Author’s copies and discount
This clause states that the publisher will give the author a certain number of free copies of their book once it is published. Additionally, the author has
In plain English
This clause states that the publisher will give the author a certain number of free copies of their book once it is published. Additionally, the author has the option to buy more copies at a reduced price, typically at half the retail price.
What it means in practice
In practice, this means the author will receive a small number of copies of their book at no cost, which they can use for personal promotion, review copies, or personal use. If the author wants more copies, they can buy them at a significant discount, which is helpful for events, giveaways, or personal sales.
What's standard
It is standard for a publisher to provide between 10 to 20 free copies of the book to the author and offer a 40% to 50% discount on additional copies.
Red flags
A clause that offers fewer than 10 free copies.
A discount on additional copies that is less than 40%.
A requirement that the author pays for shipping on free copies.
What to ask for instead
Ask for a clause that guarantees at least 15 free copies and a 50% discount on additional copies, with the publisher covering shipping costs for the free copies.
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.