FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT CONTRACTS

I'm just an owner-operated business. Why do I need a contract?

Every business needs good contracts. Contracts clarify the agreements you have with your employees, your clients, or your subcontractors. A contract outlines what you are both going to do so that misunderstandings can be avoided. It provides all the necessary legal language to protect you and your company during the term of that contract. Putting things into a written contract is an important and necessary part of being in business.

What is the difference between a "contract" and an "agreement"?

Not a thing. Some people just prefer one word over the other. You can change the word "contract" to "agreement," or vice versa, in any contract you buy.

How can I tell what's in the contract if I can't see it before I buy it?

Everything that's included in each contract is listed, and the contracts are very comprehensive. You can also view a sample page of one of the contracts. If after purchasing a contract you require additional language, all you have to do is contact Joelle Steele Enterprises and the language you request will be written for you at no additional charge. It will just be included as an  option in that contract for future buyers.

Will my clients and I be able to read your contracts and understand them?

Absolutely. All contracts are actually very easy to read. They are written in modern 21st century English. You won't find any of that archaic legalese -- not a "whereas," "wherefore," "heretofore," or "party of the first part" anywhere! Like any contract, they should be read carefully so that you and your client know what you're signing. But, if you ever encounter any language that you think is unclear or that can be improved, just contact Joelle Steele Enterprises and the language will be reviewed and rewritten, as necessary, right away.

How long are your contracts?

The page length varies considerably from one contract to another. However, knowing how long a contract is when you buy it is misleading, because after you delete language you don't need or want and then add more descriptions of your services, that original length will change. Your customized version may stay the same, but it will probably be shorter, or it may be even longer. 

Why can't I just write my own contract?

You can, but that doesn't mean it will protect your interests if it is challenged in a court of law should you ever be sued. Most people do not possess the legal knowledge or even the writing ability to create an enforceable contract. They also leave out many of the most important clauses that will give them the best protection.

What are your credentials for writing contracts?

Contract writer Joelle Steele has worked in law offices and has had many attorney clients over the past 30 or so years. She also has taken classes in contract law and legal writing, and is an experienced writer and editor of contracts and other legal documents. She has been writing and selling contract forms and contract templates since 1983, and she is a publisher and creative services provider, so she has personally used many of the contracts she sells.

Why should I buy a contract from a non-lawyer?

All of Joelle Steele Enterprises' contracts are carefully reviewed by an attorney before they are offered for sale. This is done to be sure that you get the best contracts possible that will protect you and your business. And they are very comprehensive, not those cheap little one-pagers that lack the language that will protect you and your business if there is ever a dispute or a lawsuit.

How frequently are your contracts updated and reviewed by attorneys?

All the contract forms were updated in 1994, at which time they were also reviewed by an attorney. Those same contract forms, along with several new ones, were updated, revised, and reviewed by an attorney in 2002, at which time they were making the transition from 3-part hardcopy forms to customizable Word documents. Contracts are updated only to address specific requests for new or additional language. All contracts are reviewed by an attorney when they are first written and again whenever changes are made to the substance of the agreement such that the legality of the document must be confirmed.

If your contracts are already reviewed by an attorney, why do I need to have a lawyer review them too?

Joelle Steele Enterprise' contracts are written in a generic format for use worldwide. But laws vary from state to state, county to county, and country to country. So, you are advised to bring any contract you buy -- from Joelle Steele Enterprises or anyone else on the Internet -- to your attorney, because he or she can add or delete any language necessary to ensure that a contract is fully enforceable in your jurisdiction.

When you say your contracts are generic, does that mean they apply to all kinds of businesses?

No, they are generic only as they apply to the law in general, its language and legal interpretation. The contracts themselves are written specifically for publishers and other creative businesses.

What about countries outside of the United States?

Joelle Steele Enterprises' contracts hold up very well in most English-speaking, non-U.S. locations, but any contract you buy on the Internet should be reviewed by your attorney to ensure it is fully enforceable wherever you are.

How hard is it to customize a contract for my own use?