[rec.arts.books] what provisions should be in a book publishing agreement?

dave@lsuc.uucp (David Sherman) (11/15/88)

(Pardon the cross-posting, but I can't quite figure out where
this query belongs.  I'm adding comp.misc because the people who
may have the answers on the net are most likely to have written
books in the computer field.)

I've been asked by a publisher to write a book on a topic within
my area of specialty (income tax).  This is one of the leading
publishers in this area in Canada, I've had dealings with them
on various matters over several years, and I expect to continue a
friendly relationship with them over a long period.  I've done
an outline which they've agreed to, and we've agreed on a royalty
figure but haven't yet formalized arrangements in a contract.

Given the above background, I'd be interested in hearing from
others who have written technical books as to what special provisions
you may have made sure were present in your contract with the
publisher.  When we sit down to finalize the arrangements, I will
no doubt be presented with a standard contract.  Aside from
considering each clause as I would any legal document,
are there specific issues in the publishing field that I should
make sure are addressed?

Please send mail.  I'll summarize if there's interest.

David Sherman
Toronto
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