As a writer, securing a book royalty contract is one of the most important aspects of your career. A book royalty contract is an agreement between a publisher and an author that outlines the terms and conditions of the royalty payments for the book.
To ensure that you understand the terms of your contract, it is important to review a book royalty contract sample before signing any agreement. In this article, we’ll discuss the key aspects of a book royalty contract and provide a sample to help you in your negotiations.
Key Elements of a Book Royalty Contract
Before diving into the book royalty contract sample, let’s first discuss the key elements that should be included in your contract:
1. Royalty rate: This is the percentage of the book sales that the author will receive as compensation for their work.
2. Advance: This is an upfront payment provided by the publisher to the author before the book is published. It is generally deducted from future book sales.
3. Publication rights: The contract should specify the rights granted to the publisher, including the territory, language, and format of the publication.
4. Copyright: The author should retain the copyright to their work, and the publisher should obtain a license to publish the book.
5. Marketing and promotion: The contract should outline the marketing and promotion responsibilities of both the publisher and the author.
6. Editorial control: The author should have the final say on the content of their book, but the publisher may have editorial control over the book’s formatting and grammar.
7. Revisions and updates: The author should have the right to revise and update the book, but the publisher may have the right to reject any changes.
Book Royalty Contract Sample
To help you understand the key elements of a book royalty contract, we’ve provided a sample below:
[Book Title]
This Agreement made on [Date] by and between [Publisher Name], having its principal place of business at [Address], and [Author Name], having its principal place of business at [Address].
Terms and Conditions:
1. Royalty Rate: The author shall receive a royalty of [Insert Percentage] on the net amount received by the publisher on sales of the book.
2. Advance Payment: The publisher shall pay the author an advance payment of [Insert Amount] on the signing of this agreement.
3. Publication Rights: The publisher shall have the exclusive right to publish the book in the English language in [Insert Territory] in hardcover, trade paperback, mass-market paperback, audio, and electronic formats.
4. Copyright: The author shall retain the copyright to the book, and the publisher shall obtain a license to publish the book.
5. Marketing and Promotion: The publisher and author shall each be responsible for marketing and promoting the book in their respective territories.
6. Editorial Control: The author shall have the final say on the content of the book, but the publisher may have editorial control over the book’s formatting and grammar.
7. Revisions and Updates: The author shall have the right to revise and update the book, but the publisher may have the right to reject any changes.
8. Termination: This agreement may be terminated by either party upon [Insert Notice Period] days’ written notice.
9. Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of [Insert State].
10. Entire Agreement: This agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements between the parties.
Conclusion
A book royalty contract is a critical element in any author’s career. By reviewing a book royalty contract sample, you can ensure that you understand what you’re signing and that your rights as an author are protected. Remember to negotiate the terms of your contract to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your work.