Where do I get a RELEASE FORM for those who contribute to my book??

Question

In a non-fiction book I am writing, I'd like to include a few personal stories written by the very persons who experienced their story. I know I need a Release Form to prevent them from receiving any royalties from the book. I have no intention of contacting a publisher before I finish the book (I'm waiting until I write the very last chapter), and can't imagine that just any attorney is going to know what I need. I live in a small town. I've also done some googling on the net and can't find a release form for my specific situation. So...bottom line...where do I go for the correctly worded Release Form pertaining to those who contribute to my book??

Answer 1

Here is the Standard Release Form on the below web site. You should be able to copy and paste that into a Word document.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/screenwriting/release_form.htm

Answer 2

Try Quicken's Business Law Partner, on disk. Check out general release contracts and modify to suit your purpose. Indicate who owns the contribution and how much you are paying out-right for the contribution and for how long you will have the right to use the work. Indicate if this is a work for hire. For example, retain control of copyright of the contribution for as long as the published book is in print. State whether royalties will be paid and how much or what percentage of profit on each book. Also have author of contribution warrant and indemnify the work, so that nobody holds you responsible. However, may I adv ise that you see a publishing lawyer. Also look for publishing contracts for sale on line.
Good luck!

Answer 3

You would trust yourself above 'just any attorney' to recognize what might constitute a 'release form' of the kind you describe? Yoicks! But not to worry. If your book is published by a reputable firm, the firm will supply you with whatever is required for contributors' signatures. It's for the firm's protection more than yours.