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Approaching copyright holder for licensing product

by peacepilgrim
2 replies
There are some health related audio recordings that I would like to offer as digital download. The author is deceased and I will need to approach the widow.

a) What would be a typical-industry standard to offer as royalty %? If I can document that my offer is common, then better chances of being accepted without long negotiation.

b) What software, website or system would I use to assure her of proper accounting and payment? Having a third party handler her payments or at least some reliable system/software would help her to feel comfortable with me. Yes, I can go through clickbank or similar and maybe later. For now, I was just going to sell it myself and pay her a royalty.

Thanks in advance for your intelligent suggestions/experience!
#approaching #copyright #holder #licensing #product
  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    Originally Posted by peacepilgrim View Post

    There are some health related audio recordings that I would like to offer as digital download. The author is deceased and I will need to approach the widow.

    a) What would be a typical-industry standard to offer as royalty %? If I can document that my offer is common, then better chances of being accepted without long negotiation.

    b) What software, website or system would I use to assure her of proper accounting and payment? Having a third party handler her payments or at least some reliable system/software would help her to feel comfortable with me. Yes, I can go through clickbank or similar and maybe later. For now, I was just going to sell it myself and pay her a royalty.

    Thanks in advance for your intelligent suggestions/experience!
    First I would recommend you make sure the author's estate is the owner of the audio rights to make sure you are approaching the correct person/entity.

    If they are from a large publishing house then you might try the Copyright Clearance Center - a great place to find information on licensing material.

    Copyright Clearance Center | The Copyright Licensing Experts

    I do not have experience with audio products, but am a published author and for books there is a typical process for royalties. There is usually a small advance against future royalties. This advance is typically non-refundable i.e if the book does not earn back enough royalties then the author keeps the advance.

    The advance is then deducted from the royalties and no additional monies are paid out until the product 'earns' more than the advance. Royalties are typically paid twice a year - some publishers do offer monthly payments (VERY rare) or just yearly payments - 2 yearly is very typical.

    The contract also usually specifies the way royalties are reported and also authorizes the author or their representative to audit the publishers accounts at least once a year.

    good luck!
    best,
    --Jack
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    You can also check out the book The Laptop Millionaire by Mark Anastasi. The book covers different aspects of internet marketing, but it also includes a sample licensing agreement.

    Maybe your local library has a copy.

    All the best,
    Michael
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    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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