Estates

In order for Hachette Book Group to release royalties to an author’s successors or heirs, we must establish chain of title and confirm new legal heir(s) to the copyright and payment rights for a decedent’s work.

The following documents are needed to verify passing of the decedent, and that requestor has legal authority to provide us with payment instructions:

1. Death Certificate
2. Will and any Codicils
3. Letters Testamentary and/or Letters of Administration
4. Trust document and related amendments, if any

If we’ll be instructed to redirect future royalties to a new payee(s), they will need to be set up in our systems. The following payee forms must be fully completed and signed:

1. Tax Form – Click to download: W9 form, W8BEN form or W8BENE form
2. Payment Form – Click to download: ACH form or Wire form
3. Voided check or Payment Authorization Letter

All documents and payee forms should be uploaded and emailed to: DirectionToPay@hbgusa.com

Please also include the following information in your email:

• Author Legal Name (Decedent), Pseudonym if any
• Title(s)
• Last known address of Decedent
• Requestor Name
• Relationship to Decedent
• Requestor Address/ Email/ Phone Number

We’re here to guide you through this process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email us at DirectionToPay@hbgusa.com.