contract in my hands!

[CrissaChappell]

I just received my contract from HaperCollins. Before I sign the dotted line, any advice would be greatly appreciated.



http://blog.myspace.com/crissajean

[StoryG27]

No advice, never been there.

But lots of congratulations!!!!

:Cheer: :hooray: :hooray: :snoopy: :snoopy:

[James D. Macdonald]

Get an agent.

Now.

[maestrowork]

Congrats Crissa. Now, go over it with your agent.

[sassandgroove]

YAY!!

[triceretops]

Get an agent pronto. Pick from the cream of the crop.

Tri

[Aconite]

Call your top-choice agent and say, "I've just received an offer from HarperCollins. Would you be interested in representing me?"

Then go dance naked in your living room. :)

[Mike Coombes]

Forget the agent.


Dance naked in my living room.

[ChunkyC]

Get an agent, then write the following on the dotted line:

C - H - U - N - K - Y - C

Please use blue ink, we don't want anyone thinking it's a photocopy. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/pi_bigsmile.gif

Just kidding, of course. You have my heartfelt congratulations! http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteClap.gif

[Sheryl Nantus]

actually, I have a good followup question as I'm still waiting on mine.

can you or should you ever skip the agent and view the contract on your own? I think I've heard of some authors (NO, not PA!) who do it themselves... with real publishers.

Can you?
Should you?

what should you be looking for? or not?

:)

[James D. Macdonald]

I think I've heard of some authors (NO, not PA!) who do it themselves... with real publishers.


Those are generally guys who've been around the block a few times, know what they're doing, and enjoy negotiation.

Even the best, top-drawer publishing contract has landmines in it that a savvy agent will know how to defuse. The contract as offered will be to the publisher's advantage. Knowing what to cross out, what to add, what's a deal breaker, what's a low-ball offer ... all those things are why an agent earns that 15%. The agent then follows up on the paperwork during the rest of the life of the book, and has more horsepower (due to representing many writers) than you do on your own.

[Saanen]

I just received my contract from HaperCollins. Before I sign the dotted line, any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Oh, awesome, congratulations!!

I 100% second the suggestions to get an agent immediately. Honey, there is not an agent in this world who wouldn't pick you up for this book at least! You and your agent-of-choice both stand to benefit from a quick one-book representation, and it may turn into a lifetime partnership as well.

[Cathy C]

MEGA Congratulations, Crissa! :Clap:
Sheryl, as for your question on whether you NEED an agent, I posted this little quiz on another thread, but it bears repeating here:

**********
Here's a little quiz for you to see if you feel confident to deal with the publisher alone:


1. Do you know what "Delivery and acceptance" of the manuscript means and what time period is best for your book?

2. Do you know which subsidiary rights are most advantageous to keep and which to leave with the publisher?

3. Do you think mandated publication is a good idea?

4. Do you know the length of time that is common for the publisher you're querying to hold "reserves on returns?" Do you know how to change it?

5. Can you negotiate your own option clause so it benefits you more than the publisher?

If you aren't comfortable with all of these aspects of a publishing contract (or don't know what the heck I'm talking about!) then you need an agent. ;)

Good luck with your book! :D

[stormie]

Congratulations! By the way, I like Cathy's quiz.

[azbikergirl]

Hey! Congrats!! Way to go!

I'm glad you asked that, 'cause I'm in a similar boat. Got a contract, now I'm looking for an agent. Until now, I was wondering if I really need one, or if I could try negotiating on my own. But now I'm convinced. (I'll keep looking.) Thanks all, for the responses.

[Sheryl Nantus]

thankee for all the advice to this point - but here's a quickie question:

what if the publisher yanks the offer because you want to get an agent?

or...

what if you still can't find an agent? Some of the smaller pub houses may not warrant an agent's attention, especially if it's a smaller distribution and little if any advance...

(hope I'm not hijacking your thread, CC... apologies in advance if it seems that way...)

[SJB]

According to Crissa's Web log, she already has an agent.

The naked dancing really would seem to be in order, then.

Well done, dude!

[scarletpeaches]

I was wondering about that because I know HC specify in the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook that they don't accept unagented submissions..!

But bloody well done you! :D:D:D

[James D. Macdonald]

what if the publisher yanks the offer because you want to get an agent?


Then you can thank your lucky stars you got away, because anyone who doesn't want to deal with an agent is someone you don't want to deal with.

(Not all HC imprints require an agent, and via an agent isn't the only way to a contract even with publishers who say they require agents ... this really is a wacky business and you can't assume anything.)

[victoriastrauss]

If for whatever reason you don't want to get an agent, have a literary lawyer look it over. Make sure this is an intellectual property lawyer with specific knowledge of publishing.

Whatever you decide, don't sign without getting competent advice.

- Victoria

[aruna]

:Cheer: Congratulations! We are sisters-in-publishing! Do what Uncle Jim says! (and everyone else!)

[Lady of Prose]

I'm envious in a happy nice way! Congratulations!

[Garpy]

Crissa, can you let us know a bit about your book so we can look out for it? ie: title, genre....a little blurb?