The website for the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers (aka IAMTW or I AM a Tie-in Writer) is up-and-running. It’s a bare-bones site at the moment, designed by the talented Heidi Mack, but it will expand over the next few months to include articles about the business, links to member websites, and other stuff.
Driving home last night I heard “Footloose” on the radio, and it occurred to me that tie-in writers get no respect, just like soundtrack singers, i.e. Kenny Loggins. I guess it’s because the work didn’t germinate deep in your brain, but was commissioned. Doesn’t stop it from being good, of course.
Hello Lee,
I was checking out the website and preparing to link to it when I thought about something. Until I started following your blog and the links you provide, I really didn’t know there was a difference between fan fiction and media tie-in. I understand it now and don’t need many words to explain it to me, but this could be new to some people as it was for me.
Just a suggestion – provide a more detailed explanation about the difference between fan fiction and media tie-in. I have come across people who needed more guidance on why fan fiction doesn’t fit within the media tie-in guidelines. I suspect these same type of people will visit your site.
And I think this is great. It’s about time for people to recognize the value of media tie-in writers.