Creator contract guides · Updated November 1, 2026

What to check before signing with a talent manager or brand-deal agency

Short answer

Check four things: the commission rate and what it applies to, how long the contract lasts and whether it auto-renews, whether the manager gets paid on deals you find yourself, and how long they keep earning commission after you leave. Commission on your own deals and long post-term "sunset" clauses are where creators lose the most.

What the clauses usually say

Manager shall receive twenty percent (20%) of all gross income received by Artist from the entertainment industry during the Term, whether or not procured by Manager.
This Agreement shall automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless terminated in writing ninety (90) days before the end of the then-current term.
Manager shall continue to receive commission on all agreements entered into during the Term, including renewals and extensions, in perpetuity.

What's normal

  • Commission on brand deals the manager brings or negotiates, stated as a clear percentage.
  • A trial period or a short first term, with an easy exit if nothing comes in.
  • Commission on gross or net clearly defined (does it include ad revenue, merch, platform payouts?).
  • Post-term commission limited to deals signed during the term, for a limited time.
  • Payments flowing to you first, or a clear statement of how and when the manager pays you.

Red flags

  • Commission on "all income", including AdSense, platform payouts and deals you found yourself.
  • Auto-renewal with a narrow notice window you'll easily miss.
  • Commission "in perpetuity" on anything that started during the term.
  • The manager collects all brand payments and pays you later, with no timeline.
  • Upfront fees for "development", photos or a media kit.

What to send the brand

Copy, adjust the numbers, and send. Brands expect pushback on these; asking doesn't make you difficult.

“Commission should apply to brand deals you source or negotiate, not to platform revenue or deals I bring in.”

“Can we start with a 6-month term, with either side able to leave on 30 days' notice?”

“Post-term commission on deals signed during the term, for 6 months after it ends.”

Got the actual contract?

Paste or upload it and get every clause like these flagged in plain English in about a minute — usage, ads, exclusivity, payment, and scam signs. Your first check is free.

Questions

What commission do creator managers usually take?

It varies widely by manager and creator size. The rate matters less than what it applies to: a modest rate on everything you earn can cost more than a higher rate on deals they bring.

Can I leave a management contract early?

Only as the termination clause allows. Look for a notice period and any "key person" or performance clause that lets you leave if they don't deliver.

Is a brand-deal rep company that charges a monthly fee legit?

Some are, but paying monthly regardless of results is risky. Commission-only arrangements align their incentives with yours.

Related guides