Haven’t done one of these in a while, so I thought I would open things up so everyone can talk about what they want to talk about. I’ll try my best to stop by to answer all questions.
I don’t think it’s an advantage to give an agent an exclusive. Just query widely, and the most enthusiastic agent is usually the “dream” agent anyway. It’s impossible to determine that before querying.
Hi Nathan. I know you’ve spoken before about how it is generally assumed that most agent queries will be simultaneous. However, at what point should one become ‘exclusive’: at the ‘partial’ stage, the ‘full’ stage, or not until one actually accepts an offer of representation? Thanks so much, I’ve been puzzling over this one for ages!
Hi Nathan, My question pertains to contracts. I have a contact from a publisher, but they want all rights, right of first refusal, and only about 5% royalties (it says 10%, but thats on distributor price, not cover price=5%). They’ve refused to budge on any of these issues. Of course, my biggest problem is with all rights. So, do I sign? Or not sign and risk never getting published? Thanks, Amber
Nathan Bransford says
mo-
I’d use the word processor word counter, particularly since I prefer Times New Roman anyway.
Nathan Bransford says
anon-
I don’t think it’s an advantage to give an agent an exclusive. Just query widely, and the most enthusiastic agent is usually the “dream” agent anyway. It’s impossible to determine that before querying.
Marilyn Peake says
Thank you very much, Nathan, for your advice. It’s really wonderful that you’re so willing to answer questions. It’s greatly appreciated!
Becca says
Hi Nathan. I know you’ve spoken before about how it is generally assumed that most agent queries will be simultaneous. However, at what point should one become ‘exclusive’: at the ‘partial’ stage, the ‘full’ stage, or not until one actually accepts an offer of representation? Thanks so much, I’ve been puzzling over this one for ages!
Amber Lynn Smith says
Hi Nathan,
My question pertains to contracts. I have a contact from a publisher, but they want all rights, right of first refusal, and only about 5% royalties (it says 10%, but thats on distributor price, not cover price=5%).
They’ve refused to budge on any of these issues. Of course, my biggest problem is with all rights.
So, do I sign? Or not sign and risk never getting published?
Thanks,
Amber