If you can land that one with minimal cash losses, I reckon the Sharpe license would increase your selling power by a goodly proportion. It's a name and an emotion that people will recognise far more readily than if you just said 'Napoleonic Wars'. The latter feels like a history class, but the former feels like a romantic tale of duty, honour and... oh, all that other crap. Not my cup of tea, but it will appeal far more directly to those in the audience who aren't historians. Naturally I'm talking about first impressions here, anyone who played the game would no doubt find there's much more to it than drab histories, but first impressions are so important!

I expect there'll be some strings attached, mark you. If you're exceptionally lucky you might get away with a royalty deal, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's not royalties and a sizeable license fee. Still, the very fact that you have a reply is a good sign, as I wouldn't expect anyone of good standing to enter into discussions over such a deal without first researching the target market of the proposed product, and nor would I expect them to do so without knowing and accepting the limitations of that market.

That said, cheap licenses do come along once in a while. I picked up the rights (well, kinda) to one about six months ago myself and the owner is quite happy with nothing more than a profit split, so these things can happen! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

It'd certainly be interesting to hear what deal is proposed, if circumstances leave you at liberty to discuss it openly of course!

Good luck and it's worth seeing what you can do in terms of getting a licence.

You might want to talk to other people in the hobby about how their licensing deals have worked, and for the sake of contractual privacy that will probably be off-forum.

Basically, you would be surprised at how reasonable many licensors will be in accommodating a low, or zero, initial fee if the percentage profits are to their liking. It's also sometimes the case where a property "fits" something, and a more personable company, so well that they can be chosen over bigger, and perhaps less-sensitive, rival.

Might be time to gather some intel on licensing.

One of the Adamant/Ronin Arts ePublishing 101 series covers it:
http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=92&products_id=20198&it=1

Tim Gray
Silver Branch Games
www.silverbranch.co.uk

Well done that man, take a field commission!

That's very positive news. Angus Abranson might be the guy to speak to regarding license approaches and negotiations, as he has broad experience in this area. But maybe not for w week or so, to let him get over Dragonmeet!

One thing that got me thinking: I wonder if they realise what an RPG is and the scale you're planning to publish D&D at? Then again, they may not be bothered and be happy to have you produce the game for a small honourarium. It's a matter of wait and see, I suppose.

Cheers
Malc

Contested Ground Studios

The link didn't work for me Tim. I wonder if it's this one the collected guides?

Oh, and David Chapman is doing a seminar at Dragonmeet about an upcoming licence with some property or other. I don't know who, though.

Good luck Neil, I will be interested to hear how that turns out for you.

Cheers

Iain

Mob Justice now available!

'The Giant Brain':Small games, big ideas.

It wasn't, though if you don't have any that new collection could be a good buy. But if you jump to Adamant's publisher page from there you can find the licensing issue in the alphabetical list.

Tim Gray
Silver Branch Games
www.silverbranch.co.uk

Neil, are you going to Dragonmeet?

If so:

Luke Crane is there, so you can ask him about Burning Empires.

Fred Hicks is there, so you can ask him about Dresden Files.

Also, am I remembering correctly when I say that Bernard Cornwell donated some signed 1st editions of his books the the charity auction at Gaelcon this year? Which suggests he's at least slightly aware of what the RPG hobby is like.

I wasn't PLANNING on coming down but as it stands this might well change the plan. Oh buggery

Neil

Take the King's shilling at http://www.omnihedron.co.uk/dutyandhonour/

Hi Neil,

From my own experience Luke is an amazingly good source of advice, he helped me a lot with Mob Justice, and is very approachable.

If you aren't coming down I can point him in your direction if he is willing to give advice on licenses.

Cheers

Iain

Mob Justice now available!

'The Giant Brain':Small games, big ideas.

I'ld just like to add my voice to the support

All the best with it.

Regards

;O)Newt
D101games -An Imaginary Company

Here's forty shilling on the drum,
For those who volunteer to come,
Enlist and fight the foe today,
Over the hills and far away....

O'er the hills and o'er the main,
To Flanders, Portugal and Spain,
King George commands and we obey,
Over the hills and far away...

*sigh* Best version of that song ever.

Ash