Question about agency contract

I wouldn't think so, just by reading what you posted. What they're saying is that the particular book/novel named in your contract will no longer be sent out to publishers. I believe your contract with the agency is still in force, until one of you breaks it in writing. You should conifrm this with the agency.

I'm certainly no legal begal, but I would say you are no longer represented by this agency. It reads to me--although poorly worded--that they contracted to represent you for one year, after which date the contract is null and void. You really should get this cleared up with them at once.

You cannot expect them to lock themselves into an extended contract. I think one year is generous. If they haven't made any progress by then it would behoove you both to move on separately.

On the other hand, if both parties are content at the conclusion it is easy enough to extend the contract for another year.

But in general, if you do not understand this simple clause then you should enlist the aid of a qualified attorney, someone familiar with publishing contracts, to scrutinize the fine print.

I would just... ask.

See if you can PM Victoria Strauss or someone more legally knowledgeable about this. Its weasel wording--usually from a copied contract or written by someone without sufficient legal experience.

If you ask the agency, they may try to hold you to it without legal cause--but you wouldn't know that. Even if the agency lets you go--maybe for spite--you still need to know what they did and to whom they sent your book.

Know your position and rights FIRST, then contact them with a plan.

I'd ask your agent. That's one of the things she's there for

Most contracts also state that the contract itself automatically renews unless one of the parties requests otherwise. So you might check for that language anywhere in the contract. And if it's not in there, check with the agent on the terms for separation. It's a normal thing to ask about.

Many agents offer one-year contracts that automatically renew. This is far more convenient for everyone that having to officially renew once a year. It can take longer than a year to sell a book, and even if the agent does sell the book before the year is up, you'll want her to be selling your subrights during the next year or two while your book is working its way toward print.

If the contract doesn't automatically renew (and this should always be stated in the contract), representation will end after the 12 months unless you do renew. So you'll be out after a year.

Even if there is an automatic termination rather than an automatic renewal, I would never advise anyone to sign an agent contract that doesn't have a termination clause. You want to be able to get out quickly if you need to.

It's hard to judge a contract without seeing the entire contract, because different clauses can have bearing on each other. Feel free to send me the contract, and I'll be glad to give you feedback. My email address is [email protected], or you can PM me.

- Victoria