How to Understand & Negotiate a Book Contract or Magazine Agreement by Richard Balkin
Traci Kenworth
Writer’s Basic Bookshelf Writer’s Digest Books 1985
I happened across this find at a library book sale (yes, MANY good books turn up there. Lol.). Although I had to contend with notes handwritten by the previous book’s owner, I still found this craft book valuable particularly in the query waters I’ll soon be entering. Richard Balkin discusses all the fine points of a book and magazine contract and what to watch for and when to compromise. There’s even a section on agents versus lawyers as representation.
I’m sure today’s contracts may vary from this but I think it’s a good basis as to what to expect when it comes to legalities. He also covers both trade book and specialty publishers. For someone who doesn’t know the first thing about contracts, I feel better informed now that I’ve read this book. I will feel more comfortable as well when I take his advice and tell the publisher, “I want to think that point over and get back to you on that.” Better to wait until you’re sure on a point than making a deal that’s not in your best interest.
Traci Ashbe Dark Fantasy Author 
7 responses to “Craft Book”
It’s always helpful to have some advice! Many years ago I bought a book called “How to be Happily Published”, and one of the things it dealt with was contracts. On the advice of that author I took my contract home, read it through, made two pages of questions and got answers for them before I signed. My editor was very patient and helpful, and I actually got a change written in that was important to me.
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Congratulations!! That is a really great idea (looking it over and marking any questions), it’s important to have a head’s up on all that’s in a contract before you sign.
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That sounds like a great book. I know nothing about contracts. I guess that’s the advantage of having an agent. Of course, you still have to understand the agent/client contract. :)
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I found this website very great and I just wanna say thanks. I hope you keep up the perfect work!
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I just wanna say thanks for making this site and keep up the good work!
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Thanks for stopping by!!
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I think it helps keep us on firmer ground with everything when we learn as much as we can about contracts. Thanks for stopping by, Stina!!
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