owning your publishing rights

Apple announced its iBooks Author application last month to much excitement as authors and publishers alike applauded the free app’s self-publishing capabilities. The cheers quickly died down, however, when sites like Mashable, PC Mag, and the Huffington Post began taking issue with iBooks Author’s user agreement. The sites noted that, by publishing your work on iBooks Author, you relinquish your book’s publishing rights to Apple.

Although Apple wouldn’t exactly own your content (it doesn’t lay claim to the content itself, but does stipulate that you sell your book exclusively through the iBooks store), the arguments did expose a very important—but not very often discussed—aspect of publishing: rights ownership.

So, what’s the hullabaloo all about? Why are publishing rights important, and why should you care if you own yours? We’ve listed some of the key benefits to publishing rights ownership below.

Varied Distribution

When you own the publishing rights to your unique content, you choose where it sells. Want to stock your book in a friend’s boutique? Have hopes of pursuing grocery store distribution on your own? Feel like boycotting Amazon? You’ll have to own your publishing rights for that kind of personalized distribution, and that includes listing the book on your own website. Notice that authors who have published with traditional presses—and, consequently, sold their publishing rights—generally won’t have a direct buy button. You’ll be directed to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or another e-tailer instead, even though sales made directly from your website will make you more money, bring more opportunity for interaction with your fans, and build your ever-important fan list.

Repurposing

Many nonfiction authors have content that will need to be periodically updated, while others recognize the importance of ancillary products and wish to repackage their book in a workbook or learning format. If you don’t own the publishing rights to your content, you’d have to buy the rights back to accomplish this repurposing, or convince the publisher that a new edition is needed (a harrowing feat). Repurposing can include audiobooks and movie rights as well. Have dreams of turning your book into a blockbuster some day? You’ll make more money—and will be able to choose the story’s buyer—if you own those rights. Ownership of the rights to publish in different, specific formats can sometimes be negotiated into your publishing deal.

Back of the Room Sales

Similar to varied distribution, owning your publishing rights will allow you to take full advantage of any back of the room sales opportunities. Are you a public speaker? Plan on hosting any workshops or seminars this year? Do you teach a class, or own a business? You’ll want the option of selling directly to your audience and customers. You’ll make more money, more connections, and build credibility with these sales. In most cases, the party who owns the publishing rights also owns the inventory of books. Were your publisher in charge of your rights, you’d have to buy your own books from them in order to sell at your events. Not fun.

Creative Control

One of the most important—and most overlooked—benefits of rights ownership is full creative control of your book during the publishing process. Most authors feel strongly about every detail of their work—as they should! You’ve worked hard crafting your book, why should someone be able to completely alter it without your consent? In most cases, when you own your publishing rights, you have the ultimate say in everything about your book—the direction of the editorial, design, packaging, cover copy, and more.

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing a publisher for your book. Many authors have personal, financial, or emotional reasons for choosing whom they work with, and, ultimately, it all comes down to fit.

Whichever publishing direction you choose to take for your own book, knowing whether or not your publisher owns your publishing rights is essential. Be sure to have a lawyer review your contract and explain the ownership clauses. Above all, take your time, make sure you feel comfortable with the contract before signing, and know what, exactly, the stipulations mean for the future of your book.