Pre-publication legal review for publishers
A read-through of a book, article, podcast or documentary for defamation, privacy and copyright risk before it is released.
What is included
- Reviews publishing agreements, including rights, royalties and length
- Negotiates subsidiary rights and rights reversion terms
- Reviews manuscripts before publication for defamation, privacy and copyright risks
- Advises on permissions for quotes and images
What is not included
- Registration and filing fees and other disbursements
- Talent management, booking or agent services
- Lawsuits, arbitrations or appeals not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
- Tax or accounting advice
Who this service is for
- Authors offered a publishing contract
- Publishers preparing a book for release
- Journalists and memoir writers
Information to have ready
- 1The contract or offer
- 2The manuscript, for a pre-publication review
- 3Permissions already obtained
- 4Any concerns about people named in the work
How a referral works
- 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
- 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
- 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
- 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights
Frequently asked questions
What does the lawyer charge?
A typical Ontario fee for this service is $1,000–$3,500, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is a rights reversion clause?
It sets when rights return to the author, for example if the book goes out of print. It is an important term to negotiate.
Why have a book reviewed before publication?
A review can spot statements that may be defamatory, invade privacy or use others' work without permission, so they can be fixed before release.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
- No outcome can be guaranteed
- The other side may not agree to proposed changes
- The lawyer confirms the scope, fee and steps in a written retainer before starting
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