Thread: Can you get out of a contract?

So I have a trilogy and the first one has been published. The contract covered all three books. I was wondering if there is any way you can get out of a publishing contract because I want my second book published somewhere else.

Hi, Anthony. I moved your thread here because Writers' Resources is just for that -- resources for us crazy writers.

To answer your question: No, a contract is a binding agreement enforceable by law. Unless you can present compelling evidence, such as the publisher breaking the law or treating you unfairly, I can't see how you could get out of it. If you don't mind my asking, why do you want your book published elsewhere?

Well when I talked to them on the phone, they talked about how they would edit it. And when I got it it hadn't really been edited. And now I'm afraid nobody would read it because of that. So I don't want to get the second book published there. I'll just have to wait for 7 years when the contract ends and then do something.

Anthony--

My heart goes out to you friend. If these are the jerks I'm thinking of, then it may help a little to know that you are simply one of many who have been abused by their unscrupulous practices and tendency to use peoples dreams against them:

How to get out of contract with Publish America - WORLD Law Direct Forums

Don't give up hope, though. Remember that you are a writer and a writer isn't defined by a book or a trilogy. A writer writes and keeps writing. You've found an active, helpful community here: one that will help you from initial concept to suggesting markets.

Thanks. The only problem now is that I can't come up with any fantasy ideas and I really want to write right now. I can't come up with anything and it's killing me.

Originally Posted by AnthonyJones

Thanks. The only problem now is that I can't come up with any fantasy ideas and I really want to write right now. I can't come up with anything and it's killing me.

Hmm. Well, strangely enough, just a couple days ago, I posted this:

http://www.writingforums.com/file-13...asy-story.html

Take a look. I mean what I say there: I'd love for someone to take that little beginning and run with it. I'd even be willing to help with brainstorming and world-building. If nothing else, it might provide the seed of an idea.

-G.

Consult an attorney who specializes in representing authors in the publishing industry.

Leyline. That is really interesting actually. Now I want to know what happens next. I thought about what you said so I tried to come up with some things that would happen after that but I'm at a loss. I can't even do that. The only thing I knew what I would do was change the main character to a boy because I would be able to relate more. I'm trying to think what would come after that but just can't come up with anything. I'll keep trying.

Originally Posted by AnthonyJones

Leyline. That is really interesting actually. Now I want to know what happens next. I thought about what you said so I tried to come up with some things that would happen after that but I'm at a loss. I can't even do that. The only thing I knew what I would do was change the main character to a boy because I would be able to relate more. I'm trying to think what would come after that but just can't come up with anything. I'll keep trying.

Well, think about it. It sounds to me like this whole ordeal has given you a case of writer's block. If things don't improve soon, I know a few tips and tricks that always get me out of a slump. They might help you. Also, it won't hurt to browse around in the Fiction and Workshop sections. Sometimes, giving a critique to another piece of writing (even if it's just pointing out things you really like about a story) can jump-start the ol' story brain.

Best of luck, Anthony. Don't let the jerks get you down.

Thanks Leyline. I'll try that out. And I won't. Most people put me down for who I chose and I didn't know much of what I was doing. So thanks for being this way. And I might have to hear some of your tricks because it's killing me to have nothing to write about.

What if you find a loophole? Or would that not change anything. Has TV lied to me? D=

Is editing included in your contract? If they haven't kept up their side of the bargin you maybe able to get out.

My country has laws that protect against unfair contracts. Talk to a lawyer. There is probably a free comunity one near you.

As a general guide for next time publisher will pay you an advance. Don't use anyone that dosen't give you cash straight up. Don't use anyone who doesn't have a book in your local bookstore. Don't use anyone that asks for submissions. Use an agent.

A lawyer once told me that ANY contract is only as good as both party's willingness to perform.

"Til death us do part" - that's the biggest joke of all.