This informative seminar about publishing contracts is designed for both emerging writers seeking a publishing agreement and those who already have contracts with established publishing houses.

It starts from the premise that publishing contracts are a little different to other contracts (such as your mortgage contract, for example), and that the more knowledge you have about them, the more likely you are to be satisfied with any future publishing agreements. Knowledge of standard clauses and why they are included in publishing contracts can give you a deeper understanding of the publishing process and what kinds of things the contract protects. This knowledge can also help authors identify which clauses can be negotiated and which clauses tend to be fixed, and why.

Katherine Day has worked as an in-house editor for some of Australia’s most respected publishing houses and she researches the nuances of publishing contracts – why getting one is important for authors and how they forge a relationship between writers and in-house publishing staff. You will also gain insight into the role of agents and what they add to the contract negotiation process.

This seminar explores:

• The purpose of the contract and how it establishes your relationship with your publisher
• The most common and important clauses in boilerplate contracts and what they mean
• Which clauses are most open to negotiation; which ones tend to be fixed, and why
• The red flags: things to look out for when considering signing a contract

There will be a Q+A at the end of the session and a chance for you to troubleshoot any specific concerns.

The content of this course is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Anyone entering into a contract should do so having sought the appropriate legal advice.

Expected Learning Outcomes

In this seminar, participants will:

1. An understanding of the most important standard clauses in boilerplate publishing contracts
2. Deeper knowledge of the things that you should ensure are included (and not included) in a contract.
3. Clarity around what is likely to be open to negotiation.