What Rights Do I Keep When I Self-Publish My Book?
What rights do I keep when I self-publish my book? When you self-publish on your own, you usually keep all of your rights. But if you sign with a company, your contract decides which rights you keep and which you give away.
Rights include the right to print, sell ebooks, make audiobooks, translate, and adapt your book for film or TV. Each one can be valuable.
In this article, you will get a clear answer, then the solution step by step, and then an industry hack that helps you protect your rights. This is general information, not legal advice; talk to a qualified attorney about your contract.
Questions and Answers
Q: Does Amazon KDP own my book?
A: No. KDP's standard terms let you keep your rights, but always read the current terms.
Q: Can a contract take my audiobook or film rights?
A: Yes, some can. That is why reading every contract carefully matters.
The Solution
Read every contract before signing.
List each right the contract mentions.
Ask how long the contract lasts.
Ask how you can end it.
Keep rights you plan to use yourself.
Have an attorney review important contracts.
The Industry Hack
Search your contract for the words "exclusive," "worldwide," "in perpetuity," and "all formats." These words often signal that you are giving away more than you think. Asking about each one before you sign can save you years of trouble.
Keywords for Amazon and YouTube
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Want to see how your book measures up? Download the free 10-point checklist at selfpublishmedia.com.
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