Understanding “Negotiability” – Cookies Come in Different Sizes

Many authors understand that publishing contracts are “negotiable,” but find the negotiating process confusing. In many cases, this stems from a lack of understanding about what “negotiability” really means in the publishing contract process. The fact that a contract is “negotiable” doesn’t mean every term and every provision is up for discussion or revision. In one sense, of course, every term of a contract is “negotiable” – because an author (or publisher) can always walk away instead of signing. In another sense, however, certain provisions are “deal breakers” – meaning one or both parties would rather walk away from the deal

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