Author Contracts: Everything You Need to Know Before Signing
July 23, 2025
The terms of your publishing agreements determine the control you retain over your works, as well as how much you’re paid. Our model contracts will help you understand what the language you’re agreeing to actually mean before you sign. We also have dozens of webinars and articles explaining the basics of different agreements as well as diving deeper into specific topics.
Click a type of agreement below to get started.
- Traditional Publishing Contracts
- Hybrid Publishing Contracts
- Literary Translation Contracts
- Option Agreements
- Other Agreements
Traditional Publishing Contracts
Model Trade Book Contract
After spending years working on your manuscript, it is crucial to protect it by securing a fair book deal. Our Model Trade Book Contract will enable you to negotiate your publishing contract with knowledge and confidence.
Webinars and Articles
| Type | Resource |
| Webinar | Book Contracts 101 Authors Guild Director of Legal Services Michael Gross guides you through the most important terms to negotiate when considering a traditional publishing contract. |
| Webinar | Agent Talks: Book Contract Basics Literary agent Rebecca Matte explains book contract basics and what can go wrong. |
| Article | Things Every Writer Should Know Before Signing a Book Contract This article from The Authors Guild Bulletin walks you through potential legal problems to anticipate and avoid. |
| Members-Only Webinar | Deal Memo 101: What Authors Should Know and Negotiate Before Accepting a Deal The Authors Guild and Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) discuss the importance of the deal memo, a document that publishers provide listing the major components of a deal before an official contract gets sent. |
| Webinar | Bad Contracts Are Not Forever: A Review of The Statutory Right of Termination In Section 203 of the Copyright Act This key provision of the U.S. copyright law lets authors recapture their rights after 35 years. |
Hybrid Publishing Contracts
What Authors Should Know About Hybrid Publishing Contracts
In our experience, hybrid publishing contracts are usually offered on a non-negotiable basis (with a few exceptions) so we do not provide our usual line-by-line contract review. We do, however, offer general guidance in the form of a checklist, and we can answer specific questions for members. Learn more at the link below.
Literary Translation Contracts
Literary Translation Model Contract
The important labor of literary translators deserves fair contract terms and pay. Our Literary Translation Model Contract will help you negotiate a better deal for your literary translation.
Webinars and Articles
| Type | Resource |
| Webinar | Translation Contracts 101 Authors Guild attorneys give an overview of literary translation contracts. |
| Webinar | Negotiating Literary Translation Contracts Director of Policy and Advocacy Umair Kazi and two veteran translators discuss how to use the model contract to negotiate higher fees and royalties, ensure proper credit, retain your rights for sublicenses, and more. |
Option Agreements
Model Film and TV Option Contract
Optioning your work for film or TV adaptation is another way to present your work—and another area where your rights need to be protected. Our Model Film and TV Option Contract will help you understand common terms, your rights, and what you can and should negotiate.
Webinars and Articles
| Type | Resource |
| Webinar | Film & TV Options: What Authors Should Know Experienced attorneys walk you through the Model Film and TV Option Contract and discuss common terms and rates and how authors might negotiate an agreement. |
| Webinar | Agent Talks: The Hidden Gems of Subrights Literary agent Jenissa Graham explains why subrights are important and in which case you might want to retain some subrights. |
Other Agreements
Webinars and Articles
| Type | Resource |
| Webinar | Writers Collaborating: Sometimes It Gets Complicated This webinar discusses various co-writer arrangements and the salient terms to address contractually. |
More Information
The Writer’s Legal Guide is an invaluable resource offering plain-English explanations of the legal and business aspects of writing, from electronic rights and ebooks to contracts and accounting.
Click here to view all contract resources.
Get Help with Your Contract
Our legal team reviews hundreds of contracts for members every year. Regular and associate members of the Authors Guild can submit a legal request here.
Not a member? You can gain access to our legal services for just $149/year. Learn more about the benefits of membership here.