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Francelina M. Perdomo Klukosky, Esq.

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Author's Lecture Contracts

Authors Lecture Contracts NYC - Francelina M. Perdomo Klukosky of Perdomo Law

Authors Lecture Contracts NYC - Fran Perdomo of Perdomo Law
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Author's Lecture Contract Law Firm, Perdomo Law in Manhattan New York, NY

The possible complexity of lecture contracts may surprise new authors who have yet to begin a lecture tour or agree to a set of lectures about their work. The agreements sometimes include a set fee for a specific talk but can have many other details that authors may not have considered before deciding to take on the public event. Lecture contracts for authors, like all legal documents, require a complete understanding from the signer.
Author's Lecture Contract Law Firm, Perdomo Law in Manhattan New York, NY

What are Author's Lecture Contracts?

The opportunity to speak about a topic covered in a published book could enable an author to earn additional attention and income. Lectures provide an opportunity for writers to introduce themselves to audiences interested in the topics the author covers. Some audience members will likely be loyal readers, but others will discover the author through the talk.

There is undeniable value to participating in lectures, but they are not as simple as they may seem. Authors need to have adequate protection with contracts that offer precise details about possible income sources, copyrights on published work, and potential liability. An author's lecture contract lawyer can help produce these documents for writers who want complete protection for themselves and their work.
Types of Author's Lecture Contracts

An author's lecture contract attorney can create documents that cover the project specifics the writer will undertake. Lawyers will also review completed agreements for their clients before they sign. Authors should have a lawyer review every new contract and discuss the project with the attorney. Not all premade documents will cover everything, as there are many variables to consider.
  • Expenses: Authors that plan to participate in one local lecture may have minimal expenses related to the event. Most venues hosting the event will cover any local advertising, as well as the cost of after-lecture meet and greet parties. Authors preparing for talks in another city or state or planning to travel to give a series of lectures will have more expenses. A contract should discuss who covers airfare and other travel costs, food, hotels, and more.
  • Audience: How large an audience should the author expect? A lecture may include only in-house guests or Livestream to a larger group. A writer may feel comfortable with an intimate talk with a few dozen guests or may prefer to share their words with hundreds of people or more. Authors need to choose what works best for them and use the contract to guarantee a satisfying experience. The writer may even want to have final approval of any advertising for the event that uses their name or likeness, to ensure their branding remains consistent.
  • Expectations: Oral communication with lecture hosts could easily allow people to walk away misunderstanding what the other wants for the event. An author's lecture contract law firm can prepare an agreement that provides more details. The document can cover the lecture length, the topics covered, and the types of media included. Some hosts may want the audience to have a question-and-answer time with the author. Others may prefer the author advertise the lecture to local audiences before the event through media interviews. A contract that outlines all expectations avoids conflict.
  • Profit: An author's Lecture Contract Lawyer will also outline the payment plans. Writers need to negotiate with the entity requesting their services what their payment will be for the lectures. An author may want a set fee, a percentage of ticket sales, or a combination of both. What share of the sale of books or other merchandise goes to the author? Will the author earn a fee for any public appearances to advertise the lecture?
  • Rights: Contracts should determine who maintains the legal rights to the material included in the lecture. Authors must decide if the host can Livestream video or audio during the talk and replay the event afterward. Another concern is if the host of the event can use snippets of the talk in their advertising or on their website?
  • Liability: Everyone needs to protect themselves against liability when dealing with a large public audience. If the event includes multiple speakers, the author should know they will not experience financial damage if another speaker says something controversial. Authors should also know that the event host has adequate insurance coverage if an audience member or the author becomes injured during the talk.
Contact Fran Perdomo Author Lecture Attorney, Fran Perdomo for a Case Assessment

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Author Lecture Attorney, Francelina M. Perdomo Klukosky for a Case Assessment

Authors should own the rights to their published work before they sign a lecture contract. An author's contract lecture lawyer may wish to view prior publishing contracts. Reviews allow them to determine if the lecture violates a previous agreement with a publishing house.


Authors can insist any video or audio of the lecture remain their property. Keeping the rights to their work will allow the author to use the media in podcasts, interviews, and their website. The writer can use the contract to ensure they have the right to permit others to later use the media in other projects.


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