I'd like to get published but would like to know what I should look for in a publishing contract. I'd like to get paid for my work...I've heard some people had issues with royalties or a book's rights sold to another publisher. Thanks.
What to look for in a publishing contract?
(4 posts) (4 voices)
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Hi Ralph
If you're talking about publishing a book, then before you get to that stage you should find a literary agent, and not just any one, find one that is a good match with you and your book. Often agents prefer to work with certain book genres, so do your homework there.
A good agent knows the various publishers, which ones are reputable and those that may not be and can steer you in the right direction. They'll know which publishers would be a good fit for your book. Also, he or she can help educate you on what is considered standard fare in a contract, and it's his/her job to negotiate the best contract for you. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't read it carefully and consider if it's right for you - you should - but having an agent in your corner will help ensure that you don't have surprises down the road.
Maybe other forum members who have actually published a book (or two) can chime in - I haven't so I can't advise you on a contract, but I can definitely encourage you to seek out an agent.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yeah, go for an agent. They have a large network and can find the best publisher for your work.
But keep in mind that finding an agent can be just as hard as finding a publisher. Best to do loads of research on which agents deals with what genre. If you find some that deal with your genre, find out how they want a manuscript presented to them. Some want them as a hard copy, others don't mind a few pages in an email.
If you have any writer friends that already have an agent, ask them to introduce you before you send the manuscript.
I have self-published two books, but am looking for a literary agent/publisher for my third book. Be prepared for a lot of hard work and rejection letters.
Good luck.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Make sure you get a lawyer to read the contract. Someone in my writing group had a "botched" publishing contract because her agent was in a hurry to get paid! What happened is her writing book came out in paperback before it came out in hardback. This is unusual. Well, the publisher sold the rights to Barnes and Noble and she doesn't receive any monies. Yep, that's right -- no money for the book. She was assured that she'd get paid once the paperback sold 20,000 copies. Since the rights were sold to Barnes and Noble and it was then published in hardback this trumps the original contract. People purchase the paperback because it's under $10! She receives emails from people telling her how much they like her book and how it's helped them with their writing. She has since written two other books and learned a costly lesson.
I caution you about getting an agent. Many writers assume you need an agent first this is not entirely true. I don't think Stephanie Meyer had an agent first before she sold Twilight and the New Moon for $750,000 which was the deal she negotiated. I use this as an example.
Research and investigate agents before you sign your name on the dotted line. Agents want to get paid. Make sure you find an agent that will work for you and is not entirely focused on the bottom line!
Posted 1 year ago #
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