Posthumous Publishing, Part 7, Frozen Assets

The Pros and Cons of Posthumous Publishing

Part 7: Modern Cryogenic Technology, An Overview

Urban myths of a frozen Walt Disney aside, cryogenic technology has advanced considerably over the years. Facilities can vary, so arm yourself with the correct questions: How cold is cold? How reliable is the electrical generator? Do they have solar power back-ups in place? Is frostbite insurance available? What an absolute thrill for the posthumous author to re-awaken in the dystopian future that he or she has created! (Be sure to visit Bredo Morstoel at the Frozen Dead Guy Festival in Nederland Colorado, annually, early March, to receive a free kelvin to celsius to fahrenheit temperature conversion guide.)

Posthumous Publishing, Part 6, Advance

The Pros and Cons of Publishing Posthumously

Part 6: The Publisher’s Advance, Always a Good Idea?

The short answer is yes, though in our complex legalistic society, the answer is often no. Dying before completing any contracted work can sometimes lead to massive debt and unwanted liens. Except for the pennies on your eyes, the old adage, “you can’t take it with you” is applicable in most cases, though extra-large caskets are available for a premium. The drawbacks of course are grave-robbers and overly enthusiastic archeologists. Gold and gems preserve well; paper currency, including stocks and bonds should be protected in hermetically sealed containers.

Posthumous Publishing, Part 5, Royalties

The Pros and Cons of Publishing Posthumously

For the success you'll never experience in life...

Part 5: Planning for a Contested Last Will and Testament

Families are at best unpredictable, especially when it comes to money or sizable royalty checks. The first question to ask: is there anyone in your immediate family whom you trust completely? If the answer is yes, that person should have sole access to your passwords, username and PINs. If the answer is no, look further afield to distant relatives, long lost cousins, or wealthy aunts and uncles. They often fit the bill, especially if they have means of their own. In all cases, bear in mind copyrights last for a mere 95 years. Grandchildren and great grandchildren should be fully cognizant of all and any publication dates.

Posthumous Publishing, Part 4, Fiction

The Pros and Cons of Publishing Posthumously

Part 4: Fictional Death or Actual Death, the Consequences

Fictional death, and what I mean by that, is faking-your-own-death, tends to be more difficult than actual death— though not always. Accidents do happen. A general rule of thumb: your corpse must never be found, or if it is, it must be unrecognizable. The best approach is always a “disappearance” and it can be equally effective in boosting sales and publicity. Keep in mind, new identification documents are costly, and be sure to set up a numbered Swiss bank account before taking the plunge. Handy tip: The number one spot on earth for the “disappeared” is the Grand Cayman Islands, Sea View Road, near the East End Post Office and two blocks from the ATM machine.

Posthumous Publishing, Part 3, Television

The Pros and Cons of Publishing Posthumously

Success is virtually guaranteed!

Part 3: Low Cost, Pre-Taped Video Interviews

Television, radio and even video-blog appearances can be problematic for the dead writer. It’s not always easy to choose which programs you should be “seen” on. Do they reach the widest possible audience? Is that audience within your demographic parameters? Will your readers respond well to the host? For the living author, these questions rarely pose a problem. As a dead author you have to keep a long-term strategy in focus. Demographics might change in the next 100 years. The celebrity host du jour might be just a flash-in-the-pan tomorrow. In any event, it’s easy to pre-record your answers to predictable questions that any presenter will ask. There are several firms across the internet that offer such services, or if you’re good with a laptop, you can record your own interviews. A handy tip: Be sure to leave fifteen-second gaps of silence between your responses.

Posthumous Publishing, Part 2, Bookworms

In the weeks to come, I'll be posting this handy 28 Part Guide to Posthumous Publishing.
Success is virtually guaranteed!

Part 2: Bookworms and Other Kinds

Terrible to contemplate, but bookworms are not always welcome readers. They usually take an exceedingly narrow view of the written word as they bore through the pages of any book, fiction or nonfiction. They are not known for having even the most basic comprehension and retention skills, so don’t expect rave reviews. On the plus side, bookworms do tend to take on any genre available to them, so if you write erotic zombie stories, post-apocalyptic crime fiction, unhelpful self help guides, or highly-technical nonfiction, they can be considered a large and reliable audience. Other worms, especially earthworms, are generally not to be considered avid readers, though they may cause other unmentionable difficulties for the would-be posthumous author.

Posthumous Publishing, Part 1, Doctors and Lawyers

In the weeks to come, I'll be posting this handy 28 Part Guide to Posthumous Publishing.
Success is virtually guaranteed!


Part 1: Medical Death versus Legal Death, Know Your Rights

Lawyers and doctors rarely agree on anything and death is no exception. If you’re planning on publishing posthumously, pay special attention to the exact time of your death. Check to see that hospital and/or hospice records correspond to the death certificate, and make sure the latter has raised seal. Failure to do so might jeopardize future royalties, cause problems with the IRS and Social Security Administration; and moreover, leave hopeless legal morass that will have to be cleaned up by your surviving loved ones. There are copyright issues as well; chances are you completed your opus magna before you actually died, in a legal sense or a medical sense. If this is not the case you may need to seek professional help.