Can it be anyone? Do I have to get a notary to do it? Or a lawyer? They said I have to send in two copies, signed, so that they can sign both, and then send me one of the originals. Do both of my copies need the witness sig, and notary stamp if needed? Please help, I've been sitting on this, and it is my dream, and I am procrastinating for no good reason.

All Answers To Questions

Unless they specifically said that the contract needs to be notarized, you can just sign both copies and get someone you know to witness your signature. That's it. Of course, you need to read the contract first -- you cannot change the agreement after you sign it. A literary agent can tell you if you are being taken advantage of. If you have to provide any money at all to the publisher, then it's easy: you *are* being taken advantage of.