Publishing contracts are lengthy, detailed, legally binding documents. Before you sign yours, think about what kind of deal will work best for you. A good deal with a good publisher is still top of many authors’ wish lists; others (notably some genre-fiction writers) may be happily and successfully involved in self-publishing, where they have more control and receive a larger slice of any profits. And there are many gradations in between – from subsidy publishing to crowdfunding, some of which may work for you and others which may leave you feeling misled, out of pocket and bitterly disappointed.
Before you decide, be sure to seek advice from our contract advisors at the Society of Authors, and ask yourself: does this publishing deal work for me?
Our free Guide on this topic is essential reading before you sign up to any type of deal.