Who Owns a Ghostwritten Book?
By Jim Morris ยท Updated
Whoever the contract says owns it. Usually the author, but not always. Before you hire anyone, read exactly what the agreement says about copyright, royalties, and credit. In book writing and publishing, ownership starts with the contract.
This is general information, not legal advice. For anything unusual, have a lawyer look at the contract.
What to check in a book writing and publishing contract
- Who holds the copyright to the finished manuscript
- Who receives royalties, and whether the writer gets a share
- Whether the writer can be credited, or must stay anonymous
- Who owns the interview recordings and notes
- What happens if the project stops partway
Ownership vs. publisher of record
The publisher of record is the company named as publisher on the book and in retail listings. That's not the same as owning the rights. A publisher can be listed while the author still owns the book.
How Human Touch Publishing handles it
Human Touch Publishing is the publisher of record, and you keep all the rights and royalties. You own your book and your intellectual property. We don't take a cut of your sales.
Red flags
Be careful with agreements that give the publisher your rights for life, take a large share of royalties after you've already paid for the work, or are vague about any of this.
Straight answers
Can a ghostwriter claim they wrote my book?
Only if the contract allows it. Many agreements include confidentiality terms.
About Human Touch Publishing
Ownership is one of the first things we cover with every author, because it should never be a surprise. Human Touch Publishing is a book writing and publishing company in Nashville, and we work with experts all over the country. Real writers and editors help you take your book from idea through writing, editing, design, publishing and launch, and you keep all your rights and royalties. If you want to talk through your book, book a call with Jim.