Most publishing contracts are written by publishers' lawyers properly looking out for the publishers' interests. Publishing contracts can readily be negotiated that balance the rights and interests-and meet the needs-of author and publisher alike.
This book is designed to alert authors, and their agents and lawyers, to the many points that are either omitted entirely from some publishers' contracts or are written primarily from the publishers' perspective.
Authors should be aware that virtually every publisher regularly revises its standard contract in many areas when asked to do so by authors and their representatives. It is only the author who doesn't know it is perfectly acceptable to ask for changes to the standard contract.
Most of the points noted in this book can be obtained simply by asking; others may require harder negotiation.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Needs updating, but helpful starting point:
This book is straightforward and seems complete comparing it to the vast information currently available online. The only problem is that it was published in 1988 and it is difficult to have confidence that you have "covered all the bases" with respect to negotiating a current book contract. It is a fine starting point and will help give a grasp of the terminology and major issues involved. For lawyers I recommend supplementing this book with some online continuing education courses. For lay people... more info
The best book of its type:
This is THE book to have on book contracts.
As a contracts attorney myself, I used it to analyze the contract submitted to me by a mainstream publisher, only to discover that they were trying to "fleece" me.
This book is indispensable for any author interested in getting a fair deal. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is well written, easily accessible and virtually timeless in content. Mark is very attuned to the industry and his advice amply demonstrates this.
If you're a writer who publishes, BUY IT!:
From the author of 'People's Names':
I didn't know how much my library needed this. It may at first seem a relatively brief book, but you more than get your money's worth.
The prose is clear and simple, but the information is densely packed. No marshmallow padding to let your brain relax. Plan on reading no more than a chapter a night to absorb this, or you'll start getting foggy from information overload.
If you have not faced a contract, this will prepare you for most of what you are likely to be... more info
An essential reference for authors.:
This book should be on every author's bookshelf. Clearly and concisely written, it explains, in plain English, the essential deal points contained in the standard author-publisher agreement. Read this book before you sign on the dotted line. -- Lloyd J. Jassin, Attorney at La
Privacy policy: we don't collect information
about visitors except for the standard technical server logs. We don't send unsolicited emails. We don't
sell the information that we don't collect about you to anyone. When you follow
links to other sites, their privacy policies apply. Thanks for visiting!
