Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I got an offer on my second book, and I can't make up my mind whether to accept. It's a verse novel with an outlandish premise, but I think good enough that it'll get more than one offer, but only from small presses that may have similar deals. The royalty is 50% of net profits, which is fine, but I expect to do most of the selling through readings, and the 21% author discount seems pretty stingy. Books are non-returnable--one reason I'm looking outside my first publisher. The offer on my second book doesn't provide any free copies to the author or reviewers. They provide editing, design and a press release and, as far as I can tell from the contract, that's it--though I don't think most small presses provide much more. My first publisher offers a better deal (40% discount and free author and review copies), but I don't know what's typical for small presses. Should I take the offer in hand or hold out for something better?

Id say take whatever the best offer youve been given is especially since its poetry. Alot of companies make look the other way on it since it is. so yeah take the best offer

Hi,

Please email me regarding your book.

Adam

Acquisitions and Author Relations for Smithcraft Press.

[email protected]

Sari wrote: "I got an offer on my second book, and I can't make up my mind whether to accept. It's a verse novel with an outlandish premise, but I think good enough that it'll get more than one offer, but only ..."

Be careful. I see the contract you are considerring is based on net sales. That is a strong sign to be careful. it makes it look as though you are going to make more than you are. This is ok only if the publisher is willing to show you all of the costs involved. Often, you are much better with the standard 10% of sales (for physical books) than 50% of the net.

Writers Beware states:

Whether because of ignorance, greed, or a combination, terrible contracts are common among small presses. Problems include life-of-copyright grants without an adequate reversion clause, demanding a transfer of copyright, claiming subsidiary rights the publisher isn’t capable of marketing, basing royalties on net profit, retaining a financial interest in the author’s work even after the contract has terminated, claiming the right to edit at will without seeking the author’s permission, tying next-book option clauses to current contract terms, imposing kill fees for early termination, tying rights reversion to purchase of overstock, and offering a contract that’s not negotiable.

Contracts are a minefield for authors, who may not have the knowledge or experience to recognize bad contract terms, or to grasp their implications.

Sari wrote: "I got an offer on my second book, and I can't make up my mind whether to accept. It's a verse novel with an outlandish premise, but I think good enough that it'll get more than one offer, but only ..."