Publishing contract issues

[DavidJB]

Apologies if this isn't the right forum but... Two years ago I signed a traditional publishing contract: no financial contribution from me but I signed over all IPR; no commitment to a timescale from the publisher. Poor comms from them for 2 years, no reliable measurement of progress, often contradicting themselves, sometimes seeming to have forgotten about the books altogether. They have declined to send me what they've done so far so I'm beginning to think editing has not even started. I must pay £500 to terminate the contract IF any work has started, to cover their costs, so it feels like my IPR has been taken hostage and I must pay to get it back so I can start approaching other publishers. If I terminate and they demand the £500, can I insist on seeing the work done before I pay?
Thanks for any advice.
David

[atticus]

Anyone advising you will need to see this traditional publishing contract.

But yes, you can ask what work has been done; what you say suggests that next to nothing will be enough to trigger the charge.

Ask someone to look over the contract for you.

[DavidJB]

Thanks very much for your response, Atticus. (And apologies for my slow reply - I didn't see the notification you had responded.)
I would be happy to share the contract - is that something people do on this forum e.g. by attaching it to a post?
Thanks again.
David

[atticus]

It depends how long the thing is - you may be asking for a fair time commitment. Detailed advice can be obtained from professionals.

[DavidJB]

The contract is just over 6 pages long so probably too long a job to expect from a free legal forum. I've tried 5 solicitors and other sources but they either don't reply or their fees are more than the £500 problem I'm trying to solve. I appreciate you're retired from practice, Atticus, but do you happen to know a solicitor who might be able to take on this small job and give me 30 mins of advice, please? Thanks very much.