Literary Attorney Miami
For authors, screenwriters, and content creators, protecting your intellectual property and legal rights is essential. Whether you’re signing a publishing contract, negotiating a literary agent agreement, or securing a trademark, working with an experienced literary attorney can prevent costly mistakes and ensure that you retain control over your work.
At Cruz Legal, P.A., attorney Marisol Cruz helps writers, novelists, journalists, and screenwriters navigate the complex legal aspects of the publishing and entertainment industries. From contract negotiation to copyright protection, we ensure that your creative work and financial interests are safeguarded.
Legal Services for Writers and Authors
We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of authors, including:
- Publishing Contracts – Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating traditional
- Copyright and Trademark Protection – Ensuring your work is legally registered and protected
- Literary Agent Agreements – Securing fair representation terms and commission structures
- Book-to-Film/TV Adaptation Rights – Protecting your rights when your book is adapted into a movie or TV show
- Self-Publishing Legal Guidance – Navigating the legal nuances related to self-publishing your work
- Ghostwriting & Collaboration Agreements – Clarifying rights and payment structures for ghost writers and co-authors
If you are entering into a contract with a publisher, agent, or producer, we ensure that your rights are protected, and your interests are prioritized.
Understanding Literary Agent Agreements
A literary agent agreement is a contract between an author and a literary agent, outlining:
- How the agent will represent your work
- The agent’s commission percentage (typically 15%)
- Which territories the agent controls (U.S., foreign markets, film/TV rights, etc.)
- The length of the representation agreement
Warning Signs of a Bad Literary Agent Agreement:
- Excessive commission rates (more than 15-20%)
- Lack of termination clauses (locking you into a bad deal indefinitely)
- Hidden fees for marketing, editing, or submission services
Before signing a literary agent contract, let us review and negotiate the terms to protect your career and income.
Publishing Contracts: What to Look For
If you are signing a traditional publishing deal with a major publisher or independent press, be aware of:
- Copyright Ownership – Does the publisher own your book rights, or do you retain them?
- Royalty Structure – Are royalties fair, transparent, and free of excessive deductions?
- Territorial Rights – Does the publisher control all markets, or just specific regions?
- Reversion Clauses – Can you get your rights back?
We ensure that publishing contracts are fair and protect your creative work.
Self-Publishing Legal Considerations
Self-publishing authors face unique legal challenges, including:
- Challenges to ownership of your own copyrighted work when publishing on a platform, if not using your legal name
-
ISBN identifiers, and whether you should purchase your own or use ones provided by publishing platforms Copyright and Trademark Registrations – Securing full legal ownership of your book
- Cover Design and Formatting Agreements – Preventing disputes with designers and editors
- Co-Author and Ghostwriting Contracts – Clarifying ownership and payment obligations
If you are self-publishing, we help you understand your legal rights and avoid common pitfalls.
Copyright Protection for Authors
Your book, screenplay, or article is your intellectual property, and copyright protection ensures that no one else can claim, copy, or distribute your work without permission.
How to Protect Your Copyright:
- Register with the U.S. Copyright Office – This provides legal proof of ownership and allows you to sue for damages if your work is stolen.
- Include Copyright Notices in Your Book – A simple “© [Year] [Author’s Name]” statement helps deter infringement.
- Monitor for Unauthorized Use – If someone illegally copies your work, we can send cease-and-desist letters.
If you need copyright registration or protection, we ensure that your creative work remains legally yours.
Book-to-Film & TV Adaptation Rights
If a movie studio or production company wants to adapt your book, it’s crucial to negotiate a fair deal. We help authors with:
- Option Agreements – Getting paid for allowing a film or TV studio to develop your book into a script
- Screenplay Rights – Ensuring that you retain creative input over the adaptation
- Royalty & Profit Sharing – Negotiating fair compensation for your work’s success
- License Agreements – Controlling how your book is used in movies, TV, or streaming services
Many authors unknowingly sign away their film rights for little or no compensation—we ensure that you receive the best possible deal.
Why Hire a Literary Attorney in Miami?
Many authors make the mistake of signing one-sided contracts without legal review. A literary attorney ensures that:
- Your intellectual property rights are protected
- Publishing and literary agent agreements are fair
- You retain control over your work and earnings
- You understand your legal rights before signing anything
At Cruz Legal, P.A., we help authors, screenwriters, and content creators navigate the legal side of publishing and entertainment.
Why Choose Cruz Legal, P.A.?
Experienced in Literary & Publishing Law
Legal Representation
Bilingual Legal Services
Personalized Legal Guidance
Schedule a Consultation with a Miami Literary Attorney
Before signing any publishing, agent, or adaptation contract, let a literary attorney review your agreement and protect your rights.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with literary attorney Marisol Cruz.
Secure your creative rights today!