reversion of rights letter

[Mustafa]

Hey guys, I have been informed by a publisher that I can have the rights back to a couple novels I had published, but that I need to send them a letter (agreement) telling them that I'm taking the rights back. They said they'll sign it and send it back.

Is this something a lawyer must do, or is it pretty simple and somthing I should do myself?

Thanks

 

[Old Hack]

Everything should be spelled out in your contract with the publisher. Read that, then follow the instructions it contains.

 

[Mustafa]

Well, the situation is like this: The rights in my contract would revert in a few years, but the press is selling and in my contract I have the right to reject the assignment of my contract to another press. I don't think the new press will do my books as much justice, for a number of reasons, so I exercised that right. My publisher didn't mind, but he said I could have the rights back, but that I must send them a letter saying that I am rejecting the assignment of my contract and taking the rights back. It seems like a pretty straightforward letter, but I guess what I'm wondering is if a letter not prepared by a lawyer, would be sufficient for future publishers (should I find one willing to take re-print rights).

 

[Old Hack]

In that case, ask the publisher what he needs you to say, or refer to the clause in your contract which allows this and to your discussion with your publisher.

Keep a copy of the letter and when you receive a signed response from your publisher, keep that very safely.

 

[Billtrumpet25]

Always...follow...the...contract.

You'll be safer in the long run.