|
Publishing, Editing, and Ghostwriting Services The first form of contract we use is for books that have not yet been accepted by a publisher, and where no advance on sales is being made. (Date of Agreement) Ghostwriting Agreement between John Harding and [Author’s Name & contact information] The Goal: To create a book [working title: xxxx], which is to show [book’s purpose] (the “Book”). It is estimated that the Book will have 10-15 chapters, the normal front matter, including table of contents, and an index and, that the manuscript will be about be 30,000-60,000 words long. The Method: [Author] will either send John (the ghostwriter) written materials or meet with John either in person or via telephone weekly for a conversation which John will tape record. The conversation and the tape will provide the basis for the Book. It is estimated that it will take approximately 5 months to complete this Book. Ownership Rights: All rights, title and interest in the following shall be the sole and exclusive property of [Author], including: (i) All materials, including but not limited to Word files, PowerPoint Presentations, tapes, and completed manuscript, the completed Book and/or other product resulting from this effort; (ii) The content of the subject matter of the Book provided by [Author]; (iii) Any ideas, works, documentation or notes conceived related to the Book; (iv) All writings by John related to or associated with the Book; and (v) All John’s work product related to the Book. To the extent that ownership of the items stated above do not automatically vest in [Author], John hereby transfers and assigns to [Author] all right, title and interest in and to the same, whether or not copyright applications are filed thereon. In the event that [Author] is required to obtain John’s consent to register any U.S. or foreign copyrights related to the Book, John shall provide his consent and transfer and assign any of his interest as stated herein. The provisions of this Section on “Ownership Rights” shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Confidential Information: John acknowledges and agrees that all information related to the Book, including without limitation, its content, writings, work product, audio tapes, notes and diagrams, is of great value to [Author] (“Confidential Information”). Accordingly, John agrees not to divulge to anyone, either during or after the term of this Agreement, any Confidential Information obtained or developed by John while working on the Book and related project. Upon expiration of this Agreement, John agrees to deliver to [Author] all documents, papers, drawings, tabulations, reports, audio tapes, video tapes and similar documentation and recording devices which are furnished to or produced by John pursuant to this Agreement. Upon the expiration or termination of this Agreement, John agrees to make no further use or utilization of any Confidential Information. John may only disclose Confidential Information to third parties upon the express written consent of [Author] . The provisions of this Section on “Confidential Information” shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Likewise, [Author] will accept sole responsibility and liability for the written contents of this project in which he exclusively provides. Cost: The total cost for this project shall be $x,xxx payable at $x,xxx per month for x months, for a total of $x,xxxx, starting [date]. [Author] may abort the project and/or cancel the contract with Mr. Harding in his sole discretion but he shall be obligated to pay Mr. Harding for the work done to that date. [Author] shall have this right twice, once after 8 weeks of his work and again after 16 weeks of his work. Pace: John agrees to work roughly 8-30 hours per week on this project. She will complete manuscript drafts following each conversation and return it to [Author] for comments and edits which she will make and return for another round. However, it is recognized that it is [Author]’s responsibility to provide the material, comments, etc. to John in a timely fashion. John is also responsible for assembling the final Book into a single word file suitable for conversion to .PDF in the event [Author] chooses to self-publish or for a trade publisher. Further, if [Author] decides to seek a trade publisher, John will create a Book proposal for no additional cost. Further, both John and [Author] agree to set aside adequate time to discuss the project including constructive criticism, feedback and/or concerns or questions that directly relate to this project. It is the client’s responsibility to provide any and all data, research, and personal input to allow the John to complete the agreed upon Book. It is also recognized that the decision to find a trade publisher or to self-publish has not yet been made. John agrees to give his best advice to help [Author] make this decision. If [Author] decides to self-publish, he may want to hire John to complete the Book design and PDF files necessary for self-publishing and agrees to pay an additional fee for that service. Note that if this happens an additional copyeditor or proofreader will be necessary as will a cover designer. Initial payment to John indicates acceptance of this Letter of Agreement by both parties.
|
