Rule #3 - Read your contracts

As mentioned previously, you need to have a basic understanding of your contracts. You may never be able to get through the entire thing without the sudden urge to pull a Rip Van Winkle, but you do have to read them.

Laws change, new laws are implemented and laws get amendments applied to them. The world of the e-book is very new, to this end laws governing them and all involved is continually evolving. Because it is literally the baby of the literary family, it's still growing and discovering itself and, to that end, we're finding out just how many laws are needed to protect such works that are available in the blink of an eye.

Your publisher, or their legal representatives, do not have to notify you when changes occur to their terms and conditions. As well, they don't need to notify you to any alterations in your contracts either. Because of that you actually have to read them. Every. Single. Time. Don't think because you've read one once that you never have to again. Sorry, but there it is, you have to read each one sent to you. It's a chore but it could potentially save you some massive troubles and headaches down the road.

If you have any questions or concerns, before you sign, talk to your lawyer. It may seem you are freaking for no reason once it's explained, that's fine. Better to be paranoid than to be locked into some legal cage that screws you over repeatedly for years and years to come. Harsh but true. There are authors out there that have found themselves stuck in a place they would rather not be because they didn't listen to their gut, didn't read their contracts or didn't question some new amendment to a contract. Do not be one of these authors. Be paranoid, question it all and don't let your guard down.

Your publisher is working for a corporation, you are a current asset to that corporation as long as you are making them money. Since you too need to be making money you need to look out for you, no one else will, this task is left solely up to you - with assistance of course from your legal representative.

The Moderator