Expert: Kacey Cahill - 7/22/2009

Question
I'm a college student, and it occurred to me that students might like to have their text books available to them in audio form so they can study while working out... and so on. I've looked around and I can find no evidence that audio text books exist. My idea is to employ students on campus to read their own text books for recording and then make a web site to sell the CDs. I'm assuming I would need to secure the right to do this from the various publishing companies. So my question is basically... how do I do that? Would I be required to share profits? And if that is so... should I request start-up funds in the contract?

I know this is a complicated question... but I've been thinking about this for a while and I really want to get this started, if possible.

Answer
Julia,
Great idea.  Yes, you need to get the permission from the copyright holder.  Typically the publisher will have these rights nailed down in its contract with the author (but not always).  If it were me trying to go about this, I would start with the author.  It is a compliment to hear from anyone reading his/her book.  And, I would start with one.  He or she will tell you probably that you have to go through the publisher, but the author will be able to give you his or her contact there and a phone number. When you get them on the phone, have your pitch ready (and as professional and short as you can be -- think 4 minutes).

As far as the split works, you leverage is very limited.  I would not preach expansive plans, just say you want to do it for a few people and want their permission.  Try to get the wording not limited to a few people and if you are paid for the service, just try to keep as much of the money as you can.  

Funds, I doubt you will get that.  If they let you do this, they may watch you and see how successful you are.  If you get successful, they would hire their own pros to read and keep the money.  I guess that is my way of saying keep it short and simple.

Good luck, and if you need more advice, reach out.

Kacey Cahill
Principal, Kacey Cahill Law
www.kaceylaw.com