Publishing

We have a wealth of experience in advising authors, literary agents and publishers on exploiting and protecting their content.

Key contacts
Overview

The publishing industry has gone through a period of radical evolution over the last two decades.

The traditional publishing business has faced, and continues to face, significant challenges, alongside which the exponential growth of digital publishing has provided many new opportunities.

Our publishing lawyers have a successful track record in helping our clients explore the challenges and opportunities within the industry. We are able to advise on traditional publishing contracts, put together robust commercial deals for the digital environment and we also advise and represent clients in a wide range of publishing-related disputes. The firm’s media expertise as a whole also means that we are particularly well-placed to advise on book-to-screen deals.

Our client list is an eclectic mix of authors, photographers, libraries, magazine groups, literary agencies, book publishers and trade organisations.

Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Publishing contracts (including author, illustrator and ghost-writer commissions)
  • Literary agents' agreements
  • Advising on commercial deal terms, including royalty rates
  • E-books, audio-books and podcasts
  • Literary estates
  • Clearances (including libel, privacy, data protection and copyright)
  • Supplier contracts
  • Merchandising agreements
  • Licensing arrangements (including book-to-screen deals)
  • Option agreements for film or TV adaptations of books
  • Digital distribution agreements
  • Publishing disputes (including breach of contract and royalty disputes)
  • Copyright, defamation, data protection and privacy disputes

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

Our lawyers have in-depth publishing expertise and deliver high-quality, pragmatic and commercial advice.

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They are experts in their field, provide very focused and commercial advice and are responsive to tight deadlines.
Legal 500
Highly experienced operators with the ability to think outside the box.
Chambers & Partners
Simkins are knowledgeable, commercial, always responsive and willing to go above and beyond to help.
Chambers & Partners
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News & Insights

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 11 July 2025

Two closed front doors.

Behind closed doors: economic abuse, undue influence and the family courts

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Film and TV Briefing: Friday 4 July 2025

Associate Jessica Keal

Jessica Keal interviewed by International Comparative Legal Guides