That scenario makes no sense. Firstly, why would the author ever hand over their book to such a publisher? Secondly, why wouldn't the author have a contract w

That scenario makes no sense. Firstly, why would the author ever hand over their book to such a publisher? Secondly, why wouldn't the author have a contract with their publisher guaranteeing terms? Thirdly, surely the publisher is incentivised to make as many sales as possible in the 5 years before the copyright expires, when other publishers can then sell copies (assuming it's been successful enough to make it worthwhile).