Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Publishing Agreement
I need a publishing agreement for a first-time author who is granting exclusive rights to publish their manuscript in both print and digital formats. The agreement should include royalty terms, a provision for the author to approve final edits, and a clause for reversion of rights if the book goes out of print.
What is a Publishing Agreement?
A Publishing Agreement sets out the legal terms between authors and publishers for releasing creative works in Malaysia. It spells out who owns the copyright, how royalties will be paid, and what rights each party has under the Copyright Act 1987. The contract typically covers important details like publication format, territory rights, and marketing obligations.
These agreements protect both creators and publishing houses by clearly defining their roles and responsibilities. Publishers get the right to reproduce and sell the work, while authors maintain certain controls and receive compensation. The agreement also addresses modern publishing needs like digital rights, translation permissions, and adaptation options for different media formats.
When should you use a Publishing Agreement?
Use a Publishing Agreement when you're ready to publish any creative work in Malaysia - from books and articles to music and digital content. This becomes essential before sending your manuscript to a publisher, launching an academic journal, or preparing educational materials for distribution. The agreement needs to be in place before any publishing work begins.
It's particularly important when dealing with multiple publication formats, international distribution rights, or collaborative works with several contributors. Malaysian publishers and content creators need this formal agreement to protect their intellectual property rights, establish clear revenue sharing terms, and prevent future disputes over usage rights or royalty payments.
What are the different types of Publishing Agreement?
- Agreement Between Author And Publisher: The standard format for book publishing, covering manuscript rights, royalties, and editorial control
- Book Distribution Agreement: Focuses on the logistics and terms of getting published works to retailers and readers
- Standard Music Publishing Agreement: Specifically designed for musical compositions, covering performance rights and recording licenses
- Publication Contract: A comprehensive version typically used for academic works and journals
- Publisher Author Contract: Simplified version for single-work publications with straightforward terms
Who should typically use a Publishing Agreement?
- Authors and Content Creators: Primary parties who create the intellectual property and seek publication, including writers, academics, musicians, and digital content creators
- Publishing Houses: Companies that handle the production, marketing, and distribution of published works under Malaysian copyright law
- Literary Agents: Representatives who negotiate Publishing Agreements on behalf of authors with Malaysian publishers
- Legal Counsel: Lawyers who review and modify agreement terms to protect their clients' interests and ensure compliance
- Publishing Rights Managers: Specialists who oversee licensing, territorial rights, and royalty arrangements for published works
How do you write a Publishing Agreement?
- Work Details: Gather complete information about the creative work, including title, format, length, and any special features
- Rights Scope: Define publishing territories, formats (print, digital, audio), and duration of rights granted
- Payment Terms: Determine royalty rates, advance payments, and payment schedules that comply with Malaysian tax regulations
- Delivery Timeline: Set clear deadlines for manuscript submission, revisions, and final publication
- Legal Requirements: Our platform ensures your Publishing Agreement includes all mandatory elements under Malaysian law, minimizing drafting errors
- Signature Authority: Confirm all parties have proper authorization to execute the agreement
What should be included in a Publishing Agreement?
- Identification Details: Full names, addresses, and legal status of all parties involved in the Publishing Agreement
- Rights Grant: Clear specification of publishing rights, territories, and formats covered under Malaysian copyright law
- Financial Terms: Detailed royalty rates, payment schedules, and accounting provisions
- Delivery Requirements: Manuscript specifications, submission deadlines, and revision processes
- Term and Termination: Duration of the agreement and conditions for ending it
- Warranties: Author's guarantees about work originality and non-infringement
- Dispute Resolution: Malaysian jurisdiction and arbitration procedures
- Signature Block: Space for dated signatures with proper witnessing requirements
What's the difference between a Publishing Agreement and an Agency Agreement?
A Publishing Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement in the Malaysian legal context. While both involve representation and rights management, their core purposes and applications are distinct. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right document for your situation.
- Scope of Rights: Publishing Agreements specifically transfer publication and distribution rights for creative works, while Agency Agreements establish broader representation rights across multiple business aspects
- Duration and Terms: Publishing Agreements typically cover a specific work or series with defined publication periods, whereas Agency Agreements often have ongoing terms with broader service scope
- Revenue Structure: Publishing Agreements focus on royalties and sales-based compensation, while Agency Agreements usually involve commission-based payments for services rendered
- Legal Protection: Publishing Agreements emphasize copyright protection and intellectual property rights under Malaysian law, while Agency Agreements focus more on service obligations and performance standards
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.