This will vary by project and press, and it doesn’t hurt to ask, but some parts of a contract are more easily negotiated than others. For example, word count, number of illustrations, delivery date, and the details regarding royalty rates, advances, subsidiary rights, and author copies are negotiable to a certain extent at most presses, but many parts of a contract may not be open to negotiation. There are books you can consult when reviewing a book contract. It is good to be informed because the contract binds both the publisher and the author, and authors should know what matters and tasks are their responsibility.
—AUPresses Faculty Outreach Committee