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An NDA Nightmare — Always Read Before Signing
Non-disclosure agreements aren’t something most fiction writers have to worry about. They are, however, fairly common when writing RPGs, tie-ins, and apparently comic books.
In most cases, they aren’t a problem. They’re a simple agreement not to talk about the project until it’s published without permission. Companies use NDAs to protect their property and/or control marketing hype (for example, a publisher may not want a project talked about extensively too far from publication because then by the time it’s out people have already heard too much).
But like any other contract, you had better read it carefully before signing.
A Dodged Bullet
The company wanted a scriptwriter. I was trying to break into comics (an ambition I still hold, but there are few openings). It seemed like a solid opportunity. They were an entertainment company and they wanted tie-ins. They were also looking for an artist.
We didn’t discuss pay, this was a project I was willing to do for a relatively small amount of money. After some back and forth they told me they had a bible for me, but I had to sign an NDA first.
Fine.
Until I got the NDA and read it.