Entire agreement and amendment
This clause means that the contract you are signing is the complete agreement between you and the publisher. It includes everything that you and the publis
In plain English
This clause means that the contract you are signing is the complete agreement between you and the publisher. It includes everything that you and the publisher have agreed upon, and any changes to this agreement must be made in writing and signed by both you and the publisher.
What it means in practice
In practice, this means that any promises, understandings, or agreements that are not written in the contract may not be enforceable. If you and the publisher later agree to change something in the contract, make sure it is documented in a written amendment signed by both parties. This protects you by ensuring that all terms are clear and agreed upon.
What's standard
It is standard for publishing contracts to include an entire agreement clause and to require written amendments signed by both parties.
Red flags
Watch for language that suggests verbal agreements are binding, as this could conflict with the entire agreement clause.
Be cautious of clauses that allow the publisher to make unilateral changes without your consent.
Look out for any wording that might limit your ability to negotiate future terms or amendments.
What to ask for instead
Ask for language that explicitly states that any amendments must be mutually agreed upon and signed by both parties. For example, "This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by both the Author and the Publisher."
This is information, not legal advice. Contracts turn on their exact wording and your circumstances — before you sign, have a publishing lawyer or a body like the Society of Authors or the Authors Guild review the actual document.