Dear Editor…

Is it OK to use the same title for a new YA novel as an already published adult novel?

Thank you,
Laurie

Dear Editor…

I was wondering what legal problems (if any) are associated with using real people as characters in fiction? I’m not talking Elvis, or someone who would obviously have an estate with a problem, more like a fantasy novel about people who have disappeared through the ages (like Louis Le Prince, or Dorothy Arnold.) What’s the rule? Is it easier to just avoid it altogether and name them something else?

Thanks,
Megan

Dear Editor…

My middle grade novel’s protagonist is moved when she learns a new song, which is at the heart of the book. Can I use the titles of published well-known songs as chapter headings? Will a publisher think this is too much work to get permission rights? There’s 15 chapters.

Sincerely,

June

Dear Editor…

I submitted my query to a number of agents and an independent publisher and the publisher is interested in my work. I’ve received a contract and there isn’t any mention of an advance, and they’ve asked me how many books I would like to purchase to help with self-promotion. Is this normal?

Sincerely,

Cindy