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 < back to full question list < back to academic authors question list < back to textbook authors question list Q: "Years ago, when we wrote our first high school textbooks and workbooks, these items were sold to the schools and we received royalties on each component. Then as publishers began giving away more and more items to secure a big adoption (or a state listing), they began giving away ancillaries. Now they even give away some student books. At first the publishers would give away the ancillaries they themselves had produced (without authors -- as 'managed' items for which they had paid writers a flat fee). So at one point our publisher had a "managed" workbook, which they would give away; we got royalties on our authored workbook when it was sold. Now they are often giving away both their 'managed' workbook and our 'authored - royalty-bearing - workbook. Whereas the writers for the managed workbook were paid in advance, we as authors are not 'paid' until the workbook is sold. As the publishers give away more and more of our authored materials, our royalties decline substantially. Do we have any recourse? For example, if they give away our authored materials, can we claim a royalties payment or equivalent payment? Any other suggestions?"
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