Give 'Em Back: A Guest Post by Patricia Sargeant

Many thanks to the Writers Who Kill authors for inviting me to visit. I’m thrilled to be here.

I love the sound of the term “reversion of rights.” It’s not just the alliteration but also the definition. In publishing, reversion of rights—also referred to as “termination of transfer”; more alliteration—means authors get their work back. Quoting from the University of Houston Libraries website, “In the U.S., termination of transfers laws enable authors to regain rights in their works that might have been signed away—even if their contracts contain language to the contrary.” (Emphasis by University of Houston Libraries.)

 

Some authors don’t see the point of getting back the rights to a book that already has been published. What would they do with it?

 

Tell me why

Here are a few of the reasons reversion of rights is important to me (no particular order):

·      It’s my work and I want it back.

·      I can reissue the book to generate additional income.

·      I can use the book as a reader magnet for my e-newsletter.

·      It’s my work and I want it back.

·      I can continue the series.

·      I can repackage/rebrand the series.

 

Did I mention it’s my work and I want it back? So, how do we do that?

 

Step 1: The book is mine.

One of the first things I do after signing a publishing contract is put my reversion of rights date on a calendar. Yes, it’s that serious to me.

 

Years ago, one of the professional writer organizations I used to belong to provided members with a template reversion of rights letter. Each time I send a reversion of rights request, I personalize the content and email it to the publisher’s contracts lawyer. Usually, I receive an insultingly rapid response, confirming my rights reversion. (They could at least pretend to be sorry to see me go.)

 

That confirmation email is important. Some platforms require authors verify they’ve received the rights to their book back.

 

Step 2: All the words

In most cases, publishers no longer have the production file for your book. Ask for it, but be prepared to hear it’s been destroyed. Sadness. But never fear. You’ve got plenty of options for recreating your text files.

·      I always keep two author copies of my books. I use one to break apart and scan when I’m ready to reissue it. I’ve purchased a low-cost, serviceable scanner.

·      If you’ve kept your final manuscript electronic file, you can update it.

·      There are services you can pay to scan a copy of your book.

 

Worst-case scenario, you retype your manuscript. I can hear your screams.

 

Step 3: Cover me

In most cases, reversion of rights refers only to the text of your book. Usually authors don’t have any claim to the cover. I know; tragic. But again, you have options, including:

·      Sites on which you can find designers to create your cover;

·      Online companies that offer template covers;

·      Product-specific videos that teach you to design your own covers.

 

One final comment as I hope our Writers Who Kill authors don’t notice I’m going over my word count. (More contractions!) Please make sure your book is copyright protected.

 

Thank you again for this opportunity to visit with the Writers Who Kill community. I’m so grateful.

 

This post is a brief overview of the process for reissuing your book. If you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer.

 

Bio: Patricia Sargeant writes romantic suspense. She also writes cozy mysteries as Olivia Matthews and romance as Regina Hart. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, and Library Journal. Patricia is a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, Cozy Mystery Crew, and Chicks on the Case. Visit her online at PatriciaSargeant.com and check out her Peach Coast Library books here.