Independent publishing intelligenceSources over slogans
What Writers Don’t Know
A 12-point publishing agreement evidence check

Read the agreement
before you sign.

One check, two ways to run it: answer the twelve questions yourself from your documents, or upload the agreement as a PDF and let the AI look for the evidence. Pick either mode — the questions and the score are the same. An educational comparison tool, not a legal opinion, certification, endorsement or promise of sales.

Choose how to run the check — one mode is enough

Progress
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01In writingIs the whole deal in writing — every attachment named as part of the agreement — with changes valid only by written mutual consent, and the parties, governing law and forum identified?Check that nothing material lives only in emails or phone calls: the contract, the attached letter and any order form should be one signed set, with a clause requiring written agreement for changes and a stated applicable law and court.
02SeriesDoes the agreement name the series or imprint line the book will join, so the author can verify where it sits in the catalogue?Look for the named series in the agreement, then check the titles already published in it and whether that line represents the publisher's main editorial identity or a side room for newcomers.
03DistributionDoes the agreement name a national distributor and a practical route into bookshops?Look for the distributor's name, territories and the route by which retailers can order the book.
04ClarityAre distribution channels, metadata, retailer discount, returns and reporting described in concrete terms?Look for the operational detail behind words such as global, international or widespread: channels, metadata, discounts, returns and sales statements.
05EditorialIs formal editorial revision included, with the author approving substantive changes before publication?Look for a named editorial stage, proof or revision process and an explicit author approval point before publication.
06Price & reprintsDoes the agreement state the cover price and physical specification of the edition, and put every reprint or later edition at the publisher’s expense?Look for the retail price, the format and binding, and an explicit statement that reprints and further editions are funded by the publisher — never re-invoiced to the author.
07ContributionIf an author contribution is requested, does the agreement guarantee in writing how it can be recovered — conditions, thresholds and costs that can never be added later?Answer "Yes, documented" when no contribution is requested at all, or when the recovery route (reimbursement threshold, calculation, timetable) is black on white. Money requested with no written way back is the red flag.
08PromotionDoes the contract list specific promotional activity such as interviews, fairs, media outreach and event support?Look for named activities and channels: press office work, interviews, fairs, releases, listings and support for author events.
09Claims & pressureAre promises about sales, visibility and media kept conservative and in writing, with no urgency or scarcity pushing the signature?Compare what was said in calls and emails with what the agreement actually commits to; treat guaranteed success, bestseller talk and "last slots available" deadlines as findings in themselves.
10RightsCan the author freely re-acquire rights, with a clear request process and timing?Look for a simple written request route, response deadline and the rights, files and remaining stock covered by re-acquisition.
11OwnershipAre publisher identity, ISBN/imprint ownership, formats, territories, royalty basis and statements unambiguous?Check who publishes and owns the ISBN, which formats and territories are licensed, the royalty base and the reporting schedule.
12Term & exitAre the contract term, cancellation notice and post-publication handover of rights and materials clearly stated?Look for the contract duration, the author's cancellation route, notice periods and what happens to rights, copies and records at the end.