Royalty Information

The Royalty Department is responsible for distributing royalties statements and answering your questions. If you do not find the answer to your question in the information below, contact the Royalty Department directly via email.

Royalty Department FAQ

Why am I receiving a 1099-MISC? I haven’t received a royalty statement yet. In January 2026, Cornell University will mail 1099-MISC forms for the 2025 tax year. The 1099-MISC form that you receive reports royalties paid to you in March 2025. Please note that the March 2025 royalty payment was for book sales from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, and because it was paid in 2025, it is considered 2025 income. 

When can I expect my next royalty statement? Royalty statements for book sales from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 will be emailed in March 2026, to the email address we have on file. If we do not have a valid email address on file, your statement will be mailed through the USPS. You will receive the 1099-MISC associated with those royalties in January 2027. If you have changed your physical address or contact information in the last 24 months and have not notified us, please email cupressbusinessoffice@cornell.edu, and we will send you instructions for updating your information.

My statement arrived, but there was no check enclosed. What should I do? Statements and checks are processed separately; you should expect to receive payment through your preferred method by the middle of April. If you haven’t received a check by April 15, please email royalties@cornell.edu.  

I expected a royalty statement, but it never arrived. Whom should I contact? It’s possible that your statement was returned to our offices with an incorrect or incomplete address, or because of some other issue. Please send us an email at royalties@cornell.edu and we will see what we can do to help. 

I moved. Whom should I inform and how?
To update your address, please contact CU Press Address Changes or send a notice in the mail to:

Cornell University Press
Attention: Address Updates
512 East State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Who should I contact with royalty questions?
Although your editor remains your primary point of contact with CUP, you are welcome to contact the Royalty Department with any royalty related questions.

If I have a question about my contract, with whom should I speak?
Please contact your editor regarding questions about your contract.

I have not received a royalty statement or payment. How can I tell what may be the problem?
Royalty statements and royalty payments are issued based on the terms of your contract. If you have not received a royalty payment it may be because (1) there is no payment due for prior sales period (please check your statement), (2) you may have moved and not notified us of your new address, or (3) your royalty balance may not have reached the minimum payment threshold ($50). If you have specific questions, please contact the Royalty Department.
Please note: The payments are sent out by the Cornell University payment office. They do not mail the statements with the payments. Statements are mailed separately and will usually be received before the payment.

Can someone explain my royalty statement to me?
Please review the Explanation of Royalty Statements below. If you have additional questions, please contact the Royalty Department.

How are royalty payments made?
You can indicate your preferred method of payment: check or direct deposit. Please see the Direct Deposit Form for eligible countries and currencies. CUP encourages you to use direct deposit as it is safe, secure, and provides quicker access to your royalty earnings.

What if my royalty check is lost or expired?
Please contact the Royalty Department and we will reissue your check. Enrolling in direct deposit eliminates the possibility of lost payments and results in quicker access to your royalty earnings. Learn more about direct deposit here.

My author account is set up for direct deposit. How long does it typically take for the funds to appear in my bank account?
Direct deposit, which provides an efficient way to get your royalties to you, can take up to five days to post.

I never received or lost my 1099-MISC or 1042-S from CUP. How do I get another copy?
Please contact the Cornell University tax office.

I represent the estate of a deceased author; how do I make arrangements for payment to be redirected?
Please contact the Royalty Department and we will provide you with a list of the required documentation needed.

Explanation of Royalty Statement

Your royalty statement will be issued periodically based upon your contract with CUP. It covers all your earnings from print books, eBooks, and rights licensing (including audiobooks and translations) for all your CUP titles.

This sample statement will answer many questions you have regarding your statement. Of course, if you have additional questions, you are always welcome to email our Royalty Department.