Re: Copyright licensing fees

On 12/2/03 8:25 AM, "Robert Ferris" <rjf28[_at_]cornell.edu> wrote:

> All,
>
> I am currently a student at Cornell University. As part of a project we need
> to know a range of fees and/or royalty payments for licensing the trademark
> and copyrights of a book.

A book generally has copyright which is licensed. A series of books (Tarzan, Nancy Drew) may have trademark issues but it doesn't sound like yours would. The National Writers Union recommends the following royalties: Hard Cover: 10% of list price on first 5,000; 12.5% on next 5000; and 15% beyond that. For paperbacks, 7.5% of list on first 10,000 and 10% above that.

There are a zillion other issues in a publishing contract, tho, beyond just the bare royalty amount. You should contact a lawyer who knows publishing contracts or one of the writers associations (NWU, Writers Guild, ASJA - journalists) for their guidelines. You might have to join to get details.

A publishing contract has a lot of issues in it. Get someone who knows about them.
>
> The book will be used in a manner similiar to ebooks and I am assuming we
> would deal directly with the publisher for the rights.(?)

Generally, unless you have an agent, you will deal with the publisher. If you're self-publishing, it's a whole different ballgame. Get advice.
>
> Also, does the cost range change with different markets? (e.g. children versus
> adult)

The royalties don't change; the list price does. (If that's what you're asking). Go to your handy dandy bookstore and check out the prices.

Carol Busby

-- 
Carol A. Busby
Attorney at Law
875 Country Club Road
Eugene, OR  97401-2255
541.484.6860; fax 541.687.1891
email:  carol[_at_]drogon.com