What does an author need to know about publishing contracts?

As it turns out, a lot. Although the session was overwhelming, I did get a good understanding of what publishing contracts generally contain, what to watch out for, and what to ask for. As well as how important it is to have an agent that you trust to help you navigate through the details.

Here are just some of the many notes I took for presentation 6: Understanding Publishing Contracts with Jennifer Chen Tran, Glass Literary Management. 

1. Don’t have a friend or neighborhood attorney review the contracts unless they specialize in publishing contracts.
2. Don’t give performance rights away.
3. For audio books, you should have narrator approval.
4. Make sure there is an audit clause.
5. If the publisher wants you to do social media, make sure it’s clear what your requirements are.
6. When granting rights, do not assign all rights to the publisher.
7. As a general rule, don’t quote a song or poem. If you quote or reference someone, make sure you get permission in writing. Permission forms are not the same as a release.
8. Copyright law does protect literary works, such as novels, nonfiction, poems, articles, essays, etc.
9. Copyright law does not protect ideas, facts, titles, names, short phrases, slogans, works in the public domain, or government works.
10. Fan fiction falls under fair use.

Bonus takeaway: Remember, you are in control. Publishers shouldn’t be able to do anything they want with your work.

Individual sessions are available for WLT 2025 Agent Symposium. Check out what is coming up next.