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bamagirl1984
04-16-2006, 10:42 AM
I'm nearly finished with the first book in a three-part YA series, and I'll be sending off to agents in a few weeks. Does anyone know if publishers would buy the whole series, or just the first book?

Thanks,
BamaGirl
ted_curtis
04-16-2006, 07:55 PM
My understanding is that usually they'll just buy the first book, espcially for a first-time author. If it does well, then they'll buy the rest. There are, of course, exceptions to this.

Hopefully, you have the sort of series where the first book is stand-alone. That will make it much easier to sell than a trilogy where the first book has no real resolution.
Cathy C
04-16-2006, 08:01 PM
An agent will try to sell the whole series. The theory being that if the first book doesn't do well, then the second book may grab readers and cause them to pick up Book #1. But if you sell the first book yourself to the publisher and it tanks, the rest of the series will never see print.

Go the agent route for a series (or trilogy). You'll be MUCH better off in the long run. :)
LightShadow
04-16-2006, 11:54 PM
Book one ought to be a stand-alone, and if they believe that they can make money continuing it on as a series, they will let you know. Of course, once you have them in your pocket, and you are signed and all, at that time you can suggest the series, but I wouldn't while your trying to get noticed.
Zolah
04-17-2006, 01:23 AM
I'm nearly finished with the first book in a three-part YA series, and I'll be sending off to agents in a few weeks. Does anyone know if publishers would buy the whole series, or just the first book?

Thanks,
BamaGirl

I would really depend on the publisher, the kind of series it is, and at a basic level, just how good the book is. If it's so gosh-wow-gasp amazing that they can't stand to let the others go, they might offer a three book deal. However that's not always the best option, because with that sort of contract you're tied into a fixed amount of advance and royalties (and your advance might easily be chopped up into many small chunks instead of two or three nice fat ones). This means that even if your very first book does a Harry Potter and makes the publisher a million, you still have to make do with your £4000 advance and six percent royalties with no room for negotiation. My advice - try to get an agent first. Then all this is their problem, not yours.