How to Get Your Rights Back from a Publisher: The 2026 Author's Guide to Reversion of Rights

Your book is yours. Not your publisher's. Yours.

But if you've signed a traditional publishing contract, you might not feel that way. Maybe your book hasn't sold in years, but it's still technically "in print" because twelve copies exist in a warehouse somewhere. Maybe your publisher went silent after the initial release. Or maybe you've simply outgrown the relationship and want to take control of your work's future.

Here's the truth: you can get your rights back. It's called reversion of rights, and it's one of the most powerful tools an author has, if you know how to use it.

What Is Reversion of Rights (And Why Should You Care)?

Reversion of rights is the contractual process that allows you to reclaim ownership of your book from your publisher. When you signed your publishing contract, you granted your publisher certain rights, usually the right to publish, distribute, and sell your work. Reversion is how you take those rights back.

Why does this matter? Because once you have your rights back, you control everything. You can republish with a different press, self-publish, license the book for audiobook or translation deals, or simply let it rest. The book is yours again, fully and completely.

Most publishing contracts include a reversion clause. The problem? Many authors don't know it exists, don't know when they qualify, or don't know how to actually trigger it.

When Can You Request Reversion of Rights?

The specific conditions for reversion depend on your contract, but here are the most common triggers:

Out of Print Status This is the classic reversion trigger. If your book is no longer available for sale, physically or digitally, you can usually request reversion. But here's where it gets tricky: many publishers keep e-books "in print" indefinitely, even if sales have flatlined. Make sure your contract defines "out of print" in a way that actually means something.

Sales Thresholds Some contracts allow reversion if sales fall below a certain number over a defined period. Common thresholds are fewer than 50 copies per year or under $100 in royalties over 12 months. If your book is barely moving, check your contract, you might already qualify.

Time-Based Clauses Certain contracts automatically trigger reversion after a set period, often three to seven years post-publication. If your book has been sitting for years with minimal publisher support, this could be your opening.

Material Breach or Insolvency If your publisher stops responding, fails to pay royalties, or goes out of business, you have grounds for immediate reversion. This isn't common, but it's important to know.

Statutory Termination Rights Under U.S. copyright law, authors can reclaim rights 35 to 40 years after publication for works that aren't "work-made-for-hire." This is a long game, but it's an ironclad federal right that supersedes your contract.

The first step? Pull out your contract and read the reversion clause carefully. If you don't have a copy, email your publisher and request one. You're entitled to it.

The Step-by-Step Reversion Process

Once you've determined you qualify for reversion, here's how to actually make it happen:

Step 1: Write Your Rights Reversion Letter

Your reversion request should be formal but straightforward. Address it to your publisher's contracts department or your primary editorial contact. Include:

• Your full name and contact information

• Book title and ISBN

• Contract signing date (if you have it)

• The specific contract clause you're invoking

• Evidence that you meet the reversion conditions (sales reports, dates, etc.)

• A clear request for reversion

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Keep it professional and factual. You're not making a case, you're exercising a contractual right.

Sample Rights Reversion Letter:

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[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email Address] [Date]

[Publisher Name] Attn: Contracts Department [Publisher Address]

Re: Request for Reversion of Rights – [Book Title] (ISBN: [ISBN])

Dear [Publisher Name],

I am writing to formally request reversion of rights for my book, [Book Title], originally published on [Publication Date] under our agreement dated [Contract Date].

According to Section [X] of our contract, rights revert to the author when [specific condition: e.g., "sales fall below 50 copies annually for two consecutive years" or "the work is out of print for more than six months"]. As of [Date], this condition has been met. [Include supporting evidence, such as: "According to my most recent royalty statement dated [Date], the book sold [X] copies in the past 12 months."]

I am requesting full reversion of all rights, including print, digital, audio, and subsidiary rights, as outlined in our original agreement. Please confirm receipt of this request and provide a timeline for the reversion process.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response within [30 days, or timeframe specified in your contract].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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Step 2: Understand the Grace Period

Once you submit your request, don't expect an immediate response. Most contracts include a grace period: typically six to nine months: during which the publisher can either:

• Bring the book back into active publication (re-printing, new marketing push, etc.), or

• Formally revert the rights to you

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If they do nothing within that window, the rights automatically revert. Document everything. Save emails. Note dates.

Step 3: Get Written Confirmation

Some publishers will send a formal reversion letter or email confirming that rights have been returned. Others won't. If you don't receive written confirmation after the grace period ends, follow up and request it. This document is your proof of ownership when you update vendors, register new ISBNs, or license your work elsewhere.

What Happens After You Get Your Rights Back?

Congratulations: you own your book again. Now what?

Secure Your Files Immediately request (or purchase, if necessary) all production files: cover art, interior layouts, edited manuscripts, marketing materials. If your publisher won't provide them or charges an unreasonable fee, you'll need to re-edit and reformat the book yourself. It's worth it.

Decide What's Next You have options. Republish independently. Find a new publisher who's a better fit. License the audiobook rights. Translate it into other languages. This is your second chance to do things your way.

How We Do Things Differently at Huntsville Independent Press

Here's the thing about traditional publishing contracts: they're designed to benefit the publisher, not the author. Rights are locked up for years. Reversion clauses are buried in legalese. And even when authors qualify, the process is deliberately opaque.

At Huntsville Independent Press, we don't operate that way. Our contracts are author-friendly from day one. We believe you should own your work: period. That's why our agreements include clear, fair reversion terms with no hidden catches. We're not interested in holding onto books we're not actively supporting.

If you're an author in Alabama (or anywhere else) looking for book publishers in Alabama who actually respect your rights, we should talk. We're not here to trap you in a contract. We're here to publish meaningful work and give authors the control they deserve.

Publishing should be a partnership, not a cage. When the time comes for you to move on: whether that's in three years or thirty: you should be able to do so without a legal battle.

Final Thoughts: Your Work, Your Rights, Your Future

Reversion of rights isn't a loophole or a trick. It's a basic author protection that should be standard in every publishing contract. But too many authors don't know it exists until it's too late: or they're too intimidated to ask for what's already theirs.

If you're reading this and thinking, "That's my book," then it's time to act. Pull out your contract. Check the reversion clause. Calculate your sales. Write the letter.

You wrote the book. You deserve to control its future.

And if you're just starting out and looking for a publisher who won't make you fight for your rights five years from now? Look for book publishers who put authors first. They're out there. We're one of them.

Your rights matter. Don't wait to reclaim them.