Some years ago a writer of my acquaintance asked my advice on his book contract. I did try to tell him to get a lawyer.

The contract was with a two bit small press, which is fine, but they wanted the movie rights.

I told him not to sign it. I told him to negotiate that clause out. I told him that you never give a publisher rights they don't intend to execute.

He didn't listen to me, signed...and two years later the publisher went out of business. There was no company dissolution clause either...

Read your contacts very carefully, don't be afraid to negotiate, and don't be afraid to walk away.

And *never* sign a non-compete on creative work. Ever. Somebody tried to get me to do that once and then ghosted me when I said I wasn't signing it unless that part was removed.