‘Phasma’ Author Delilah S. Dawson on Writing for ‘Star Wars’ and Similar Franchises: “Some work does not come with royalties.”

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As a seasoned reader and avid fan of Star Wars, I must say that Delilah S. Dawson‘s insights into the world of writing for big franchises have certainly piqued my interest. Having worked on several tie-in books for the franchise as well as others, her experience is undeniably valuable in understanding the realities of contributing to beloved universes.

The Star Wars franchise, as we’re aware, is extensive and comprises numerous works related to the main series. Some of these related works are considered canonical, while others may no longer be or were never recognized as such. However, they all share a common thread: if you wish to create a new work within the Star Wars universe, you must follow certain guidelines for publication.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that when it comes to books within a franchise, there can be quite a range in the level of creative control the authors have. On some occasions, they’re given ample room to let their imagination run wild, crafting tales that expand and enrich the universe we love. But at other times, they’re more like scribes, tasked with penning a story while the broader narrative arc remains largely out of their hands.

Lately, author Delilah S. Dawson shared insights from her career writing for large publishing franchises. Contrary to popular belief that larger franchises offer superior working conditions, this isn’t always the case, as you’ll discover in her account.

Readers who follow the Star Wars universe may recognize Delilah S. Dawson as an author contributing to several tie-in novels, such as ‘Star Wars: Phasma’ and ‘Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire’, along with the short story “Star Wars: The Perfect Weapon”. It is noteworthy that, in addition to her work within the Star Wars universe, she has also contributed to other prominent franchises and possesses a wealth of experience collaborating on major projects.

When someone inquired if it was beneficial to work for large franchises, she responded by sharing the following on her BlueSky account:

As a fellow enthusiast, let me share some insights on working with Intellectual Property (IP), which refers to creating content within someone else’s established universe. If you’re curious about landing IP jobs, I penned down a helpful guide for that very purpose: whimsydark.com/blog/2020/8/…

The degree of creativity in writing for a specific intellectual property (IP) is determined by its owner. Strictly defined IPs with well-established lore usually offer less creative freedom, while older ones tend to provide more. While there’s a lot of room for story development, the characters and world-building must align with the established lore.

2. From my perspective, Star Wars, Firefly, D&D, and Disney are quite strict about their stories, as they ought to be. On the other hand, I had more leeway when working with Minecraft, The X-Files, Adventure Time, Rick & Morty, and the contemporary Spider-Man series featuring Miles and Gwen.

3. The remuneration is determined by the Intellectual Property you generate, along with the aggressiveness of your representative, as well as your own level of recognition. Composing IP is a specialized field that not every writer may find appealing or excel at. It requires producing approximately 120,000 words within a span of about 45 days. You must also be prepared for significant revisions and manage to return them within a week’s time.

4. The creation of IP (intellectual property) isn’t determined by who has the most affection for the franchise; rather, it’s about who appreciates and comprehends it deeply, can emulate its unique tone and style, and works efficiently under pressure. Furthermore, you need a thick skin because the feedback will likely be extensive, including a lengthy editorial letter and numerous comments from seven people, all offering suggestions for improvement.

5. One significant non-material advantage is the opportunity to impact a world that holds great significance for you. The moment I named a planet in Star Wars left me quite emotional. You can help shape the lore, interact with other enthusiasts, and possibly even inspire your family members, which is always special. It feels like a dream job!

6. It’s essential to note that not all intellectual property work includes royalties. This means if you sell a million copies, you won’t earn a penny more than your initial payment. As a freelancer, you’re only compensated for the work done, not its success. For instance, someone could create an exact replica of Phasma character, and I wouldn’t receive any extra money. Always read your contracts carefully!

7. Here’s the perk: You’ll encounter numerous new audiences, especially if you’re penning for a larger brand. This could potentially land your work on the New York Times Best Sellers list, an accolade that stays with you for life. Plus, there might be opportunities to traverse the globe – visiting comic conventions, literary festivals, or locations associated with the franchise. I’ve even been to the opening of Galaxy’s Edge at Disney!

As a gamer turned writer, I’ve found the grind isn’t all glitz and glory. Space is tight, editors push for perfection, and the financial rewards? Well, let’s just say they could use some polishing. It’s not that it’s unbearable, but it’s definitely not what you’d call comfortable. The upside? Exposure and a bit of coin, but if you’re not working on a major franchise, the paycheck doesn’t come close to what other authors pocket for their work.

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2024-12-09 18:44