How do small presses handle subsidiary rights?
- Subsidiary rights cover uses beyond the primary edition (audio, translation, etc.).
- Contracts specify which sub-rights the press holds vs the author retains.
- A press should only take rights it can realistically exploit.
- Sub-rights income is split with the author per the contract.
- Unused rights are often better left with the author.
Small presses handle subsidiary rights by defining clearly in each contract which rights the press holds (audio, translation, foreign, film/TV, serial) and which the author keeps, then actively pursuing only the rights the press can realistically license or exploit. Sub-rights proceeds are split with the author per the agreed terms. A responsible small press does not grab rights it will let sit idle — unused rights usually serve the author better if retained.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Subsidiary rights can be a meaningful income stream, but they only have value if someone actively works them. A small press that contracts for rights it never exploits ties up an author's potential income for nothing, which damages the relationship and the author's career. Handling sub-rights well — taking only what the press can use, defining splits fairly, and pursuing them actively — benefits both parties and marks a press authors want to work with. (Contract terms are legal matters; presses and authors should have agreements reviewed appropriately.)
Chapter ii·What to include
- Clear contract terms on which rights the press holds.
- Rights taken only if the press can exploit them.
- Active pursuit of the held rights.
- A fair, defined split of sub-rights income.
- Unused rights left with the author where appropriate.
- Professional review of rights agreements.
Chapter iii·Example
A small press takes audio and translation rights it can actively license, but leaves film/TV rights with the author since it has no path to exploit them. It contracts a clear income split, pursues an audiobook deal within the year, and shares the proceeds. The author keeps the rights the press would only have let sit idle.
Chapter iv·Related questions
WriteLoom keeps each title's rights and deals organized, so a small press can track which subsidiary rights are held, sold, or idle.
See WriteLoom for teams