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- May 14, 2005
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- www.sharonmaas.co.uk
OK this is a new one for me. My two books Peacocks Dancing and Speech of Angels are not available any more, at least, not new from HarperCollins. They are only available on amazon through various sellers.
Anyway, back in January 13 I sent them a letter requesting a reprint as per the contract, with the intention of reversing the rights. I let things slip and forgot about it, then wrote them a couple of weeks ago asking for reversion or rights, as they had not reprinted.
During 2013 HC and I were in discussion about the e-rights to these two books, which they wanted. I decided not to give them.
Today I got the following email:
I’m afraid we have no record of receiving the earlier letter of 29th January 2013 where you requested a reprint of your novels.
As far as we are aware, the only matter under discussion with my colleague xxxx over the past few months, was the status of Electronic Book rights. Under clause 26 (6) of the head agreement these EBook rights reverted back to you some time ago and are now yours to exploit as you wish.
However, we are granted the rest of the rights under the agreement for the full term of copyright and under Clause 15 we are not eligible to revert such rights until a title becomes unavailable. Seeing as both titles are available via print on demand we are not in a position to revert these rights.
This is actually rather confusing and also troubling. AFASIK, the books have never been published via POD. Can a published deny reversion of rights under the grounds that the book is AVAILABLE in POD? THat would mean rights reversion need never be granted!!!
Also I am not aware that they ever had the e-rights to those books so how could there be a reversion of e-rights? Now running of to dig up that old contract.
Also, it's easy to say the never received the letter. Stupidly I di d not send t by registered mail. Should have done so, and by email as well. Looks as if that train has left.
Anyway, back in January 13 I sent them a letter requesting a reprint as per the contract, with the intention of reversing the rights. I let things slip and forgot about it, then wrote them a couple of weeks ago asking for reversion or rights, as they had not reprinted.
During 2013 HC and I were in discussion about the e-rights to these two books, which they wanted. I decided not to give them.
Today I got the following email:
I’m afraid we have no record of receiving the earlier letter of 29th January 2013 where you requested a reprint of your novels.
As far as we are aware, the only matter under discussion with my colleague xxxx over the past few months, was the status of Electronic Book rights. Under clause 26 (6) of the head agreement these EBook rights reverted back to you some time ago and are now yours to exploit as you wish.
However, we are granted the rest of the rights under the agreement for the full term of copyright and under Clause 15 we are not eligible to revert such rights until a title becomes unavailable. Seeing as both titles are available via print on demand we are not in a position to revert these rights.
This is actually rather confusing and also troubling. AFASIK, the books have never been published via POD. Can a published deny reversion of rights under the grounds that the book is AVAILABLE in POD? THat would mean rights reversion need never be granted!!!
Also I am not aware that they ever had the e-rights to those books so how could there be a reversion of e-rights? Now running of to dig up that old contract.
Also, it's easy to say the never received the letter. Stupidly I di d not send t by registered mail. Should have done so, and by email as well. Looks as if that train has left.
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