Is writing a book difficult? Yes. Is finding a publisher and marketing the book hard work? Yes. But what is the the hardest part of being an author? I think it’s avoiding being taken advantage of by your publisher. Unfortunately, publishers have developed a nasty reputation when it comes to contracting book deals, especially first time authors. They entice eager, unsuspecting newbie authors with a huge advance payment but take advantage with the rest of the payment system and the royalties. Advance payment is only the icing on the cake. The real money is made in royalties. It is the most profitable part of books sales, especially if your book hits as a bestseller and becomes a popular icon with which pens, mugs, and other products are decorated. So how do new authors protect themselves and their intellectual rights?

1.  Authors should consult experts on negotiating book contracts and royalties. They can get an agent or join advocacy organizations that can advise them with firsthand experience in publishing contracts. And there’s no better advice than from someone who has already been there. However, most advocacy organizations only accept those authors who are already published writers. So newbie authors may be out of luck in this option. The best and surest way to be safe against publishing predators is to have an agent or lawyer at your side. Have him or her read the contract and all other agreement terms before signing anything.

2. For those who cannot afford a lawyer or choose not to go with an agent, here are the basic things you have to know under your contract.

First, determine the number of book copies that you and your publisher have agreed upon. Also know how many copies are going to be shipped and distributed. This way, you can also keep track of the number of copies that were actually sold and the number of copies that were returned.

Second, make it clear with your publisher what type of royalty you are agreeing to in the contract. Is it a regular, foreign export, or a special discount? It can also be some other type that nobody has heard of yet, as there is really no standard format in royalty contracts and the industry is changing rapidly as hybrid publishers pop up. Also, be make sure you know and understand the royalty rate, both in terms of percentage and dollar amounts.

Third, know the details of reserve against returns as clearly stated in dollars. Make sure you also get the details of subsidiary contracts, income and sales. As much as possible, try to know everything you can. Be brave in asking questions of your publisher. After all, it is your creation that they are selling. It’s up to you to protect it.

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