Skyhorse acquires Sports Publishing

Sports Publishing went bankrupt a couple of years ago.
As an author, will I be affected by the acquisition, and do I have any rights?



http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/45634-skyhorse-acquires-sports-publishing-assets-launches-children-s-imprint.html

 

You probably want to talk to your agent.

Do they still have inventory of your book? Was it remaindered?

 

Thanks.
My co-author and I didn't have an agent.
Not sure if it was remaindered...
I sent an e-mail to Skyhorse for an update but haven't received a reply yet.

 

When did you receive your last royalty statement?

I know there has been a few sj authors published by Sports Publishing and their experience was, to put it mildy, not pleasant.

I'd suggest that if you and your co-author have another book in the works, get an agent.

 

Sounds like Skyhorse is buying the rights to existing titles, but not assuming any of the liabilities. So if SP owed you money, you likely won't get it from Skyhorse.

On the other hand, if Skyhorse sells your book, you should still accrue royalties, if you are entitled to any. If the rights to your book reverted to you when SP went under, your book is probably not part of this acquisition.

That said, I don't know the details yet, and have a couple of clients who are likely affected by this. When I know more, I'll try to report it here.

Overall, though, I don't think this is going to have a major impact on anyone.

 

Skyhorse mentions 700 titles they acquired... I don't think the rights reverted to me under bankruptcy.
Our contract with Sports Publishing said that they have the "right of first refusal" on any new books. Would
that apply to Skyhorse now?

 

No. They did not buy the company, they just bought the assets (copyrights) hence all the contracts are null and void. Authors are unsecured creditors of the old company.

 

They bought the copyrights to the book, therefore have license to sell the book, but none of the liability due the authors of the books?
Wow.

 

Same here.