I am the co-author of a book with four other authors. Can I market and sell book-related workshops without asking the other authors for permission?
I am the co-author of a book with four other authors. The book will be published and released soon. We have a clear royalties agreement, but we don’t have an agreement about our individual rights beyond royalties. I want to be able to market and sell my coaching, speaking, and workshop services using the book independently — without having to ask permission from the other authors or being financially bound to them for my independent work. How can I do this legally?
19
6
Solved
When it comes to copyright law, if your agreement only covers the book royalties, then it doesn’t extend to other income streams. That means if you do speaking engagements, workshops, or coaching — even if they’re inspired by the book — that income belongs entirely to you.
You don’t have to share those earnings, as long as your activities are separate from the actual sale of the book. So, if you sell your own workshops or use the book as a reference or marketing tool, you’re legally entitled to 100% of that income.
0
Full Conversation
I am the co-author of a book with four other authors. The book will be published and released soon. We have a clear royalties agreement, but we don’t have an agreement about our individual rights beyond royalties.
I want to be able to market and sell my coaching, speaking, and workshop services using the book independently — without having to ask permission from the other authors or being financially bound to them for my independent work. How can I do this legally?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand your concern about wanting to market your services independently. Have you discussed this specific issue with the other authors before?
No, I’m concerned about making an unintended verbal agreement.
Lexi, Chatbot
Are there any clauses in your current agreement that touch upon individual rights beyond royalties or address marketing and selling services independently?
No, the group of authors in the contract is simply referred to as “author.”
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Michael M. Esq.
Hello! My name is Michael, and I’m an attorney ready to help. Your responses matter to me, so I just need a few minutes to review everything.
Are your co-authors planning to do the same thing — marketing or speaking using the book?
I haven’t spoken with them yet.
Michael M. Esq.
Okay, thanks. So, to confirm, you only have an agreement about book sales and royalties, correct? Nothing about outside income such as speaking, workshops, or coaching?
Correct.
Michael M. Esq.
Understood! So you’re wondering what your rights are and how to move forward legally, right?
Yes, to start.
Michael M. Esq.
Got it. Anything else I should know before I begin?
I have some ideas about leveraging the published book — like workshops and building an online community. The writing process was tough, and I regret giving up so much of my agency. Now, I want autonomy and don’t want to have to answer to the other authors. I recognize I may need to secure an agreement from them releasing me from any financial binds beyond our royalty agreement.
Michael M. Esq.
When it comes to copyright law, if your agreement only covers the book royalties, then it doesn’t extend to other income streams. That means if you do speaking engagements, workshops, or coaching — even if they’re inspired by the book — that income belongs entirely to you.
You don’t have to share those earnings, as long as your activities are separate from the actual sale of the book. So, if you sell your own workshops or use the book as a reference or marketing tool, you’re legally entitled to 100% of that income.
That helps clarify things. But here’s a scenario I’m concerned about:
The book contains exercises used by people who practice a method we’re all trained in (Internal Family Systems). I want to hold workshops using those exercises and possibly include handouts with portions of the book, like the individual exercises. Am I still free to do that?
Michael M. Esq.
For sure! You can absolutely do that. The exercises themselves aren’t trademarked or restricted, so you can use them in your workshops. You can charge for those sessions and keep all the proceeds — you don’t have to share that income.
Thank you!
Michael M. Esq.
75 satisfied customers
5 lawyers online now
13
3
Answered 3 days ago
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
