The parties should have a written, signed agreement with each other that is sufficient to cover the varying complexities in the relationship. Contract samples for editing and proofreading services. If you are an author or a publisher contemplating using an independent contractor book editor to work on your or your authors manuscript, there are a. A sample contract agreement between an author and a book. Creating an editor contract ensures that both editor and client see eye to eye on scope, voice, price and timeline. Also look at the bottom of the list for articles relating to contract terms explanations and considerations. Once youve finished a draft of your book, the natural next step is to look for a book editor. Copyediting contract bookfly design book cover design, e. Agreement template for editing services editors canada. You cannot submit your next book anywhere else because they want to see it firstthe complete manuscriptand then they can tie it up for a month, or whatever time is specified in your contract. Terms are defined in schedule a, attached, unless otherwise specified. This section of the template includes general terms common to business contracts. Any subsequent editing of the manuscript will be subject to a new contract and new agreement. This editorial services agreement the greement shall be entered into a betweenthe person whose.
This contract for editing services is hereby entered into by editor. This is extremely important because it indicates who has the last say about what appears in the book. Word count is determined by microsoft words word count feature and is based on the length of the manuscript before editing. Word count is determined by microsoft words word count feature and is based on the length of the manuscript before editing begins. Just because someone is experienced in these formats doesnt mean theyre. For a guide to other contract terms, check out the book the paper its written on, by cather. The actual form of the manuscript is also detailed here, normally a word file is required, though a couple printed copies and any artwork may also required. All this means is that the publisher will fill in the registration form.
For example, you might include the word count of the book and any responsibilities related to editing, such as what level of edits will be provided. We make access to our resources simple so you can stay on top of emerging opportunities in the field. Oct 06, 2009 publishing contracts 101 protect your work. Publishing contracts 101 protect your work writers digest. An experienced book editor specializing in editing picture books, middle grade, young adult novels, memoir, fantasy, and literary fiction. Client the client, and alice mcveigh the recipient, relates to the revelation of certain proprietary andor confidential information by the client during discussions concerning the development of the clients book project, otherwise the project. This book publishing contract represents the entire agreement between the author and publisher. This freelance editing contract template contains the types of editing services, which may differ from your own.
Client is responsible for accepting or rejecting all changes once copyediting is complete. After you have chosen your editor or agreed to edit a product these sample contracts can be used by the editor or the writer client to clarify expectations. Proofreading is not a structural edit and instead focuses on eliminating minor. How is that good for youespecially if they didnt do a very good job of editing or promoting the first book you wrote for them. Book editing is one of those awesome jobs you can do from anywhere all you need is a laptop.
Negotiating book contract terms and royalties foner books. This article applies to all editing arrangements, not merely to book editing. A book contract is a legally binding agreement between an author and their book publisher that dictates assignment of rights, obligations, and money earned. A publisher must shore up any weaknesses in a publishing contract.
Lustre editing work contract the contract is made by and between. That clause is one of the first things i try to get a publisher to drop whenever i negotiate a book contract. Seven reasons why you shouldnt ask your book editor to sign a nondisclosure agreement choosing a book editor should be based on whether the editor is a sound and clean worker with knowledge and. Proofreading contract bookfly design book cover design. Seven reasons why you shouldnt ask your book editor to sign a nondisclosure agreement choosing a book editor should be based on whether the editor is a sound and clean worker with knowledge and experience in the language you have written in, using curated or affiliated professionals im with the efa and listed on blurb, reedsy, and alli. Editing a book is a different process than editing a magazine, a newspaper, blog posts or any other type of content. We will continue to recruit and hire the best in the business. This is a contract for a freelance editor working with a client on a project basis. The author understands that ip will take the authors digital book file and do its best to fix any obvious problems resulting from the file being. Seven reasons why you shouldnt ask your book editor to sign. Publishing contract negotiating book contracts, legal. Proofreading contract bookfly design book cover design, e. Reputable publishers almost always will drop or modify the option clause. For example, you might include the word count of the book and any responsibilities related to editing, such as what level of edits will be provided, timelines.
Apply to editor, freelance editor, copy editor and more. Key issues that must be covered in an editor agreement. And of course, if youre in need of book editing, youll wonder how much it will cost. Copyediting contract bookfly design book cover design.
This letter of agreement outlines my understanding of our contract for the well. One of the more important decisions every author has to make with their book is to decide whether to independently publish or go with a traditional publisher ive written an extensive guide to making this. While the agreement was updated in previous years, the new agreement template for editing. Find what you need from our list of contract documents. This publishing contract, the contract, is entered into as of contract. But for the sake of simplicity, i will limit the discussion to books.
If you terminate the agreement, you will pay me for work done until termination. Contract samples for editing and proofreading services right. In addition to the specific terms the author and publisher have agreed upon for such items as the type of book, the advance against royalty amount, and the delivery date, the standard book. Your small business needs a great contract, and here it is. Should either party cancel this book publishing contract, all rights granted to the publisher shall revert to the author. If there are major changes to the project midway, the fee will be renegotiated. Editing and form the editing clause gives the publisher the right to edit the work.
