Thread by @Joannechocolat

Okay. Today's #TenTweets are on the very topical subject of CONTRACTS. Follow the hashtag to collect them all! #TenThingsAboutContracts

1. Currently, publishing contracts vary enormously. Some are fair, others amazingly exploitative. The @Soc_of_Authors is campaigning for a review of laws to address unfair contracts, and to help authors get a better deal. #TenThingsAboutContracts

2. Many EU countries already have these laws. There's an easy acronym to remember what the elements of a fair contract should be. It's CREATOR. #TenThingsAboutContracts

3. C: CLARITY. A contract should be clear, and in writing. #TenThingsAboutContracts

4. R: REMUNERATION. Fair payment to the author for every use of their work, including a "bestseller clause" in case the book does better than expected. #TenThingsAboutContracts

5. E: EXPLOITATION. That means the publisher should actively *use* the rights they have been granted. Otherwise known as the "use it or lose it" rule, it means no buying of rights and then forgetting about them. #TenThingsAboutContracts

6. A: ACCOUNTING. That means more transparency over royalties, and where and when your work is being used. #TenThingsAboutContracts

7. T: TERMS. Reasonable terms on contracts, with time limits, and regular reviews to take into account new forms of exploitation (e.g. E-books, etc). #TenThingsAboutContracts

8. O: OWNERSHIP. That means appropriate credit for use of your work, and absolutely no waiving of moral rights (i.e. letting someone take credit for your work, or removing your name from it). #TenThingsAboutContracts

9. R: REASONABLENESS: Contracts should be reasonable, especially where authors' rights and obligations are concerned. (Eg: indemnity clauses that put all the risk onto the author.) #TenThingsAboutContracts

10. Be very cautious of any contract that doesn't meet the CREATOR requirement. And remember the @Soc_of_Authors offers excellent contract advice - and can help even if you've already signed a bad contract.