As we’ve said before, there are many people working behind the scenes with whom readers–and even authors!–don’t always interact. Here’s a tiny glimpse into one department…
Harlequin’s Contract Administration Department is constantly on the go!
Although the main faces for Harlequin are the authors and editors, there are also a number of background people who keep the company humming along. And the authors and editors would be nowhere without the Contracts Administration department (a team of people within Legal Affairs), who keep things moving smoothly!
In addition to arranging for new contracts to be drafted, negotiated (i.e. finalizing all the negotiation details with authors, agents and editors) and issued, C.A. also drafts and issues supplemental documents such as amendments, waivers and subsidiary rights licenses, as well as responds to queries from editors and authors and agents about royalties, reversions, advance payments and so much more! (Most editors have the group on speed dial! :))
This compact, dedicated team drafted and issued over 1100 contracts in 2013, and as we continue to grow and expand with new ventures, the number doesn’t seem likely to go down any time soon.
Are you all amazed and impressed? You should be, because it’s a fabulous group who is committed to ensuring every negotiation is handled as smoothly and quickly as possible. They cross the T’s, dot the I’s and speed the payments through, so we should all be thankful for them!
Hope this makes you like this little peek behind the curtain … Show some love to your C.A. contact!
We’re definitely grateful for all the work the team does to keep things running smoothly! Now get busy writing so you can deal with them as well! 🙂
One reply on “What Does the Harlequin Contract Administration Department Do?”
Wow! 1100 contracts–and probably a lot of them multibook?
It’s impressive that just about everything gets down to just a few people.
Thanks!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!