Should Self-publishers Handle Their Own Rights Sales?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

Increasingly self-publishers are pushing into new aspects of publishing and taking control of their own fate. One of these areas is rights.

By Edward Nawotka

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Self-publishers are often an independent breed. Increasingly, they are pushing into new aspects of publishing and taking control of their own fate. One of these areas is rights, be they print, translation, or film — one example is author Alex de Campi’s effort to sell rights via Kickstarter. The issue of film rights can be a complicated one, as we discussed previously in our three-part series on the subject of dealing with Hollywood. (You can read about it here, here, and here.)

Do you think self-publishers are adequately informed to handle their own rights sales? Is there an upside beyond saving on the agent’s commission? Are there pitfalls?

Share your own experiences and opinions with us in the comments below.

About the Author

Edward Nawotka

A widely published critic and essayist, Edward Nawotka serves as a speaker, educator and consultant for institutions and businesses involved in the global publishing and content industries. He was also editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives since the launch of the publication in 2009 until January 2016.