Is it okay to use a standard form contract?

The first thing to keep in mind about a “standard form” is that it represents the author’s perspective of how a transaction should occur.  For example, a “standard form” publishing agreement could be prepared by an author’s agent or by a publishing company.  In either case the resulting “form” will likely include provisions that are favorable to the party drafting the form.  You should never assume that a “standard form” will only contain provisions that are favorable to your side of the transaction.  Always read the entire “standard form” and make your own judgment based on your own objectives and legal risk tolerances.  It is always wise to consult with a competent attorney.

There are also pluses and minuses to using a standard form contract for multiple independent transactions.  On the plus side, using a standard form is quicker and tends to make your transactions more uniform.  If your transactions tend to not be negotiated much by the other side, then this route may work well in your situation.  However, the more flexibility you may need to close your transactions, the more difficult it may be to use a standard form contract.  You should always keep in mind that, even though most of your transactions may occur in a relatively standardized way and under relatively standardized terms and conditions, you never know when the other side may try to negotiate changes.