Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
Registered: 05-2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 6984
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How important it is to insist on rights
As you all probably know, when we writers get a book published, we sell rights to market, not the book itself. Usually, that's the right to publish and sell our book, with royalties coming our way.
But what happens when sales stop? When the print run has been sold out, and there are no more books to sell? When bookstores no longer stock the book? That's why there is usually a clause that all rights revert back to the author when the publisher no longer actually, you know, "publishes" the book.
Getting rights back has become ever more important to writers, considering how ebook sales are rising (and yes, can ebooks ever go "out of print"?). And publishers have started to cling to such rights, with an eye on ebook sales, as well.
Read about the problems Doranna Durgin has in getting the rights to her book back - and you see how important it is to sign the right contracts and INSIST on it. I just hope she'll get her contract honored.
Writer Beware: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Last edited by Firlefanz, 10/16/2011, 8:42 am
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10/16/2011, 8:41 am
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QS2
Shepherd
Registered: 03-2006
Posts: 2138
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Re: How important it is to insist on rights
One can but hope that the transition does not cause all to much problems. Though considering problems like this, I'm none to sure that will be the case.
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10/16/2011, 11:43 am
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Reythia
Knight of Honor
Registered: 11-2005
Posts: 1883
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Re: How important it is to insist on rights
Very interesting. I feel bad for the poor author. But more than anything, I'm just confused about why the publishing company is acting as it is. It doesn't seem to me like they're gaining anything by being such jerks. I mean, they won't make any money by NOT having the book sold! So what's their motivation, I wonder?
--- -- YAR!
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10/17/2011, 2:34 pm
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Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
Registered: 05-2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 6984
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Re: How important it is to insist on rights
Reythia: Yes, that exactly is what has everyone wondering. The comments are quite enlightning, as well.
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10/17/2011, 2:43 pm
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