Hmm… if you were you asked by them to write it before you put pen to paper then the copyright probably resides with them. i.e. it could be stated that it was commissioned (and definitely if they paid you)
If on the other hand it was written speculatively beforehand and sent to them (or others) and they picked it up (rather like a press release) then I wouldn’t think that they have any exclusive claim on the text copy or your photos… but this would not seem to be the case given your explanation of events above.
“Articles are accepted on the strict understanding that they are not currently on offer to any other publication. Unless otherwise indicated the RSGB has purchased all rights to published articles.”
Oh heck, I just got off the phone with Steven Spielberg. Now I’ve seen this I’ll have to call him back and tell him the deals off. Pity, it looked like it was going to be a three picture deal…
OK - so I won’t be posting it here, unless the RSGB lets me. I’ll ask them - nicely.
