There is a common fear among authors that paying a company to help publish their book means they are "selling their soul" or losing ownership. In reality, a transparent service relationship is the best way to ensure you keep 100% of your intellectual property.
This guide explains how copyright works in the UK, the difference between "rights assignment" and "service provision," and what to look for in your publishing contract. *Note: This article provides general information, not legal advice.*
UK Copyright Basics
In the UK, copyright is an automatic right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. You do not need to register your book; it is protected as soon as it is written down. This right gives you the exclusive power to control how your work is copied, distributed, and adapted.
For more information, see the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) guidance on copyright.
Service contract vs rights acquisition
It is vital to distinguish between two different ways of working with a publisher:
| Service Contract (Quill & Reed) | Rights Acquisition (Traditional) |
|---|---|
| Author hires a company to perform tasks | Publisher "buys" the right to publish |
| Author retains 100% copyright | Author licenses rights to the publisher |
| Author owns the publishing accounts | Publisher owns and controls distribution |
| Contract ends when the service is done | Contract may last for "life of copyright" |
Why "divisible" rights matter
Copyright is like a bundle of sticks. You can give one stick away (e.g., the right to publish an ebook in French) while keeping the rest. When you self-publish, you keep the whole bundle. When you pay a service provider, you aren’t giving them any sticks; you are simply paying them to help you arrange the bundle.
Format, translation, and audio rights
Because you retain the copyright in an independent model, you are free to:
- Create an audiobook version without asking for permission.
- Sell translation rights to overseas publishers.
- Update the book or create a second edition whenever you want.
- Adapt the book into a screenplay or course.
ISBNs and Publishing Accounts
Ownership isn’t just about the words; it’s about the infrastructure. If a company owns the ISBN and the Amazon KDP account, they effectively control the "digital shelf" your book sits on. A genuine assisted publisher helps you set these up in your own name.
The Quill & Reed Standard
Our model is simple: you are the boss, we are the staff. You retain every aspect of your copyright. We do not take any claim to your intellectual property, your accounts, or your future royalties. This transparency is central to our Publishing Transparency Centre.
When to seek legal advice
If a contract includes terms like "Assignment of Copyright," "Moral Rights Waiver," or "Exclusive Lifetime Rights," and you do not understand the implications, you should consult a solicitor or a professional body like the Society of Authors before signing.
Common mistakes
- Confusing "publishing rights" with "copyright". A publisher might only need a licence to publish, not the ownership of the copyright itself.
- Assuming US and UK laws are identical. While similar, UK authors should rely on UK IPO guidance for their primary protection.
- Signing away rights for "marketing". No marketing service should require you to hand over your copyright.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to check my self-publishing contract?
For reputable service providers with transparent fixed-fee models, it is rarely necessary, but for complex "hybrid" or "traditional" deals, it is highly recommended.
Does Quill & Reed own my cover design?
No. While we create it for you as part of our service, once the project is complete, you own the rights to the final production files.
How long does copyright last in the UK?
Generally, for the life of the author plus 70 years.