Comments on: Grants of Rights in Anthology Contracts

By: Lisa Ciarfella

Lisa Ciarfella — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:17:36 +0000

great info. thanks for this!

By: Jackie Rod

Jackie Rod — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 18:32:40 +0000

Thanks for the great legal advice, Susan. My work in several anthologies has been with a publishing company, but they have asked for rights for five years. I understand from you this period is too long and out of line with the industry.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:35:00 +0000

In reply to olderwriter. Thank you! I'm truly glad to do it.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:34:36 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Great question Jenny! If the anthology is traditionally published (some are), then the publisher will normally work with one author's agent on behalf of the group. Sometimes multiple agents do get involved--and all of the authors' agents get their cut of the royalties (only the ones their authors receive, of course), per the contract, whether or not they handled the negotiation. In that case, copyright is registered on the anthology, and on each author's contribution, by the publisher. When the anthology is self-published, the authors need to hire a lawyer to write a contract that sets proper terms and states how the royalties will be divided and distributed. The short answer is that normally one person needs to be responsible for it--and trusted by the others to do it properly. I do write those kinds of contracts, at a reduced rate, but for groups in other states I can also recommend attorneys on a case-by-case basis.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:27:31 +0000

In reply to Nina Longfield. Thank you Nina! And I'm really glad to hear your contracts fall into the 'good ones' column. Legitimate anthologies far outnumber the bad ones, but it's still always important to be vigilant, for sure.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 22:26:35 +0000

In reply to Laura Drake. Thanks Laura! I'm glad I'm able to offer the information and spread the word!

By: Nina Longfield

Nina Longfield — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 21:15:47 +0000

Susan, thank you so much for this information and breaking it down into digestible chunks. Having two stories recently published in different anthologies, I had to go back and look at the contracts to see if I missed something. I'm pleased that I read them entirely before signing and they match up with your advice. Love reading your series and learning more about the legal side of writing.

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:14:22 +0000

Susan, I love these posts! I always learn so much. And we really, really appreciate your sharing this information with our readers.

I have a question for you (when you return from your conference): When many authors jump into an anthology together, how do you see them deal with the payment and the copyright? It seems like it would have to be under one person's name or account, and I've always wondered how it would work out.

What do you recommend as an attorney?

By: olderwriter

olderwriter — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 14:50:28 +0000

Thank you Susan for your always helpful posts on an author's legal rights. You are an amazing help.

By: Laura Drake

Laura Drake — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 11:23:33 +0000

I'm SO glad you're doing this series, Susan. Back when I first sold, I was asked to be in an anthology an already successful author was self pubbing. I was honored to be asked, and only remembered at the last second to check in with my agent. Good thing I did - the contract was way out of the norm, and had some of the issues you outline above.

Be careful out there, people.