Contract offer | Advice needed!

[MiniSheepPencil]

So, it finally happened. My work caught the curious eye of Webnovel and I was offered a contract promising; "additional revenue", "deeper engagement with readers", and even "more revenue streams".

As this is only a reach-out from a liason there are no specifics nor a layout on what the contract is going to look like, but there sure is an alluring sugarcoating, making this seem like a really cool thing (and it might be who knows).

What I am looking for is advice, "do's & do not's", what to look out for, possible IP issues and so forth.
I am not looking for any personal opinion on whether Webnovel is a good platform or not, so please keep the comments civil and try to refrain from complaining and comparing negatively with both Tapas and other media platforms

Mini

[Lahin]

I had that happen to me a while back. The others' responses helped.

I post my novel on wattpad alongside tapas. Although, it hasn't gotten any reads whatsoever(we know why that's the case :smirk:), I got this message today. I've been on the internet long enough to know how things like this end terribly. So, anyone, if you'd like to help me........ My name is Livia. I'm an Author Liaison representative, representing W e b n o v e l. I've read the initial chapters and I feel that your novel showcases your capabilities as a writer thus, I would like to invit…

[SurvivALIST]

What I am looking for is advice, "do's & do not's", what to look out for, possible IP issues and so forth. I am not looking for any personal opinion on whether Webnovel is a good platform or not

Hello @Lahin . Give this person some knowledge about Intellectual Properties being violated first. I think this guy wants to know which professional terms stated in the contract turn out to be a double meaning that can both benefit and harm the creator.

@MiniSheepPencil, my advice for you is read between the lines of the contract you're signing. Currently, I'm studying on how to create contract myself and though I'm a beginner on this stuff, just always take note of what helps you more as a writer. When contracts are online, no lawyer can save you unless you have witnesses and notaries for it.

Wishing all writers a safe and productive journey!

[MiniSheepPencil]

@SurvivALIST Yes, the horror of being caught in a scam is only the initial step and part of the whole process. However, just like you pointed out, I'm searching for more insight of what kind of red flags to be aware of regardless of who you sign a contract with.

I value the contents of a contract a lot higher than the reputation of a company - cuz when all is said and done the contract is what's going to run the whole partnership anyway.

Thanks for the advice though, but even with my keen sense and intuition there are just points that I know I'll miss without a checklist

[SurvivALIST]

I don't know if this helps but try searching in the search tab for topics related to your concerns like type the word contract. You can even bookmark the threads and answers made by the past creators. That's my way of stalking history.

P.S. I'm not name-dropping but it's best to learn from people's past mistakes that may be written in this very Forum.

[Kaydreamer]

Scammy companies can twist or outright ignore a contract should they wish to; they have more money than you, and can drag out a court case until you go broke and give up. It's all very well to focus on the specifics of the contract, but if the other party is unethical, and better resourced than you, they're not going to honour it. They'll do whatever they want.

Plus, you don't want your name affiliated with shady companies. People will assume that you're a) a sucker, or b) also shady. Both of those assumptions are bad. (Not saying you're either of those things, but people are quick to judge.)

To answer your question on contract specifics, the one big thing I'd suggest looking out for is ensuring that they do not take any stake in your IP. Not a single percent. If they go under, any stake they have can prevent you from signing exclusivity rights to another company, or even continuing to create or publish your work at all. And release clauses can be where sneaky legalese sometimes snakes its way in, making it easy for the company to claim "no, actually, we do still own a stake in your IP, so you can't do anything without our consent."

[MiniSheepPencil]

ensuring that they do not take any stake in your IP. Not a single percent.

A very valid point! Keeping this noted for future reference.

As for the rest of what you mentioned; yes, if the company you sign with wishes nothing but to screw you over there is little to be said and done. However as this has started to come up I am taking the opportunity to collect some knowledge on the subject in case I do have to handle this without any assistance (which tends to be the case for most freelancers, myself included )

[cherrystark]

A thought that came to mind in relation to IP is your work's imagery. @therosesword and I were looking into this app that a girl in one of the FB groups we were in was bragging about. Commentors were congratulating her on the offer, etc. When we started digging into the TOS, the writer kept the rights to the written work but the app got all the imagery, especially in regard to advertising. They could advertise your work on any site they wanted and you didn't have a say.

The biggest red flag with their terms of service was that they had the right to change the terms whenever they wanted. Theoretically, they could change the terms granting them full control of the IP and the writer couldn't do anything about it.

[MiniSheepPencil]

Yes, and that would be a full-blown rejection from me.

Any abstract grey area clauses like "we retain the right to make changes if needed be" are highly lethal to your authority over the work. As far as my common knowledge goes, it really takes a lot of guts to stand up to someone offering a contract, but rather be picky with it than let the company have it's way with your creation.

I think the biggest guideline I rely on at the moment is that I want a clarified and in depth detailed description with additional sub information on what my work is going to be used for, what is allowed and what is not, what they expect, what is required/unacceptable. Yet, even if this practice seem like a sure way of going over it, it's not really giving me anything to go on or a chance to regulate it according to how the real world works, so summarizing some core elements and facts to scan for is a big help to me.

[cherrystark]

I think the biggest guideline I rely on at the moment is that I want a clarified and in depth detailed description with additional sub information on what my work is going to be used for, what is allowed and what is not, what they expect, what is required/unacceptable. Yet, even if this practice seem like a sure way of going over it, it's not really giving me anything to go on or a chance to regulate it according to how the real world works, so summarizing some core elements and facts to scan for is a big help to me.

I think its smart to approach things with a degree of skepticism. If there isn't enough information for you personally to make a sound decision, take it to a lawyer or anyone who understands "business" or legaleese for your region.

[RainbowCat]

Ooh I got the same offer from webnovel today and was looking for some help! Thanks for making this thread

[mariannightblade]

I would suggest to pay close attention to the copyright sections and also if it is the same when you leave or end your contract with them. Like if they will own that story because its been on their website as paid or you can publish it elsewhere after.