Review a publishing contract offer before you sign

This guide is for writers who have been offered a contract by a traditional or independent publisher, whether directly or through an agent, and also for anyone asked to pay to be published. A book contract can govern your income, your rights and what you may write next for the whole length of copyright, which in the UK runs for 70 years after the author's death. You will learn what each main clause does, which terms are normal and which are red flags, and how to ask for changes without souring a new relationship. At the end you will have an annotated contract, a clear list of requests and the confidence to sign or walk away.

What is inside

• Full step-by-step method9 detailed steps with decision points
• Ready-to-use templatesReply to the offer asking for time and the full contract · Negotiation email with priority requests · Contract summary sheet for your records
• Timed action plan7 stages from “Day 1” to “After signing”
• Costly mistakes to avoid4 traps and what to do instead
• Complete checklist12 items to tick off
• Insider tips and fixes4 tips and 4 common problems solved

Step by step

1. Pause, thank them and ask for the full contract

   Reply warmly to the offer but do not agree anything on the phone or by email beyond saying you are delighted and would like to see the full terms. Ask for the complete draft contract plus any schedules, rights lists or style sheets it refers to. Ask how long you have to respond; a reasonable publisher will give you time to take advice. If the offer comes with pressure to sign within days or a request for payment, slow down further, as both are warning signs. Keep all correspondence in one folder.