Study Guide only:

Each of the two contracts presented in your readings contains clauses addressing libelous/defamatory material within the work. Both of the clauses address the author's warranty regarding the contents of the material, though the wording of each clause is somewhat different. Find these clauses and answer the following: Compare and contrast the clauses. Identify the traits that are similar and identify the traits that are different. Imagine you are a literary agent representing Mauricio Rubino, a well-respected investigative reporter. Rubino has just put the finishing touches on his new book Truth, Lies, and Politics, his investigation into several recent political candidates. One of the chapters is dedicated to a politician who is notorious for filing lawsuits for libel and defamation. Rubino is confident in his research and presentation of the material but is justifiably concerned that the person in question will file a lawsuit regardless. As such, Rubino has asked you to re-negotiate the contract language regarding potential lawsuits for defamation. Propose an amended clause that provides more protection for Rubino while putting more responsibility on the publisher for any potential lawsuit. You may use the language included in the traditional publishing contract from your readings but must amend the language