By thoroughly examining more than a dozen publishing industry contracts, this how-to guide answers the most common questions writers ask about publishing, agency, coauthoring, working-for-hire, and other agreements. This reference breaks down the complex legalese in each contract and provides a clause-by-clause explanation of their contents. Commentary on negotiation points and the consequences related to the absence or presence of critical verbiage will help those -- from the most seasoned author signing with a major publishing firm to an author who aspires to publish or is thinking of working with a collaborator on a project -- who seek to demystify the process of signing important agreements operate from a more knowledgeable position.