“Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ” (show business adage)

“Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ” means that when one is successful in show business (for example, with a hit song), a lawsuit for some of the profits is sure to follow. The saying “where there’s a hit, there’s a writ” has been cited in print since at least 1988.
 
       
Google Books
The Tyranny of Malice:
Exploring the dark side of character and culture
By Joseph H. Berke
New York, NY: Summit Books
1988
Pg. 212:
Even if not overwhelmed by excessive insurance or labor claims, producers remain liable according to the dictum “Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ.”
 
The Independent (UK)
Where’s there’s a hit there’s a writ:
A rock star’s guide to staying out of court and in the money
JIM WHITE Friday 24 June 1994
Clause 1
Get Yourself A Good Manager
 
Google Books
8 July 1995, Billboard magazine, “Bjork Wins One Dispute; Sample Charge Pending,” pg. 9, col. 1:
The judge observed, “Where there’s a hit there’s a writ. It’s an old saying in the record world, and Bjork has found that to be true to her cost.”
   
The Independent (UK)
Screen Talk: Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ
By Stuart Kemp of The Hollywood Reporter Friday 16 January 2009
There is an almighty scrap going on in Hollywood right now.
 
Google Books
Songwriting For Dummies
By Dave Austin, Jim Peterik and Cathy Austin
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons
2010
Pg. 94:
As the saying goes, “Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ!”