How to pay content providers?

[Julieann]

I will have a content rich site (home building). I know some people who are experts in this field--nationally known. They write for national trade publications, trade mags, online, etc.

I would like to include some of their articles (free content) on my site. Also, would like to have them turn some of their content into an ebook and sell that on my site. (I will sell mine and others too). Not sure how to structure the deal with them? Pretty sure that I don't want to pay for it upfront b/c that is just too expensive as they get paid quite a bit for an article and I want to put dozens on my site.

My first thoughts are:

-For every 1 ebook I offer on my site, they must provide 2 free articles.
-I will provide cover for ebook. They must provide edited info.
-They will be paid a % of every book (of theirs) that is sold. Not sure what the % should be??
-will 1099 them at end of year??

Anyone done it this way? Good or bad method? Any suggestions??

[admin]

You should read MaryEllen's article on Joint Ventures:

http://www.earlytorise.com/2008/11/07/9-strategies-for-successful-joint-ventures-2.html/comment-page-1

Some pretty good pointers in there.