How to Avoid Predatory Contracts: IP and Contracts Basics for Authors

RNA Learning is the education division of the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA).We offer online courses, workshops & free author events for RNA members and the public,  for writers and book lovers.We offer an exciting schedule of  events including 1-2 month long writing courses, short workshops and free author events. Our experienced tutors are either published novelists or experts from the business side of the writing world.

RNA Learning

Are you an author who is baffled by what IP means when it comes to books? Do you find contracts too scary to read? We can help.

Are you an unagented writer who has to look after their own career? Does reading contracts frighten you? Did you get a lawyer to review your contract and still wonder what it meant? This course is meant to demystify intellectual property and empower you to ask the right questions before you sign a contract.In this course you will learn: ●	What ‘intellectual property’ means ●	The different IP rights that exist in your work●	Why you need to think long term when it comes to IP●	How these rights are sold via contracts●	A basic guide to how to read a contract ●	Key points to think about when negotiating your rights with a publisher This course is ideal for early career authors interested in traditional publishing and may be of use to indie authors who are thinking of licensing the rights to certain formats (like audio or foreign language editions) to a publisher.Rhoda Baxter writes comfort reads with a dash of fun. She also writes multicultural women's fiction under the name Jeevani Charika. Her books have been shortlisted for various awards. A microbiologist by training, she has a day job working in university IP and licensing. Rhoda loves cake, crochet and playing with Lego. You can find out more about her (and get a free book!) on her website www.rhodabaxter.com.The course is held on-line and you can study in your own time during the month of the course. Any live events will be recorded for those unable to attend. The course has a linked Facebook group where you can ask questions.This course has a limited number of tickets.About RNA Learning courses:RNA Learning is the education division of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Establishing an online learning programme has been a great success for the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) and attendees alike. We are now entering our third year of courses that suit members and non-members at all stages of their writing careers. We offer a balanced, exciting schedule covering such topics as marketing, publishing, editing and all aspects of romance writing. Our experienced tutors are either published novelists or experts from the business side of the writing world. Courses are open to both RNA members and non-members. You don’t need any special technology or computer skills to join in. The courses will be run via the RNA’s online learning portal, using Moodle, a standard teaching tool used in many colleges and universities. RNA Learning workshops are delivered flexibly so that students can download and work at their own pace and around any other commitments they may have, during the month of the course. Many tutors do have live sessions, but they are recorded so that students who are not able to attend can watch at a more convenient time. Please note that all course information, documentation, recordings etc will only be accessible for the month of the course. All courses are taught in English. RNA Learning Terms &amp; Conditions and Refund Policy: The Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Terms and Conditions are as follows: The RNA reserves the right to cancel any workshop or event. In the event of cancellation by the RNA a refund will be given otherwise the RNA does not offer refunds. However, the refund will be minus Eventbrite's booking fee as the RNA is unable to refund Eventbrite's booking fee. Participant data will be kept confidential except for sharing with necessary third parties as required. Participants should adhere to privacy and confidentiality during our programmes and workshops/events and may not share, publish, or refer to any manuscripts, discussions, comments, works, materials (in any media) used or referred to during the workshop/event, unless by prior permission of either the course tutor or the RNA, as applicable. Copyright of all course materials belongs to the course tutor. The course materials for the workshops/events will only be available for the duration of the course unless otherwise expressly stated. Participants must be of the applicable legal age to enter into a formal paid contract with the RNA. All participants must adhere to the values of the RNA and accord with the RNA’s standards of conduct relating to equality, inclusion and diversity. Further information can be found at: https://romanticnovelistsassociation.org/Please note: shortly before the course commences you will be sent a link to the Moodle learning site and also a log in and password. If you have not received anything please check your spam folder first and then contact RNA Learning as detailed in your booking confirmation email.