Grant of rights clause
This clause means you give the publisher the sole right to publish and sell your book in English, worldwide, for as long as the copyright lasts.
In plain English
This clause means you give the publisher the sole right to publish and sell your book in English, worldwide, for as long as the copyright lasts.
What it means in practice
In practice, this means the publisher has control over how your book is published and sold in English-speaking countries. They can make decisions about formats (like hardcover, paperback, and e-book) and distribution without needing your approval. You won't be able to publish the book elsewhere in English during this time.
What's standard
It is standard for the grant of rights to be exclusive and worldwide, but the duration should be for the full term of copyright.
Red flags
Watch for language that grants rights in "all languages" or "all formats" without specifying limitations.
Be cautious of clauses that extend rights beyond the term of copyright or include vague terms like "including but not limited to."
Look out for phrases that allow the publisher to sublicense rights without your explicit consent.
What to ask for instead
Consider asking for language that limits the grant of rights to specific formats (e.g., "in book form, including hardcover, trade paperback, and e-book") and territories (e.g., "in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom"). Also, ensure there is a clause allowing rights to revert to you if the book goes out of print.
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.