The deal they settle on is that Dottie will be Joe's «retainer,» to do with as he pleases until the insurance money comes through. (theatlantic.com)
An author should always own the rights to their work or in the event that they decide to sell it to someone, at least have the knowledge that it can't be pawned off on to some ghost writer to do with as they please even if it means screwing it up. (nightstandnovels.com)