JohnnyPecs
New Member
I'm a military member stationed and living in Virginia. I was heavily involved in the 9-11 (and subsequent) rescue and recovery operations at the Pentagon. I was contacted by a colleague (we share a professional association affiliation) who represented himself as a "free lance" writer, as well as detailing potential contacts in the magazine world leading me to believe he was accomplished. After some discussions, I asked if he would be interested in writing a book based upon that day's events. Because of our professional affiliation (level of trust), I entered into a verbal contract with him over the phone (he lives in Tennessee) to develop my story into a book and agreed to provide source material and pictures. He then took that agreement and entered into a formal contract with a small specialty publishing company that was exclusive to him (I am not mentioned, nor did I sign any part of the contract). I provided an initial amount of material and was working towards additional sources when I found his writing resume to actually be non-existent and to the point where I think it was mis-represented (I did ask questions, but not enough of the right questions!). I also believe his lack of credentials will hurt both the story and my 26-year reputation (this is my opinion based upon samples of his "forward" for the book that he e-mailed me). I e-mailed him expressing my deep concerns and intent to stop all participation, and I asked that he not use any of my material as I had withdrawn my consent for its use. He has responded he "has a mind" to pursue the verbal contract; I think he will attempt legal action, and I think he has some liability to the publisher I may not be aware of. I have not returned his calls or his e-mails as I don't want to make this any worse than it certainly appears. I value your counsel as to whether we did have a verbal contract, if I may have some liability with the publisher, and any other advice you feel relevant. Thanks!