How Estorytellers Protected an Author’s Spin-Off and Maintained Revenue Streams

Client Challenge

Alex Martinez, a debut U.S. fantasy author, had a main series title and a planned novella spin-off. Challenges included:

• Publishing contracts often block parallel projects during active production.

• Without clear language, spin-offs could be delayed or forfeited, impacting potential revenue streams.

• Alex wanted to ensure the spin-off launched independently without interfering with main title production.

Strategy and Implementation

Estorytellers applied contract and project management guardrails.

1. Contract Language Negotiation

• Reviewed Alex’s publishing agreement for exclusive content clauses.

• Proposed clear language specifying spin-off rights and timelines, preventing production interference.

2. Project Timeline Management

• Mapped main title production milestones alongside the spin-off schedule.

• Coordinated with editors and designers to ensure resource allocation for both projects.

3. Revenue Protection

• Modeled expected revenue streams for the spin-off and main title.

• Adjusted contracts and marketing plans to ensure spin-off profitability was protected, even during main title promotions.

Results

• Spin-off novella launched on schedule, generating additional revenue without delaying the main title.

• Alex retained full creative control, maintaining the brand’s integrity.

• Guardrails prevented costly conflicts with editors and marketing teams, keeping production smooth.

• Demonstrated that early legal and logistical planning secures multiple revenue streams simultaneously.

Lessons Learned

1. Clear contractual language prevents conflicts: Specify spin-off rights upfront.

2. Timeline coordination ensures efficiency: Parallel projects require structured planning.

3. Revenue modeling supports decision-making: Understand the impact of each project.

4. Guardrails protect creative freedom: Authors maintain control while publishers meet deadlines.