How long is the contract? And if you sign one, how do you cancel it?
How long is the contract? And how do you cancel it?
and also, after signing the contract, can you publish or write other books, but keeping your author rights, or do these its also automatically pass to Webnovel?
Wizard007 I have not signed a contract with Webnovel, but I imagine that when you sign a contract for a novel, the contract will stay with that novel and cannot be canceled. This is a contract, after all, not just an agreement or permission to perpetually release your chapters.
However, I also think that it is only the one work you have signed over that the contract includes, it makes no sense for anyone to sign a contract that includes even your other / future work.
Woah. If the contract didn't stipulate a term date (e.g, this contract is for date X to date X), then I'm afraid it might be indefinitely. You'll likely need to gain written permission from Webnovel to release the book brand (e.g book series) and void the contract via a contract variation off the original. Legal advice (out of your pocket) may be required for this activity.
The contract holds ownership of the book brand via Exclusive Global Rights. So if you signed over them exclusive rights to, idk, Harry Potter series. They have exclusive rights and (virtually) ownership over this book brand indefinitely. They can represent and promote it how they want, keeping your name as the author.
However, if you write a completely different book series that has nothing to do with the above. That is still yours. Since it's an entirely different book brand.
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Wizard007 as my advice above. They would hold power of attorney over your book brand. So, effectively, anything you write under that book brand is under the contract. The only given is that you are continually credited as the author. They have the right to ask for content and design of the book brand to be modified to suit how they want to represent the book in the marketplace.
In all honesty, it doesn't need to be a scary experience. Webnovel has a lot of stories that are gaining popularity and growth in the marketplace. It does seem to work well for a lot of writers.
It is dependent on flexibility and willingness from the author to trust WN judgement (in "good faith") with content control. Basically, letting them direct the production of the book and writing to their suggestions.
For a newbie startup writer who requires this direction, it could end up a really good thing. Especially, if you don't mind your book series/brand having that solid experience and professional direction.
Veronica8 thank you!
I just got the contract so I'm still thinking whether to accept or not, and as you said, how I'm still a novice in writing novels, the contract can end up being pretty good.
equally I will think about it for a while longer, since it does not specify that you sign it immediately.
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Wizard007 I really do suggest you think it through. Take your time. If you're able to, seek legal advice on the matter if you're not familiar with contracts. Don't send a signed contract back, unless you absolutely know what you're getting into and prepared to do what your contractual obligations are.
You should also be able to obtain a few changes if something bugs you. However, once you sign, you are doomed.