Negotiating a Book Contract: A Guide for Authors, Agents, and Lawyers

by Mark L. Levine

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0918825695
• ISBN13: 9780918825698
• Release Date: January 1988
• Publisher: Moyer Bell
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

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 with a book deal pending, it is worth reading but should not be your only resource.

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 offered, and what you might ask for or change. If you have signed contracts, you may want to kick yourself for not reading this sooner. (I did. One or two light kicks, not bad.) The next contract I go over, with a new agent or not, is going to give me a lot more than the last one. It will also help me double-check my new agent. O wishful beginners, agents are not only not omniscient, they are often looking out more for their interests than for yours. This means that some will try to keep the publishers real happy with them and not push anything you don't demand. If you don't know what to push for or adjust, the agent won't necessarily rock the boat by making suggestions. Some day I'll get one of those agents who is a writer's best friend, but until then this book helps me be my own best friend in the business.

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