"Read this book before you sign your next contract." 

Dr Kirsty Bunting, Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University's Manchester Writing School

Are you an unagented novelist managing your own writing career?

Have you written a book and don't know where to start with getting a publisher?

Have you been offered publishing contract - and need to check it's legitimate one?

This book will help you:

Understand Copyright

Get some insight into the publishing process

Learn what to look for in a publishing contract (and save money by asking the right questions when talking to lawyers)

Know what to expect when dealing with agents and publishers

I have worked in the Intellectual Property (IP) and licensing sector for over a decade. I'm also a novelist and creative writing mentor.

Over the years I've answered a lot of questions from authors who are at the start of their traditional publishing careers. Many writers find the business of licensing IP confusing and contracts impenetrable. Often, even when they seek legal advice, they aren't given a context in which to interpret this advice.

This easy-to-read guide will demystify your publishing options and give you the tools you need to take charge of your author career.

"This enjoyable and informative book is essential reading. It will help you decide which publishing model works for you, and will explain how to get the most value out of the writing that you spent so much time and effort on." Emma Byrne - Author of Swearing is Good for You and How to Build a Human

"Written in a lovely friendly style that made the information easy to understand and absorb." Amazon review.

Chapter 1: Becoming a professional Writer

Balancing craft and money

Chapter 2: Intellectual Property

Other people’s copyright

What is IP? 

Copyright 

What does this actually mean for your author business?

What is NOT covered by copyright?

Works in the public domain

Trademarks

Chapter 3: Slicing up IP - Your work is more than the one thing you wrote

Chapter 4: Contracts

Reading contracts - notes for the bewildered

Common sections you’d expect to see in a publisher contract

How do authors get paid?

Tax

Chapter 5: Publishing Pathways

Chapter 6: Traditional publishers

The ‘big five’

Small publishers

Unbound

What does a publisher do for you?

Who is involved

Things to consider when you’re talking to a publisher

So, should you sign that publishing contract that you’ve been offered?

Red flags

Manage your expectations

Chapter 7: Vanity publishers

Paying for production services

Book Production companies

Red flags

Chapter 8: Self publishing aka Independent (‘indie’) publishing

Manage your expectations

Red Flags

Chapter 9: Working with an agent

What does an agent do for you?

Do you need an agent?

Manage your expectations

Red flags

The very basics of submitting to agents

Chapter 10: Branding and Pen names

What is a brand?

Pen name(s) are part of your brand - pros and cons

Chapter 11: Self promotion

Websites

Social Media

Useful skills to learn for a professional author

Chapter 12: Alternative sources of income (until you have your big hit)

Talks and seminars

Bonus money from your existing books 

Chapter 13: It’ll be okay, keep writing

Chapter 14: Resource list