Ready to sign with agent? Should I negotiate?

There is nothing wrong with asking. All they can say is 'No'.

Forgive me for being an idiot and not understanding, but...

Right now she wants 15% for US rights, 20% for foreign.

You want her to have 15% for US rights, 20% for foreign.

Am I missing something? What do you want to negotiate? I don't get it. Help me. :/

ETA: And yes, her rates are common.

Oh! Okay. Ignore me.

The terms you are being offered seem fair to me.

Exactly what do you mean by having a platform in Canada?
I think that's the key. I also think that in the short and long run 5% isn't that big a deal if it might initially annoy the agent or agency. So, unless the circumstances are right, I do think it could hurt you to try, especially if you're a debut author. On the other hand, if you can show the agent (and remember that she will have to run the idea by her boss) that you have a platform in Canada that will undoubtedly help a publisher sell many more books than usual in that country, then you have something to talk about -- but you need facts and proof. But even then, I suggest that you look at the big picture and decide whether you believe the 5% may represent a problem with the agent/agency. Your call.

AConfusedWriter said:

You also have your point, scope. That 5% is not a deal-breaker anyway. Um... I have to think about it some more. Thanks guys for your insights!

Click to expand...

My two cents, fwiw.

Honestly, the rates she quoted are pretty standard, so I wouldn't risk starting off the relationship on the wrong foot over 5% if it were me.

I second Scope's point about needing hard facts to show the platform is so strong that it would make Canadian sales significant (and you being Canadian doesn't seem sufficient).

But I am a big picture type person - and I want an agent with whom I can have a good working relationship. So I wouldn't quibble over 5% unless it was outside the norm.


~suki

I'm with Suki and Scope.
Congrats!!!