Read Your Book Contracts

Today, I listened to a (rather lengthy) telephone discussion my co-worker was having with an author (our cubicles don't have dividers. Or any sound-proofing). From what I could gather, the author had signed and returned her non-fiction book contract, written and handed in the manuscript, and was now calling to complain.
Her complaint?
She was mad because her book got a bad review. Now, in the author contracts, it specifically states that all manuscripts will be sent out to reviewers after we receive them(I would know this, since I used to write book contracts as a lowly intern). It even asks the author to recommend reviewers him or herself, in order to facilitate the process. The author proceeded to argue with my co-worker that she did not read the contract, so she did not know she was supposed to suggest reviewers. Since the author didn't suggest any, the editor chose reviewers who knew the subject area and had worked with the company before, and sent the manuscript to them (I should note here that non-fiction books are reviewed more for factual correctness and content than for style or personal taste issues). One of these reviewers did not think the author was very thorough in her explanation of the topic, and gave her a negative review.
As I listened to my co-worker tirelessly explain this same concept over and over, while at the same time trying to reassure the author that her book would not be rejected or thrown into the garbage based on a single poor review, one point of this conversation stuck in my mind.
The author didn't read her own book contract? The legally binding document that she signed?
This goes for everyone, not just authors: If you are going to enter into a legal contract with someone by signing a document, be it a hiring agreement, a bank loan, a book contract or divorce papers... READ IT FIRST. And if there is something you don't explain, ask the person you're signing the document for, or consult a lawyer.
Don't just ignore it!
Anyway, that is my common-sense-rant for the day. Now I am flying home for the weekend, to celebrate Halloween in true Pittsburgh style.
P.S. - I still have not decided on a costume. So if anyone has any easy-to-throw-together-but-still-somewhat-creative costume ideas... Hit up the comment box please?