This is an exciting time for Doubt It Publishing. As a writer, editor and publisher, I'm on the cusp of launching our first book with 2010 Author Of The Year Mark McElligott with his incredibly funny manuscript for Random Thoughts From A Broken Mind. While we are both on the cusp of launching his book this spring, it occured to me that Doubt It has no standard boiler plate contract, so I had to whip one up.
After two standard publishers, I tried to come up with a contract that leaned towards the rights of the author. I didn't found this company to gouge creators, I founded it to expose and promote new talent. While we transition from Mark's breakout book into 2012, I drafted a contract that was author friendly and nothing more. Doubt It Publishing is a publishing house founded by a writer for writers. That's it. Sure, I'd like to make money, but not at the expense of someone who spent more time on their brain child than me. This draft is subject to change, but it will never change at the expense of my future writers. I promise.
Doubt It Publishing Author Agreement
1.) Doubt It Publishing retains copyrights to the manuscript itself. The author retains all film, merchandising and other rights to his own work. Doubt It Publishing is willing to manage the artist's work on their behalf. In any case where a book is optioned for another medium, Doubt It Publishing retains 15% of all royalties. While the book rights remains the sole property of Doubt It Publishing, any and all other rights (merchandising, film options, etc.) are entirely within the author's domain.
2.) The author has final decision on cover artwork, interior design and publicity posters. Any additional expenses incurred for revisions lay solely with the author of the book.
3.) 15% of all book sale royalties (online, in-store and otherwise) belong to Doubt It Publishing. As a publisher, marketing entity and publicist, 15% is due upon initial book launch and throughout the life of the book. Any copies ordered through Doubt It Publishing will charge a 15% commission at time of order or upon receipt. Doubt It Publishing will charge a flat 'at-cost' rate for all books ordered including the 15% commission. This rate will not change regardless of distributor discounts on bulk orders.
4.) The author agrees to work with Doubt It Publishing for a calculated publicity campaign to promote said work including in-store promotions, radio appearances, signings and other events.
5.) Any and all print, online or radio interviews must be condoned through Doubt It Publishing. All media promotion needs to be approved through the publisher first.
6.) Appearance fees, bookings or reading costs will be split evenly between the author and publisher. As publisher and author, this is a tax deductible necessity.
7.) Any and all complimentary copies for media review will be covered by the author. Media book submissions, radio giveaways and any other promotional copies of the book are at the discretion and expense of the author. Doubt It will never insist on promotional expenses for an author, but in the case of media reviews, radio promotions, etc., the author will pay for the cost of any and all books and deduct these books from their taxes at the end of each calendar year.
8.) Doubt It Publishing will make any and all accommodations to make a profit for each selected author and expose their work to a larger audience on a regional level.
9.) The author agrees to be available for readings, signings and media appearances with reasonable notice determined by both parties.
