How to Solicit
 

I know there are several people on the board that have solicited materials for books that they intend to publish. I am wondering a little about that process such as: How do you go about soliciting materials? How do you make sure that all legal matters like compensation for solicited essays are covered? And whatever other things I have not thought of. I am just interested in knowing how it all works. So any advice from folks who have experienced this sort of thing, either through PM or on the board, would be appreciated.