Ask Jerry
audio rights
Asked by Kristina Cowan on February 21, 2020
Dear Jerry,
My debut nonfiction book published in 2017. I went with a traditional press; no agent. They hold the audio rights, but they don't plan to use them. They said they'd be willing to license the rights if I find someone who wants to produce an audio version.
I'd like to reclaim the rights and pursue producing it on my own. Would you recommend that I send my publisher a letter asking them to consider this, given that I don't have an agent?
Thanks very much.
–Kristina Cowan
Jerry's Answer
That's exactly what I would suggest, Kristina. If they play hardball, they may say they own the rights and would need a piece of the action. But hopefully, as they don't plan to exploit the rights, they'll let you have them.