I assumed my Nightmare acceptance was a rejection too, and didn't open it right away. I got the contract before I realized it was an acceptance.

with some of the oldest (the oldest??) SFF mags that are still in print owned by people who've decided they want to rights grab everybody and not listen to what a sensible contract should look like, we NEED places like Lightspeed & Nightmare to be open and funded!!

I'm increasingly convinced it's to run an IP lobster pot and hope to own a piece of something that gets drowned in Hollywood money. With side orders of dunning-krueger overconfidence and possibly investors getting antsy for a return by now.

This statement is utter nonsense, unmoored from anything real.

An illustration is not an adaptation of the story. Unless and until it comes to making a film, the story text and cover image are under separate copyrights. 7/7

Usually, we're free to exhibit the art, use it in a portfolio, sell prints of it, or sell the original. Sale of original or prints does not include any rights other than the right to hang it in your house or re-sell it. None of that affects the author's copyright. 4/7

I've been a professional illustrator for over 40 years, and I've never encountered anything like this. Book and magazine publishers regularly commission covers that depict elements of the story, and what the artist depicts doesn't affect the author's copyright AT ALL. 2/7

1. By your logic, every artist working in publishing is violating copyright with their portfolio (they're not). 3. You can strip moral rights w/o using those words. 4. I'd love to know who that attorney is because... 5. Writers & artists weren't born yesterday. Stop trying to exploit us, my god.

I own copyright on the vast majority of cover art I’ve created. And yes, I own the right to make prints of that art. But even when fans demand I make prints upon book release, I don’t do it @ that time. Why? Because I want the author and publisher to make $$$$$. But those art rights remain mine.

Yup. For a book cover commissioning contract where I license use of the art: "The Artist retains copyright and ownership of the original Artwork." "The Artist acknowledges that the Artist does not own or have right or title to the Book containing the Artwork." It's not rocket science!

This statement is straightforwardly a lie. Commissioning an illustration based on a story occasions no transfer of rights to that story or any of its contents and an illustration is not an adaptation of the work of illustrates. A magazine cover is not a graphic novel.

I love Asimov's Science Fiction and the magazine's editors. I've published many stories in the magazine. I subscribe to the magazine. Despite that, I'm done with the new MRM owners. This statement is BS. The new owners have squandered the goodwill of their magazines' readers, writers, and fans. 1/

The time to walk away from all MRM magazines, including ASIMOV’S, ANALOG, and F&SF is right now. No more submissions. No more chances. Look back once if you must, but keep on walking.

I'm very glad to see a pillar of the community like John saying this. I agree wholeheartedly. If you are a writer or artist, don't work with MRM until they start offering industry standard contracts. To you and everyone. Only solidarity is going to make them change.

writers: remember that we must be in solidarity with our artist comrades. this affects all creatives. do not be like those quislings who disdain genai writing but eagerly use genai imagery.

this is absolutely dire horses, and more evidence to me that Must Read is running Analog, Asimov's, and F&SF as IP lobster traps. I was glad to be at Analog's 90th anniversary a few years ago, but at this rate MRM will hollow it out to an Edgar suit before it hits 100

2) Do not mistake these words as a dunk upon editor Emily Hockaday or art director Franco Alvarado. Or Sheree Renee Thomas. Or most of the staffers who predate Must Read's corporate purchase of their magazines. This is about MRM, and their policy choices. Stay on target.

1) If you're considering submitting a story -- or are approached to create art for any publications that Must Read Magazines owns, including Asimov's -- walk away. Their current contracts are too predatory and do not suitably value you, your work or your rights. There will be other opportunities. 2/