First Refusal

Shady Lane · Apr 30, 2009

I don't have my contract with me and I'm pretty sure this is standard among major publishers. When my agent and I started subbing my second novel, we sent it to my editor of my first book because of first refusal. She said no, so we submitted elsewhere. When I'm ready to put my 3rd or 4th book on submission, do I have to show it to this editor first, or is first refusal only relevant for this first book after the one she accepted? Hope this makes sense. Thanks!

Stijn Hommes · May 1, 2009

I think it only applies to whatever you write next, but your mileage may vary. The only way to be absolutely sure is to check the contract.

eqb · May 1, 2009

Stijn Hommes said:
I think it only applies to whatever you write next, but your mileage may vary. The only way to be absolutely sure is to check the contract.

What he said. Standard contracts specify only the next book you write (with some qualifiers inserted here), not all subsequent books. Frex, mine specifies the next book in "the same series as the Work" for the option clause.

But check your contract for the exact wording.

Shady Lane · May 1, 2009

Great, thank you.

thethinker42 · May 1, 2009

eqb said:
What he said. Standard contracts specify only the next book you write (with some qualifiers inserted here), not all subsequent books. Frex, mine specifies the next book in "the same series as the Work" for the option clause.

But check your contract for the exact wording.

Mine has that same clause - if it's the same series, same characters, etc.

Danthia · May 1, 2009

Sometimes you'll also see "same genre or market"

linton · May 1, 2009

Check the Contract. If you have an agent he or she should know. I've heard of some asking for three books.

linton

First Refusal

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

eqb

I write novels

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

Danthia

linton