Legal Question in Business Law in Illinois

New Author Question Regarding Publishing Agreement Letters

I want to submit a book project for consideration of publishing through large publishing houses. From my research new author royalties can vary between 4% and 9%. When submitting they all ask for a signed agreement letter that if they wish to publish the work then they have a right to consider it signed. The rejection rate for new authors can be as high as 98%. The publishing houses state it could take 8-12 weeks for a denial or acceptance.

Frankly, I don't want it to take over a year just to have 4 publishing houses look at my work. So my questions are: By signing the agreement letter does that lock in that we have to use that group? Can I submit to more that one house at a time and accept the best offer if multiple offers are given? If I submit to more that one group and two publishing house want my work will I be in for a legal dispute?


Asked on 1/02/03, 12:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence A. Stein Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa, LLC

Re: New Author Question Regarding Publishing Agreement Letters

You should have a competent attorney review the agreement before you sign it. Some houses will not accept a manuscript for review without the exclusive rights of which you speak, but perhaps others will or you can submit the manuscript without the signed agreement.

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Answered on 1/02/03, 12:22 pm


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