So once you get all the information presented in an offer, what do you do with it?
If you’ve already done a lot of research, the editor is someone you’ve always wanted to work with, the house was specifically targeted and you like everything you’re hearing and you’re comfortable with understanding the terms, you can certainly accept then and there. It’s rare, but it happens. And it underscores the importance of really doing your research.
More likely, you’ll want a little time to process and think it over and as much as we’d like you to jump up and down shouting “Yes! Yes!”, we completely understand. The editor will probably want an answer within a day or two or at most a week. It’s not good form to leave an offer hanging for any extended period of time.
So the first thing you’ll want to do is contact every agent and publishing house that’s also currently considering the work and let them know you have an offer on the table. Once folks hear that, you should get a response pretty quickly. You don’t have to give any specifics on where the offer is from or how much it’s for. You want them to fall in love with your work, not the dollar signs.
If you and an agent agree on representation, any negotiation henceforth is handled by that agent. Contact the editor and let her know who will be representing you, and they’ll take care of it from there.
If it’s been about a week (or whatever the agreed on time frame is) and you’re still not hearing back, it’s time to make a decision. And here’s where I don’t have any bullet points to help you out.
But I can emphasize that you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to the editor. Ask as many questions as you can think of. We’re all straight, honest, up-front kind of people–and very used to dealing with new authors; there probably aren’t too many questions we haven’t heard before, no matter how “newbie” you think they might be. We want to build a lasting relationship and obviously trust is a big part of that. So we’re definitely going to do what we can to help you along the way.
June 15, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Have you ever had someone immediately say “Yes!”? If you did, did you just proceed or did you ask her if she wanted to ask any questions first?
June 24, 2009 at 9:16 am
I have had authors who have agreed to the deal in the same phone conversation where I’ve made the offer, but only after I’ve presented all the information.
June 24, 2009 at 9:53 am
It’s reassuring to know that they took the time to hear all the details. I’m always afraid that despite all the knowledge I have gathered about this industry, when the call comes in, all of it will go right out the window! Just another reason for me to get a calm, level headed agent. Thanks, Leah
June 16, 2009 at 10:09 am
It’s nice to know you guys are not too lovely and refined to get excited over a new author. I feel like I’ve just had a peak at the care tag on your superhero cape–and it reads, “100% Cotton.”
June 16, 2009 at 10:29 am
Peek, for bleep sakes, Peek!
June 17, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Editors is nice. I like.
May 27, 2010 at 10:32 am
Great, a new agency is out there. However, Leah, you state you are looking for new approaches to romances, new twists, which I have, on romances, and on parenting non-fiction topics as well. Does it fit an agent? How does one know if an agent would dare take on a topic such as proactive parenting to optimize children’s IQ? You mention in an interview to ask you via blog, so I am. I am truly passionate about this topic, but, as with all “new” approaches, I feel I may do better as a comic than a writer! Please share your thoughts.