BROKEN PUBLISHING CONTRACTS

[BARBARA GROVNER]

What do you think about a publisher who wants to keep the rights to your work...but doesn't want to work with you? Why not just sever the contract and revert rights back to the author and both parties go their separate ways?

Do any of you have any insight on this subject?

[Susie Sunshine]

First, Check your contract and see if it gives you an out.

Second, I would initiate getting my rights back. I would send the publisher a letter requesting this. Depending on what the publisher says determines your next move.

I think I would like to get out of the contract and go with another publisher.

[BARBARA GROVNER]

Thank you so much for your input. I am going to see a lawyer about writing up a request to sever the contract with him and having my rights reverted back to me. This guy is obviously a joke and I had learn the hard way.

Thanks again and please take care,
Barbara

[Zada Connaway]

I have no insight, but wish I did. It is my understanding that is is a lengthy and difficult process. I hope you get some answers!

[BARBARA GROVNER]

Thank you. It is exhausting just thinking about it. I should have some answers tomorrow after I speak to a lawyer. I may just have to re-write both books and change the covers and see if I can get them re-published. Boy, am I tired of this. lol But I still love to write and will never stop.

Thanks again and have a pleasant week,
Barbara

[domenic Pappalardo]

It depends on the contract you have with the Publisher. There are some, like Publish America who keep the rights for seven years, and say they will publish the book...which they do...they never say they will sell the book. Seems they want the author to buy the books. It is always best to use an agent to protect your work. The golden rule here is never pay an agent. They make their percent when they sell the book. Real agents never charge a fee.
I started a web site to protect writers* this year. It is an attorney site for such matters.

* I won't name my site here on the forum, because it's not what the forum is for. Talk to an attorney before you hire one.
More time than not, a writer just has to go on and write a new book.

[BARBARA GROVNER]

Thank you so much for the info. I am writing a new book and hope to submit to an agent by summer's end.