serial rights

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of serial rights¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The magazine might pay as much as five hundred dollars for the serial rights—and with that start, they would surely be safe.

From Project Gutenberg

On the other hand, you can prepare to dispose of the serial rights of the Schooner Farallone: a most grim and gloomy tale.

From Project Gutenberg

Bird sold the serial rights to a big national weekly that same day for thirty thousand dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

And if you will only be a Mahatma, or a disciple, I will gladly let you have the serial rights in that great work.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Chatto gave me a lump sum down for serial rights and copyright, and ran 'Philistia' through the pages of The Gentleman's.

From Project Gutenberg