serial rights

American  

plural noun

1. commercial rights to publish an author's work, usually a novel, or to use it on radio or television one chapter or episode at a time.

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Etymology

Origin of serial rights

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

‘The Power of Habit’ had two publicists, a production editor, several marketers and designers, a serial rights person and a sales force that had been working for months to make it a success.

From New York Times • Jan. 2, 2020

During their conversation he describes editing a starry charity anthology that led to a “mind-blowing” auction for serial rights.

From The Guardian • Jun. 23, 2018

The following year, Collier’s magazine offered $45,000 — the equivalent today of $1.3 million — for just the U.S. serial rights to 13 new Holmes adventures.

From Washington Post • Jun. 8, 2016

Life bought serial rights and was set to publish three 10,000-word installments when the hoax came to light.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2013

Because, unfortunately, the serial rights of a novel at the present day are three times as valuable, in money worth, as the final book rights.

From The British Barbarians by Allen, Grant