Discussion:
A New York publisher wants to publish my manuscript. But I object strongly to his proposed changes. What rights do I have? Can he do what he likes with the text? We have exchanged contracts but nothing covers this unexpected development.
Answer:
If you own the copyright -- as I assume you do -- and have not given the publisher any rights (which you may have done if you "exchanged contracts" -- it all depends on EXACTLY what is in those exchanged contracts) you can call the deal off.
But one suggestion. Often the publisher knows what will sell far better than the creative author. This happens all the time.
Too many authors who wanted to maintain total creative control have found themselves unpublished and put on some sort of a "hard to do business with" list....
Answer:
To: A Lawyer: Thanks for the advice. I take your point about publishers knowing better, etc - but this is a case of butchery by an inexperienced outfit I wish I had never heard of.