Business and Career Growth
Contracts and Rights

Alex Brown, Renee Fountain, and Steven Hutson break down the essentials of publishing contracts. Learn how to spot red flags, understand key clauses, and navigate issues like translation rights and royalties so you can make informed decisions before signing any agreement.

Milton C. Toby explains what a contract is and why it matters. He walks through three key areas that often create confusion for writers, including rights, money, and warranties, and offers clarity on the different types of rights authors may encounter.

Milton C. Toby shares his ten essential rules of copyright, helping writers understand how to protect their creative work. This session offers clear guidance on copyright fundamentals and how they apply in real-world publishing situations.

Literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary breaks down the financial realities of traditional publishing. She explains how book deals work, what profit and loss statements really mean, how subsidiary rights function, and who pays for marketing and publicity. This session offers a clear, practical look at what writers need to understand to approach their careers as a business.

Paul MacArthur, contract advisor for the National Writers Union, explains how the union supports authors and clarifies common misconceptions about publishing agreements. He offers practical insight into understanding book contracts and approaching negotiations with greater confidence.

Erika Stribling, Kem Hinton, Marty Ludlum, Miranda Darrow, and Virginia Lee explore the legal challenges authors may face, from defamation and copyright to contracts and liability. They share practical strategies to help writers protect both their work and their rights.

Paul Levine explains the legal side of screenwriting with a clear look at contracts, copyright law, and professional protection. He offers practical guidance to help writers safeguard their work, understand their rights, and approach the business side of writing with confidence.