Contracts have never been simple in the book industry, but in the digital era, they’re more complicated than ever. Manuscripts are only the beginning. Photos, fonts, freelancers, and fifteen flavors of ebook can and do make getting folks “to sign on the line which is dotted” a huge challenge. This discussion will focus on some of the day-to-day challenges of managing and making use of contracted content and other IP. What does it take to get a contract done these days? And once it is done, how are publishers, authors, and agencies tracking the contracts grants and restrictions in a rapidly changing marketplace? Join us as we hear from professionals on the front line and from attendees who want to share their questions and experiences with contract management.

Panelists

Melissa Brodin, Contracts Manager at Lerner Publishing Group. Melissa oversees all contracts, rights, and permissions for LPG. Tara Warren, Vice President and Director of Information Technology at Lerner Publishing Group. Tara oversees IT operations at LPG, including the implementation of various software solutions for managing rights and permission for content and other IP assets.

Dawn Frederick, Agent and Owner of Red Sofa Literary. Dawn brings a broad knowledge of the book business to the table-with multiple years of experience as a bookseller in the independent, chain, and specialty stores; an editor for a YA publisher; a published nonfiction author; and an agent associate literary agent at Sebastian Literary Agency in 2002 (before Red Sofa Literary was established).

Laurie Harper, Author Biz Consulting. Laurie has over 30 years of experience in publishing and is known to editors, agents, and authors alike. She is a published author, former small press publisher, literary agent for over 25 years, and now a business consultant for writers. Her experience, perspective, and vast network are invaluable to authors, helping them achieve their individual publishing goals, save time and money, and stay sane in the process.