Question Regarding Contracts

[paul togher]

Hello everyone,
I've finished writing my first book and I'm in the later stage of editing, I hope to submit it soon. In the event that I'm lucky enough to have it picked up by an agent or publisher, I want to be clear on a contractual issue.
I have a full-time job and am happy enough that I can write around that and meet any commitments to supply books inside deadlines, but my understanding is that publishers often require authors to undertake promotional work. I'm more than happy to promote my own book, obviously, but I'm concerned about a possible clash, for example, if a publisher requires me to attend a promotional event or meeting (a contractual obligation) and my employer can't facilitate that particular period of time off.
I know that only the most successful writers are full-time, so I'm sure this can't be a unique situation. Any advice to avoid a legal/contractual bind?

[Carol]

paul togher wrote: "Hello everyone,
I've finished writing my first book and I'm in the later stage of editing, I hope to submit it soon. In the event that I'm lucky enough to have it picked up by an agent or publisher..."

Yes, hire an attorney who specializes in content contracts, so you can get appropriate language into it. This sort of carve-out is generally easy to obtain in negotiations, but won't be in the publisher's first draft and your counsel will need to propose a solution that works for the publisher. Good luck.