Understanding contracts can make you a better and more efficient writer, whether you’re just starting out, working with agents and publishers, or self-publishing in print and online. Even a basic understanding helps the writer interface with industry professionals, avoid the traps and pitfalls that menace the unwary, and facilitate a more beneficial publishing experience.
A publisher approached a writer at a conference recently, to discuss contract terms, and since the writer did not yet have an agent she “talked terms” with the publisher directly. The writer’s knowledge of basic contract terms enabled her to hammer out the deal points well enough to know that she was interested in
the deal. This also helped her get and agent because the agent was very impressed with her business sense, and mentioned that her knowledge of the industry makes her easy and exciting to work with.
On the other end of the spectrum, a knowledge of contracts can help you avoid becoming a cautionary tale.
Earlier this year another woman was offered a management deal by a company that wanted to help her publish and promote her music. She had no experience, and didn’t understand how a “manager” differed from an “agent” or why she would want one. She read the proposed contract and suspected a trap, but she didn’t
actually see any problem with the terms. She almost signed, but since she was a minor her parents wanted the contract reviewed “just in case.” Her father, in particular, didn’t understand why she would want a manager and not an agent, and he was concerned that the contract seemed to duplicate fees if an agent got
involved. He was right, and the “contract” was a scam. Had he not known a little about contracts, and the industry, he might have let her sign her life, her work, and all of their money away.
Understanding contracts makes you a much stronger partner for your agent, editor and publisher, and lack of understanding makes you a target.
This information is from practicing attorney Susan Spann, who will be teaching a Friday Morning Master Class at this year’s Colorado Gold Conference.
“Contracts and Copyrights: How to Read and Understand a Publishing Deal” will discuss real-world examples, war stories, and terms from actual publishing contracts to give attendees the skills they need to move forward with confidence.
Registration for this Friday Morning Master Classes closes August 15th. You may register online at http://rmfw.org/conference .
