The Story Behind the Book Preserving Authors' and Publishers' Archives

by Millar, Laura

• ISBN13: 9780973872743
• ISBN10: 0973872748
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-11-24
• Publisher: Canadian Centre Studies in Publishing

Summary

In this practical, informative, entertaining book, Laura Millar, a prominent Canadian archival consultant, inspires everyone involved in writing and publishing to value their paper and digital records and to preserve them for posterity. Millar explains what archives are, how they work, and why they matter. She presents clear explanations and step-by-step instructions on how to archive work, and she shares engaging examples of the lengths to which archives will go to acquire literary documents. Millar argues persuasively and charmingly that the ultimate value of archives lies not in the information they contain but in the sense of identity we create by preserving them, as well as in the knowledge and wisdom we gain from using them. The reader need only open this book and begin reading to agree with Millar that "there are no limits to the value of historical records."

Author Biography

Dr. Laura Millar connects the creative continuum of writers, publishers, and archivists. She offers practical advice for authors and publishers on how to ensure their place in the archival record, rather than allowing priceless literary history to meet its common fate: a haphazard collection of drafts, notes, emails, and contracts is hastily stored somewhere for the time being; and the preservation of vital archives is determined by chance, flood, the occasional fire, and the awareness of executors. With Millar's simple but disciplined approach to archives, she invites everyone involved in publishing to become part of the story.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements	p. 7
Foreword	p. 11
Introduction	p. 13
Putting a Price on Literary Archives	p. 15
Why Care about Archives?	p. 23
The Importance of Literary Archives	p. 35
What Is Worth Keeping?	p. 51
The Heart of Literary Archives	p. 65
Who Collects Literary Archives?	p. 87
Finding a Home for Your Records	p. 101
Negotiating an Archival Agreement	p. 111
Managing Your Current Records	p. 133
Managing Electronic Records	p. 159
Common Questions	p. 183
Where to Go for More Information	p. 197
Index	p. 213
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