Co-Author and Writing Partnership Agreement

What a good one includes

• A precise breakdown of copyright ownership percentages and how derivative works, like sequels or film adaptations, will be managed.
• A clear formula for splitting royalties, advances, and licensing fees, including how shared expenses will be recouped before payouts.
• Specific billing and credit clauses defining exactly how both authors' names will appear on the cover, title page, and promotional materials.
• A division of writing duties, administrative tasks, and deadlines to hold both partners accountable throughout the creative process.
• A conflict resolution clause detailing how creative or business stalemates will be resolved, such as using a neutral third-party mediator.
• An exit strategy outlining what happens to the shared intellectual property if one co-author decides to abandon the project mid-way.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the project is finished or a publishing deal is on the table to draft and sign the agreement.
• Assuming an equal 50/50 split of copyright and royalties is fair without discussing who is contributing the majority of the writing or financial resources.
• Failing to outline who has the final say on business decisions, leaving the project stuck in limbo if partners disagree on a contract or publishing path.
• Neglecting to specify how sequels, prequels, or spin-offs featuring the same characters will be handled if only one author wants to write them.

Frequently asked questions