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It should be noted that some publishers require continual licensing fees from third-party sales. When you acquire electronic reprints rights, you do not necessarily get a “one off” license to reprint
same way you do in internet marketing world. Many publishers classify one time fee rights acquisition as “Direct Marketing Rights”. Yet, those rights extend only to tangible books. You’ll need to negotiate a special case if you want to avoid perpetual licensing fees, assuming publisher holds subsidiary rights. However, if author retains those rights, you may be able to work out a joint venture.
Who to Talk To
Typically, your first contact will be with publisher. Visit publisher’s website and look for contact information for “Subsidiary Rights Department” (This is common department name. In some cases, you may need to search for variations like “Rights and Acquisition” or “Acquisition and Licensing”).
In other cases, authors may negotiate rights through their agents or their publisher may outsource licensing issues to third-party agencies. Again, publisher should be able to direct you in either case.
Resources to Get You Started
Subsidiary licensing does involve more negotiation and more legal responsibility than an average resale rights venture. Ultimately, you may need to hire an attorney to assist in contract negotiations on third party rights. Meanwhile, familiarize yourself with these resources for comprehensive information on rights acquisition as it pertains to publishing industry:
PubLaw – a legal perspective
Writer’s Services – an author’s perspective
Communication Creativity – a marketer’s perspective (educational video tape)
John Calder is the owner/editor of The Ezine Dot Net. Subscribe Today and get real information YOU can use to help build your online business today! http://www.TheEzine.Net RSS feeds are available.
