Tuesday Tip: More Contract Stuff

Lots of interesting articles lately.

Eric at Pimp My Novel talks about the vanishing advance and why it seems to be going the way of the dodo. As far as I'm concerned, publishing might want to rethink that; advances are one of the few remaining advantages to traditional publishing over self-publishing.

The wonderful folks at e-reads provide two emails from Harlequin, who is apparently changing e-book royalties retroactively My new favorite blog, The Passive Voice, gives us a breakdown on the Harlequin contracts.

Keep in mind that 25% of net royalties is average these days even for Big Six publishers, and that 25% of net is probably 15% or less of retail. 15% of net is peanuts.

Novelists, Inc has an in-depth review of some Harlequin contracts. These are a great example of why you really need to understand just what you are signing. Yes, it's technical; so are contracts. Read this one.

And lastly, PG over at The Passive Voice is looking for author feedback on what you would want to see in a book about publishing contracts. This is a book I very much want to read! Please stop by the post and leave a comment for PG with your contract questions or concerns.

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Tuesday Tip: Contracts

I've not talked a lot about contracts before now because I'm not a contract lawyer and I'm not qualified to give legal advice. Fortunately, Passive Guy is a retired contract lawyer and, while he no longer gives individual advice, he does keep the rest of us informed over at his blog, The Passive Voice.

I'd like to direct your attention to a post PG made yesterday regarding a trend in publishing contracts: the non-compete clause. This tiny clause can mean a world of pain for you, oh intrepid author, so be forewarned.

I've fortunately not run into this yet, as short story contracts don't get quite that ambitious. But whenever you find contract language you don't understand, you should consult an expert. Don't be afraid to propose changes to contracts; just be aware that the party who is most willing to walk away is the one with the better bargaining position. I recommend reading Richard Curtis's How to Be Your Own Literary Agent, and thinking about what contract issues are non-negotiable, and what issues you're willing to compromise on. Thinking about this ahead of time will make it less likely that you'll just sign on the line in blissful glee when that first contract crosses your desk.

Remember, an advance is fleeting, but a deep-seated contract screwing can be forever.

Image: Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net