So I've just been sent through a publishing contract for my debut novel. I don't have a literary agent as I submitted straight to the publisher. They liked the manuscript and have sent me a contract but I'm really not sure if I should go with them.
The publisher are a small company with only 3 previous titles, none of which look as though they've sold well though they have good reviews. They want exclusive world rights to publish the story in any format, books, ebooks, film, TV, audio book etc.
It also says once the novel is published it will remain with the publisher which will protect its asset as sole owner.
The final thing that seems dodgy is that they are going to pay an upfront fee but then nothing else. No royalties from book sales, no fee if it gets picked up as an audio book or film or TV (I know this is highly unlikely but it still doesn't sit right that I wouldn't receive any money if it does do well.)
Apart from the lack of royalties, which I know is unusual, does any of that sound strange or are they fairly ordinary publishing contract terms?
Would you advise I take this deal or run away?