HIGHLIGHTS OF A SAMPLE PUBLISHING CONTRACT

Agreement - This top section gives the date of the contract, the name and address of the Publisher, the name of the Author, and the name of the Book.

1--Grant of Rights - This gives the Publisher the right to publish and distribute the book as a trade paperback and electronic book for an agreed amount number of years.

2--Subsidiary Rights - This negotiable section spells out what else the Publisher might do with the author's work, including promoting it to be made into a movie.

3--Reservation of Rights - This means the Author secures their own Copyright and will always own their story.

4--Length of Contract - This sets the number of years the Author is under the contract with the Publisher, and the details for renewal options and length.

5--Termination of Contract - This gives the Publisher the right to end the contract (a rare circumstance.)

6--Author Warranties - The Author must own this work, not have published it before, must not be under anyone else's contract with this book/story, and must not libel anyone with the writing!

7--Duty to Publish - This means the Publisher will actually publish the book, within the agreed time period in the contract.

8--Royalties - This says how much money the Author receives when their books sell. L&L Dreamspell pays 15% of the "net" sales on printed copies and 40% of the electronic "net" sales. Royalties are paid quarterly, including a sales report.

9--Advances - What the Publisher gives the Author when the book is published. L&L Dreamspell now gives an advance from $100 to $250 for books, and $25 to $50 for short stories (depending on book length, author experience, and in the case of anthologies, how many stories are in each book.) You'll also receive a certificate and framed photo of the book cover, five copies of the trade paperback book (two copies for anthology authors) and also a gift package.

10--Right of Inspection - This lets the Author ask to see if the bookkeeping is being done correctly!

11--Artistic Control - The Author and Publisher consult during the book title decision and cover design process. The Author will revise their writing on request, with only "proof" editing done by the Publisher, to correct errors. Publisher give the author galleys and proofs to be reviewed and returned before the book/story is published.

12--Free Copies - Included in the advance are five copies of the Author's book (or two in the case of anthologies.) Additional copies may be purchased at a discount from the Publisher, though no royalties are paid on those books (the author must report their profit on these books as part of their royalty income - L&L Dreamspell is not responsible if you don't pay your taxes!)

13--Tie-In Merchandise - L&L Dreamspell has a unique way to help promote their author's books and stories - a unique assortment of boutique items on Cafe' Press. The Authors will receive half the commission we earn on Cafe' Press sales. The Author  agrees not to create and sell competing merchandise on Cafe' Press during their contract with L&L Dreamspell.

14--Promotion - The Author consents to the use of their name and photo for promotion and advertising.

15--Infringement - If someone else infringes on the book/story the Publisher and Author will jointly sue the individual.

16--Arbitration - Disputes over this agreement will be settled fairly, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

17--Notice - Any written notices will be mailed to the original address on this contract, and written notice of any changes of address shall be sent by either the Author or Publisher.

18--Entire Agreement Modifications - This contract can't be changed without the written agreement of everyone included in the contract.

And the contract will be governed by the State of Texas (where L&L Dreamspell is headquartered.)