LITERARY RIGHTS
Turning Pages, Protecting Stories: Legal Services for the Literary WorldAt HMLG, we know every story deserves the right protections. From self-published authors and playwrights to agents, cartoonists, and publishers, we provide legal services designed to help you turn your creativity into lasting success.
We’ve Been in Your Shoes
As creatives, our unique perspective fuels our passion for helping writers, creators, and literary businesses navigate the complex world of publishing with practical, no-nonsense advice.
From Manuscript to Marketplace
HMLG’s services are as diverse as the literary clients we serve. We’re here to guide you through intellectual property protection, contract negotiations, licensing deals, and even dispute resolution. Whether you’re finalizing a book deal or safeguarding your creative rights, we help you protect what matters most.
Keeping Up With a Changing Industry
Publishing is evolving faster than ever, and we’re here to help you stay ahead. We provide guidance on industry regulations, defamation and privacy laws, digital media challenges, and compliance, so you can focus on your craft while we handle the complexities.
HMLG LITERARY SERVICES:
- Strategic Literary Industry Guidance
- Business Contract Negotiation & Enforcement
- Publishing Agreements (Options, Life Story, Agency, Screenwriting, Ghostwriting, Adaptations)
- Film & Television Rights, Merchandise and Ancillary Rights
- Website Terms and Conditions, E-Commerce and Privacy
- Distribution & Sales Agreements, Retailers, Wholesalers
- Intellectual Property Protection.
- Defamation, Rights of Publicity and Rights of Privacy
- Publishing Industry Regulations & Compliance
- Self-Publishing Business & Operations.
- Book Tours, Influencers, Social Media
FAQ
What should an author look for in a publishing agreement?
Which rights are granted and which are reserved, territory and format, advance and royalty structure, accounting and audit rights, reversion terms, option obligations on future work, and how subsidiary rights such as film, audio, and translation are handled.
What are subsidiary rights?
Rights beyond the primary book format, including film and television adaptation, audio, translation, serial, and merchandising. Whether the author or publisher controls them, and how proceeds are split, is negotiated separately.
Do I need a lawyer if I have a literary agent?
They do different jobs. An agent sells the work and manages the relationship. A lawyer reviews the contract terms and their legal consequences. Many authors use both.
What rights should a self-published author protect?
Copyright registration, trademark for series titles and author brand where applicable, clear agreements with editors, designers, and narrators including IP assignment, and careful review of platform and distribution terms.
ARE YOU READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR LEGAL STRATEGY?
Let’s connect! Whether you’re looking for an in-house legal team or need to augment your existing counsel, HMLG is ready to help you rock your business.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with practical, proactive, world-class legal support.
3213 Harbor Avenue SW, Ste. A2
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 774-0879