You wrote it. Let's make sure you own it, protect it, and hire help without giving your book away.
Whether you're self-publishing your first title or building a series, the business side matters as much as the writing. When you hire an editor, illustrator, ghostwriter, or cover designer, the right agreement makes sure the work — and the rights — end up with you. Knowing what to register, and when, keeps your characters, titles, and series yours.
What's inside
- Contracts for everyone you hire — illustrators, editors, ghostwriters, cover designers, narrators, beta and sensitivity readers — each with IP assignment so you own the work.
- IP guides for authors — copyright, trademarking your series and pen name, and moving book rights into your LLC.
- Business basics — author-business setup, pen name/DBA, and what to bring your CPA or attorney.
Common questions
What legal documents does a self-published author need?
Most self-published authors need three basics: a contractor agreement with IP assignment for anyone they hire (illustrator, editor, ghostwriter, cover designer), copyright registration for the finished book, and — once they're selling — an LLC to separate personal and business assets. A trademark matters if you want to protect a series name or pen name.
How do I make sure I own the illustrations or edits I paid for?
You own hired creative work only if your contract says so. A work-for-hire or contractor agreement with a written IP assignment transfers the copyright in the illustrations, editing, or cover design to you. Without that language, the creator can keep the rights even though you paid — so the assignment clause matters.
Should an author form an LLC?
Many authors form an LLC once they start earning, to separate personal assets from the business and hold their book rights and trademarks in one place. It isn't required to publish, but it adds liability protection and makes rights easier to license or pass on. Confirm the fit with a CPA or attorney.