The following editing services shall be considered the full scope of work of this editor contract template. This editing services agreement is legallybinding, easy to understand, and comes in a fully. In a traditional book publishing agreement, the author retains the and the book publisher purchases. In a multibook deal, the publisher will offer you money up frontin the form. Book editing services and developmental editing from manuscript editor and former literary agent mary kole. Once youre done, scroll down to add your pricing details. Sutton, moved me from trying to get the book finished to actually being able to finish it. Jan 21, 2019 in addition to the specific terms the author and publisher have agreed upon for such items as the type of book, the advance against royalty amount, and the delivery date, the standard book contract encompasses a lengthy number of clauses covering important points in a book s life cycle and an authors compensation. Its easy to extrapolate from this what your total expected editing cost could be. This letter of agreement outlines my understanding of our contract for the wellchosen word to copyedit any generic book, based on our recent discussion. Jurisdictions vary, so start with one closest to where the work is being done. Once a solid working relationship has been established with repeat clients, i then. Client the client, and alice mcveigh the recipient, relates to the revelation of certain proprietary andor confidential information by the client. Editing for grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics of style.
Nondisclosure agreement for ghostwriting and copy editing. For example, tighten up the contract to ensure it contemplates new technologies. The author acknowledges the contracting of professional editing andor writing services does not guarantee book sales or representation by a literary agent. Book proofreading is the vital last step of the editing process. Publishing contract negotiating book contracts, legal forms. A good editor can turn your book, newsletter, magazine or other written copy into gold. Negotiating book contract terms and royalties warning. Empire publishing performs two rigorous rounds of editing. Submitting my story to an editing site was a huge leap, and finding the right editor, s. Feb 11, 2019 after a potential client contacts me, i will ask a few more questions about their manuscript before completing a sample edit.
If i terminate the agreement, i will be paid by you for work done up to the date of termination. Sample freelance writing contract, letter of agreement. Freelance editing contract template word bank writing. The publishers specialty may be fiction books, childrens books, poetry books, photographic exhibitions, etc. The editors association of canada editors canada adopted the standard freelance editorial agreement in 1985. This contract contract is by and between name of author, henceforth known as author, and publishing company, henceforth known as publisher, for the. Freelance writers may opt to use this alternative form. The direction scope of the contract is something you want to include and it essentially breaks down what the responsibilities are for the contractor. The editors and publishing consultants posted on this site are freelance. If you want to publish a highquality book, whether it is selfpublished or you are planning to go the old school route of attempting to secure an agent that might land you a contract with one of the large publishing houses, you must have your manuscript professionally edited. Please ensure that the table accurately requests the services needed by adjusting quantities and selecting needed services. Whether youre publishing an entire book, or a story in an anthology or magazine, the editing clause of your contract should ensure that content editing the kind of serious editing that. This information is based on my personal experiences and confidential communications from others.
Copyediting contract copyediting terms and conditions these terms and conditions, when agreed to and accepted by you the client after you enter your full legal name and click i agree will create a binding and legally enforceable contract between you the client and bookfly design llc. An experienced book editor specializing in editing picture books, middle grade, young adult. Once the choice is made to go with my editing services, i then send a contract for negotiation. What, for example, might be the legal rights if an editor had contributed only 3. If you are an author or a publisher contemplating using an independent contractor book editor to work. A sample contract agreement between an author and a book cover designer im not a fan of contracts or anything binding, or closing doors, or other apersonality stuff. At the time of signing the contract you may or may not have an exact date of publication, but they should be able to give you a ball park based on their production schedule and existing product line. In the editorial context, they serve to prevent misunderstandings or unfairness by ensuring that editors and.
Typically, most contracts provide that upon publication the publisher will register the book for in the name of the author. Creating an editor contract ensures that both editor and client see eye we have updated the terms and conditions of our rocket lawyer on call service level agreement that apply to your use of the platform and products and services provided by rocket lawyer. Just because someone is experienced in these formats doesnt mean theyre qualified to edit your book. Just answer a few questions and well provide you with a free editor contract in just a few minutes, so you can quickly dive into the project. A letter of agreement often serves to informally outline all of your agreedupon terms, but without the extensive legalese of other freelance contracts. A freelance editing contract template for copy editing, line editing.
We will continue to recruit and hire the best in the. Name client, collectively known as parties, as of contract. While the agreement was updated in previous years, the new agreement template for editing services is an extensively revised and updated version. Publisher will not proceed with the production of the book until the signed copy edit approval form has been received. This contract contract is by and between name of author, henceforth known as author, and publishing company, henceforth known as publisher, for the purposes of coming to terms on the publication of title of work, henceforth known as book. Im wondering whether you have any sample contracts that you use or. It is not intended as legal advice first, my advice to all commercial authors is, get a good lawyer with book contract experience. It will usually also dictate terms such as authors deadlines and word count. Seven reasons why you shouldnt ask your book editor to. Book editing services book editor professional editing. Oct, 2016 editing a book is a different process than editing a magazine, a newspaper, blog posts or any other type of content. Contact the book butchers book editing and proofreading. Terms such as book form and electronic rights are vague terms and should be carefully defined.
Book editing services was formed in 1998 to protect writers from online scams and from selfappointed editors and proofreaders who offer substandard services. This contract may not be altered, amended, or otherwise modified except through written form requiring signature by both parties. Use the tokens in the menu on the right to fill out this contract template quickly. It is standard for a publishers contract to insist on the houses right to change the written material to fit its own editorial style. To ensure the validity of this document, we recommend the presence of a notary public and at least one witness.
For example, you might include the word count of the book and any responsibilities related to editing, such as what level of edits will be provided, timelines, etc. Who is editing my book and what projects have they worked on. If you want to publish a highquality book, whether it is selfpublished or you are planning to go the old school route of attempting to secure an agent that might land you a contract with one of the large. The following table details the client costs associated with this contract. The guidance and instruction given by sj was detailed and incredibly useful in getting me to the final page. Creating an editor contract ensures that both editor and client see eye.