Self Published
Self-published authors have many situations where they may need a lawyer. First, you may be concerned about liability regarding specific aspects of your manuscript that may be problematic when it comes to copyright or defamation issues.
More likely, you will be entering into agreements and contracts with publishing professionals. These include, but are not limited to, editors, proofreaders, publicity agents, and even possibly other writers. And these are just issues regarding the actual publishing.
It might be a good idea for you to create your own publishing company. One reason may be to create a financial wall between your personal property and your business. That way, if your business incurs significant liabilities of any kind, you may be able to prevent creditors or other claimants from pursuing your personal assets. Two possible avenues for this protection are becoming a closely held corporation, or a limited liability company (LLC). I can’t give legal advice here, but each state has different rules about these entities. Further, there are tax implications in choosing which entity you’d like to create. You will want to seek the advice of an attorney admitted to practice law in your state.
Indie Published
You should not agree to anything involving your book without a written contract signed by all the parties involved. In this situation, you will most likely not have the benefit of an agent to explain the clauses of the contract or to negotiate them on your behalf. Even if you’ve already negotiated a deal on your own or with the help of a publishing professional, changes are constantly occurring in the industry and you might know of something that will affect your rights. It’s worth a relatively small investment in a quality legal professional so you can sleep at night knowing that you didn’t lose a significant amount of rights to your own work. Additionally, that person could help you exploit your work in ways that you don’t yet know.
In both of the above situations where you don’t have an agent or other publishing professional to explain your rights and obligations, make the investment in quality legal representation. It’s your work and your career and you are worth the investment.