I am planning on self publishing through an e-book service. Will my rights be transferred to the publisher by means of the terms and conditions of the agreement?
Rights granted are only those that you agree to give. The balance are retained. Think of a contract as a proposal. It is not a one-way street. Be wary of non-negotiable contracts alleged to be “standard.”
Certainly be sure to retain copyright in your own name. To take an example of what to expect. Copyright remains with the author under the Amazon “Kindle Direct Publishing.” The focus (not unexpectedly) is on distribution. Article 5.5, Grant of Rights reads that “[y]ou grant to each Amazon party, throughout the term of this Agreement, a nonexclusive, irrevocable, right and license to distribute Digital Books, directly and through third-party distributors, in all digital formats by all digital distribution means available.” This may not be true of other e-book publishers.
If you have any concerns, go to Writer Beware™ . I find this an excellent site for checking on publishers, printers and shenanigans.