Not sure if this is better for here or the Authoring lounge but!
I've had an informal agreement with a writer of a web novel for a couple of years now. The web novel was pretty popular, thousands of readers per chapter, but it wasn't finished (I have the outline for the ending, though), and it is no longer available online. I don't think this is really appealing to anyone in terms of IP.
I had thought of editing and revising it to get published traditionally, but I know part of why the writer never finished is because he got too busy and this story isn't super personal to him, anyway.
My main questions:
1. What's the protocol for requesting full rights from the original author?
Assuming he goes for it, I'd want rights to revise the web novel into a manuscript form (lots of changes to the story in the series, which he OK'd), then eventual rights to adapt for screen. I am more than happy to retain a "Story by" credit for the original author. What is the fee range? Does this happen often?
2. If not full rights to do whatever I want (lol), what's the next best situation?
Again, assuming he doesn't have the time or interest to revise the novel himself but doesn't mind if I do, plus a screen adaptation. What does that agreement look like?
We just have an informal email agreement at the moment, but the pitch has gotten some requests, so I think it's a good time to nail down more specific legal terms before things go too far.
1 person likes this
Devin Overman Well it's not something anyone can really address without seeing the terms of the agreement you already have. However, you need to ask for full copyright and for the right to complete and adapt the work, including adaptations, derivations and sequels. Offer him permanent acknowledgement in your new adaptations in the form of "based on a web novel (or story) written by XX and Devin Overman (assuming you wrote part of it or contributed to the story). I will also say that this is something that you should have an entertainment lawyer draw up, considering that there might be substantial money involved in the future.