by Nick Courtright
When you’re on the cusp of publishing your book, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. However, before you sign that book contract, it’s crucial to take a step back and carefully review what you’re agreeing to. Not all contracts are created equal, and some may leave you with little control over your work or limited financial benefits.
At Atmosphere Press, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is for authors to understand the terms of their contracts, which is why we prioritize transparency and fairness in every agreement we make. Here are five key elements to look for in your book contract to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
1. 100% Rights
What Usually Happens
In exchange for the privilege of being published, authors often have to sign away the rights to their work. This means that if things go poorly, you might not be able to republish your book down the line, potentially leaving it lost to the ages. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you’d think. Furthermore, signing away your rights often means receiving no or minimal dividends if your book gets optioned or licensed for film, television, or other media.
What You Want Instead
You want to ensure that your contract guarantees you maintain the rights to your work, both in book form and in any future versions or media options. Retaining your rights protects your creative control and secures your financial future.
2. Favorable Royalties
What Usually Happens
Authors typically have to share their sales proceeds with multiple parties, including the printer, the retailer, the post office, and the taxman. On top of this, publishers usually claim the largest chunk of the remainder, leaving you with only a small portion of an already small pie.
What You Want Instead
You want to ensure your contract guarantees you a large share (or all!) of the royalties. This way, if your book becomes a bestseller, you’ll reap the benefits. Be cautious not to sign away all the upside for your book’s future potential earnings. A fair royalty rate can significantly impact your financial well-being as an author.
3. Final Say Over Content
What Usually Happens
Many authors unknowingly sign away control over the final product, giving approval for the final version to their publisher. This could mean the publisher forces changes to elements of the book that you don’t agree with, or publishes it with a cover design you don’t like. Losing this creative control can be disheartening, especially when it comes to something as personal as your book.
What You Want Instead
You want to make sure your contract guarantees you final approval over the content, so your work doesn’t hit the market with words or a cover that you don’t endorse. Retaining final say over your book ensures that the published version aligns with your original vision.
4. Service Clarity
What Usually Happens
It’s not uncommon for a publication contract to be vague about what the publisher will actually do for you. Will you get editorial meetings? How many? Do they offer multiple rounds of cover revision? What distributors do they work with? How long will it take them to respond to your emails? Many contracts are heavy on the publisher’s legal protections but light on what services they are providing the author.
What You Want Instead
You want a contract that clearly lists the services provided, along with accountability for the publisher to get things done. Knowing what the publisher is doing to build your book, rather than just vague promises, helps you set realistic expectations and ensures that the publisher is actively working to make your book successful.
5. Cost Certainty
What Usually Happens
It can be unclear what an author will actually be financially responsible for. Will you need to hire someone separately for proofreading? Are there hidden charges for editorial assistance? Additionally, you might not know how much it will cost you to purchase copies of your own book.
What You Want Instead
You want a contract with a clear pricing structure, including any notable omissions. You also want a clear understanding of how much it will cost you to buy copies of your own book if you want a box to show up on your doorstep. Having cost certainty helps you budget effectively and avoids unexpected expenses down the line.
6. Bonus: Good People!
What Usually Happens
An author contract is often a dense document filled with legal jargon that requires a law degree to understand. You might spend hours reading through dozens of pages, hoping you don’t miss the one clause that’s sure to bite you later. This is hardly the foundation for a positive and trusting relationship between you and your publisher.
What You Want Instead
You want an airtight contract that protects your rights, but you also want assurance that you’re working with real people, not just a faceless corporation. Knowing who you’re working with is important because publishing a book is an intimate and lasting relationship.
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Atmosphere Press: A Different Approach
At Atmosphere Press, we prioritize the rights and interests of our authors. Our contracts ensure that you maintain 100% of your rights, receive a favorable royalty share of 90%, and have final approval over all content, including cover design. We provide clear service outlines, so you know exactly what to expect, and offer transparent pricing with no hidden costs. You can even review our contract before submitting your manuscript! Most importantly, we believe in building positive, trusting relationships with our authors, supported by our cordiality clause and our commitment to honesty, transparency, and professionalism. We’re here to help make your book the best it can be, with you in the driver’s seat. Submit your manuscript now!
Also, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Nick Courtright will participate in the WLT program, Ask Us Anything: Hybrid Publishing. Join us to learn more about this alternative to traditional and self-publishing!