Originally Posted by pwalker8
In the US, most literary agents belong to an organization ( Association of Authors' Representatives http://aaronline.org/) so like many such groups - lawyers, union plumbers, electricians and the like, there is a level of self regulation. You can at least file a complaint and they have a code of ethics.
Like sports agents, if you are a super star, you can get all sorts of things put in your contract. If you aren't, then you have a lot less leverage. My understanding is that most publishing houses have a standard contract, and you start negotiation from there. Based on what I read, and I am certainly no expert, it sounds like reversion of rights is one of those things that most publishing houses are willing to grant, but you have to ask and you have to be willing to give up something to get something. |