Do I keep the rights to my book?

FloodGate Publishing LLC — an Author Development House focused on transparent author support

Short answer

In most FloodGate paths, you retain ownership of your creative work. The specific terms depend on whether you choose an Author-Owned path or a Publisher-of-Record path. FloodGate explains ownership, ISBN control, and royalty flow before you commit.

Who this is for

Rights confusion is one of the biggest author fears. Many publishers take broad rights without clear explanation. Authors want to know who controls copyright, who owns the ISBN, who receives royalties, and whether they can leave or republish later.

What is included

FloodGate compares Author-Owned and Publisher-of-Record paths in plain language. You see who controls ISBN, distribution accounts, and royalties before scope is confirmed. FloodGate does not provide legal advice — consult an attorney for contract decisions.

What is not included

  • No automatic rights transfer without written scope confirmation
  • No legal advice — attorney consultation recommended for contract terms
  • No promise of manuscript acceptance before formal review
  • No sales or bestseller guarantees

Next step

Compare Publishing Paths

No-guarantee boundary

FloodGate Publishing LLC does not guarantee manuscript acceptance, sales, bestseller status, bookstore placement, media coverage, or promotional results. Payment follows acceptance and scope confirmation only.

Direct answer

In most FloodGate paths, you retain ownership of your creative work. The specific terms depend on whether you choose an Author-Owned path or a Publisher-of-Record path. FloodGate explains ownership, ISBN control, and royalty flow before you commit.

Why authors ask this

Rights confusion is one of the biggest author fears. Many publishers take broad rights without clear explanation. Authors want to know who controls copyright, who owns the ISBN, who receives royalties, and whether they can leave or republish later.

What to watch out for

  • Contracts that assign all rights permanently without clear limits
  • Publishers who become publisher of record without explaining what that means
  • Free ISBN offers that lock you into one distributor
  • Vague language about subsidiary rights or future works
  • Pressure to sign before you understand the path

How FloodGate handles it

FloodGate compares Author-Owned and Publisher-of-Record paths in plain language. You see who controls ISBN, distribution accounts, and royalties before scope is confirmed. FloodGate does not provide legal advice — consult an attorney for contract decisions.

What FloodGate does not promise

  • No automatic rights transfer without written scope confirmation
  • No legal advice — attorney consultation recommended for contract terms
  • No promise of manuscript acceptance before formal review
  • No sales or bestseller guarantees

Related FloodGate pages

Business identity

FloodGate Publishing LLC is an Author Development House providing transparent author development, publishing production, and long-term author support. Submission and review are free. Payment begins only after manuscript acceptance and scope confirmation.

FloodGate Publishing home · Contact FloodGate · View full pricing

Related author questions

Compare Publishing Paths Submit Manuscript