Writing is an art, but it’s also a business. If we want to support our art, we have to understand our business.

Some writers choose to leave the contract comprehension to their agent. After all, that’s what they’re paying their agents for. Although I understand this viewpoint, I don’t subscribe to it. The agent’s not the one signing my contract; I am.

My signature on a publishing contract says I agree to the publisher’s terms and conditions. How can I agree with something I don’t understand? I don’t want to wake up one night screaming with the realization I’ve irrevocably tied myself to a publisher with a contract that hurts me in a myriad of unpleasant ways.

But how do we learn about contracts?
• Join a professional writing organization. Most professional organizations provide forums or courses on the business of writing, including the mysteries of contracts.
• Read current books. In between those delicious Ann Christopher novels and the inspiring craft books, slip in a few books on contracts. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
• Ask other writers. Don’t ask about advances or royalties. You may lose a friend. But ask about contract terms, like option clauses, first refusal rights, reprint rights. What have their experiences been? What are the pros and cons of those clauses? We can learn from each other and, by increasing our individual awareness, perhaps work together to improve the negotiation success rate in our favor.

A final thought, one of the most critical, I think: determine in your heart the terms you’re willing to accept and those you would not be able to stomach. Know this beforehand. Your contract should be the realization of your dream, not the beginning of a nightmare.

Best wishes for writing success!