some ways the most important
question I have asked, since I will no longer be dealing Toolbox traps and
unlocked handles but with real people.  Please tell me what you can.

Much thanks in advance,
                        Randall Cook.
-- 
------------------------
Randall Cook               "That's the trouble with being middle class.
rcook@eagle.wesleyan.edu    Anybody that really cares will abandon you
------------------------    for someone that needs it more."  --  Sam Etic