Are you thinking about signing with a publisher? Wait a second! Before you dive in and put pen to paper, there are a few things you absolutely need to ask before signing any publishing contract. Publishing contracts can be exciting, but they’re also legally binding documents that can affect your rights, royalties, and future as an author. Sign the wrong one, and you could be flushing your author career down the drain. Here are the nine questions that will help you figure out if a publisher that has offered you a contract, is the right fit—and will protect you from some major headaches down the line.
1. What’s your vision for my book?
This isn’t just flattery. You want to know how they see your book fitting into their lineup. Ask them what drew them to your manuscript. Do they see it as frontlist or backlist? Are they excited about it, or is it just another checkbox in their publishing calendar? A publisher with a strong vision can be a powerful partner. One without? Your book could get lost in the shuffle.
2. Who will be on my publishing team?
Publishing is a team sport. You want to know who you’ll be working with—editors, cover designers, publicists. Will you get input on the cover? How about the final edits? Some publishers think they know what is best for your book and will insist on cover styles, and editing that they want, and while they may be the experts, you are the expert on your story. While it’s fine for your publishing team to do their job, you should have a say in the final product. A contract where you don’t have a say, and your vision for your own book is ignored, is not a contract you want to sign. Knowing who’s doing what and what that the team will be willing to collaborate with you is key.
3. What rights are you asking for?
This is a big one. Are they asking for just print rights? What about audio, eBook, foreign, or film rights? If they want everything, make sure that’s something you’re okay with. Some publishers want all the rights and then don’t even follow through. For example, you sign away your audiobook rights, or your film rights and then your publisher never has your book put into an audiobook, and never makes an attempt to have your book made into film. Always understand what rights you’re giving the publishing house. And find out how you can get your rights back if the book goes out of print, sales dry up, or your publisher goes out of business..
4. What’s the timeline from contract to publication?
Some publishers move fast. Others move at a glacial pace. Make sure you get a clear sense of the timeline: when edits start, when you’ll see a cover, when marketing begins, and your actual launch date. A fuzzy timeline is a red flag.
5. What formats will the book be published in?
Hardcover? Paperback? eBook? Audiobook? Will it be print-on-demand or offset? These choices affect everything from where your book can be sold to how professional it looks. Also, ask if you’ll have any say in pricing—especially for digital versions.
6. What kind of marketing and publicity do you offer?
Will they create an ARC (advanced reader copy)? Will they pitch you to media outlets or book reviewers? Do they run ads or help with launch campaigns? Or will all the marketing fall on your shoulders? Be clear on what they will do and what they expect you to do. Many publishers these days expect authors to do all of their own marketing, and offer very little if any marketing support. So, this is something you want to be very clear in your contract one way or the other.
7. How do you handle distribution?
Will your books just be online on Amazon and through the many online book distributors, and or will your book be in physical bookstores? Ask if they have someone who handles distribution and who it is. Also ask, if your book will be in catalogs for libraries? Are their books available in physical bookstores like B&N?
8. What’s the royalty structure and will you receive an advance?
If they offer an advance, how much is it and when do you get paid? What percentage do you earn on each sale, and does it differ for different formats? Can you buy author copies at a discount? You don’t want any money questions left unanswered.
9. What happens if something goes wrong?
Let’s be real—sometimes things go south. Maybe your editor leaves, or your cover artist quits. Maybe the publisher folds and goes out of business. What happens to your rights? What’s the process for reverting them back to you? It’s not fun to think about, but it’s important. And it happens all the time, especially with smaller publishing houses.
Bottom line? Ask questions.
Signing with a publisher is a big deal, and you should be proud you’ve been offered a publishing contract. However, while it can feel exciting (and a little scary), doing your due diligence now can save you a lot of regret later. If anything feels off or if they can’t answer your questions clearly, trust your gut. There are plenty of great publishers out there. Don’t settle for one that leaves you with doubts. It’s better to refuse a contract from a publishing house that can’t or won’t answer your questions, than signing the contract and finding out later you’ve screwed yourself and can’t get the rights to your book back for five years.
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