A publishing agreement grants a publisher the exclusive right to publish your book in exchange for an advance and royalties. The Society of Authors recommends having any publishing agreement checked before signing. Rights reversion clauses are increasingly important in the digital age.

• Advance is recoupable from royalties but not returnable if book underperforms
• Standard royalty rates: hardback 10–12.5%, paperback 7.5–10%, ebook 20–25%
• Territorial rights: world rights vs UK/Commonwealth only matters significantly
• Reversion clause: rights should revert if book goes out of print
• The Society of Authors offers contract vetting services

Legal reference: Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; Society of Authors minimum terms