Publisher contract

[wanttobewritermum]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice! Having had lots of rejections from agents I have been offered a 2-book contract with an independent publisher. I applied to them direct (they accept submissions without agents), so I don't have an agent. I am delighted, but am a bit nervous about the contract, as I feel I don't know what I'm doing! I'm not sure about the part that says they have sole rights for licencing for all translations, also for merchandise, sub-licenced paperback editions etc. Is that ok, or can I retain these rights? Sorry if this is muddled - complete novice and would be great if any authors can give me some advice!

[DownByTheLakes]

Join the Society of Authors; they can advise on contracts. The most important thing to remember is money should only flow in one direction - to you! Do not pay them anything, and if any publishers ask you to pay then walk away.

[piglet81]

https://www2.societyofauthors.org/about-us/

Join the Society of Authors - I believe they offer a contract checking service. What publisher is it?

[BusyMummyWrites01]

I second to SoA advice. They have a service where they help new/soon to be authors navigate the contract bit. Have several friends who’ve been published by small independents and been very happy with the relationship - but they used the SoA to understand the contracts.