You have written a book you want the world to read, but now you must find a publisher to help you produce your book and sort out the publishing contract. The idea of negotiating contract details with a publisher can seem like a daunting prospect, but as the author it is your responsibility to make sure you fully understand the publication contract which is presented to you.

What is a book contract? 
A book contract is the legally binding agreement between an author and their book publisher, which goes into minute detail about who owns the rights to what, highlighting what is expected from both parties during and after the book production, whilst mentioning how much money the author will receive in royalties. 

What should a book publishing contract include? 

• The physical aspects of the books development, this should include information on any editing which may be required, the formatting and layout of the book, whether any aspects should be tweaked by the author to improve the quality of the piece, as well as delivery dates of when the author’s manuscript is scheduled to be delivered. 
• Issues regarding the assignment of the authors copyright along with outlining the publisher’s rights to publish the book and how it is to be distributed into the book market. 
• The financial aspects need to be discussed, including the amount of royalties the author will receive from the sale of books and a breakdown of the cost of everything involved in the production of the book. The breakdown should include: how much it is for printing, the cost of editing/proofreading, the fee for marketing the book and go into detail about what kind of marketing plan there is for the book. 

All of these aspects may seem like they are things that your publisher handles, but as the author you have every right to know the process your book is going to undertake, the legal aspects and more crucially what your rights are. In any sort of relationship trust is key, so when you are looking for a publishing company who can help you with your book production, find out who they are and make sure that this publisher is the right one for you. Why not do a little research before you contact them, check out their website, check out their reviews on Amazon and take a look at what other sort of publications they have dealt with in the past.

Recently more stories have emerged regarding publishers who say they can help you publish your book: you are given a contract to sign and then you pay the amount specified for the production of the book, once this is complete you are unable to contact them or find out where they have moved to, or determine how many copies or your book they have sold, and you have no idea what to do or what your rights are. So, please take your time, research all the possibilities and make sure you know your rights, because even though it may take a little while you will eventually find your perfect publisher. 
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The seventh edition of the North Staffordshire Press Newsletter the Henson Herald is now available, detailing all of our upcoming events and news.

Book fairs provide an excellent chance to learn more about the publishing industry, booksellers, publishers, distributors and marketers. You will also learn a great deal about what readers want and how to reach them.  While acquiring knowledge about the book industry you can also take advantage of the chance to expose your name to a new audience - leaders who are interested in meeting new authors.  You may not walk away with a book deal but you will have made yourself known and that has long-lasting benefits.  Word of mouth is one of the strongest promotional tools available and those mouths are at book fairs, conventions and conferences.

Book fairs also provide an excellent opportunity to encounter media reps in search of a story.  TV and radio programme producers, newspapers editors, magazines, book reviewers and online media producers all attend these events in search of stories that they wouldn't otherwise hear about.  Never pass up on the opportunity to meet the media.  Keep an eye out for small I-phone-sized cameras too as they shoot broadcast-quality footage whilst out and about.  If you see somebody using one then invite them over and give them a bit of a pitch - you never know who they may be working for.

The major book conferences and conventions often involve travel expenses and over-night stays but local events are just as useful - easily accessible by car and you could reach a good percentage of readers, a reporter, editor or reviewer.

At a book fair, just as at a signing event, take your promotional literature along to pass out.  This is a great way to generate future sales.  The give-away should contain your contact information, book title, front cover artwork if you have it, website address and where the book can be purchased including any other online details.

Book fairs also often need speakers.  By volunteering you can gain not only great exposure but also add that appearance to your CV and any press releases.  Plan ahead though as these events are arranged months in advance.

Book fairs are often attended by best-selling authors too who will be willing to spend time you sharing their tips on writing, success and other advice.

To summarise, these events are wonderful places to meet-and-greet with fellow authors and publishers and to network with industry leaders.  There are plenty going on throughout the country - the most obvious being the Hay Festival but there are many more such as Latitude at Hensham Park in Suffolk, Port Eliot in Cornwall, Theakston's Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, Voewood at High Kelling, Norfolk, Edinburgh International in August, York Festival in September and Cheltenham on October to name but a few.