In continuing our blog series on Insider Information, today’s topic focuses on dual-endeavor publishing. Before getting into the specifics, I want to clarify that this term is not necessarily how a publisher would describe himself or herself, rather it is the terms between publisher and author that distinguish this type of publishing.
The most common model of dual-endeavor publishing that I’ve seen in my work with authors is that the author and publisher split the cost of initial printing, book cover design, and any other initial costs. Since both parties are investing (most likely equally), then the initial printing is then split, so that the publisher and author sell, Â but neither is repaying the other. Instead, the author and publisher are both taking full profit on the copies each sells. This may vary in percentages invested, but the idea is that both parties are investing in the initial costs to share the burden of that initial investment.
What I haven’t seen consistency on in this model is how retains the printing rights. I have heard that the initial printing rights remain with the publisher, but the second printing then goes to the author. Though, this is not consistent enough to say to authors that if you don’t see this kind of arrangement you should be concerned if this arrangement isn’t the one offered to you. What should be avoided is in this dual-endeavor publishing model is the author giving over all rights to the publisher, then again, I would always advise authors to be extremely careful about giving up his or her rights.